New Pokémon Snap review roundup — Here's what others are saying about the game

Two Nintendo Switch Consoles New Pokemon Snap
Two Nintendo Switch Consoles New Pokemon Snap (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

We are mere days away from New Pokémon Snap's release on April 30, and after 22 years, I can't contain my excitement. It might end up being one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch! The original Pokémon Snap debuted on the Nintendo 64, and the Switch is about to carry the series into this generation. If you are a fan of relaxing games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Pokémon, this low-key photography sim should be right up your alley!

Of course, it's been quite a stretch since the original game was released, so there are high expectations, and we'll be reviewing this game within the week as well. As several reviews have popped up already, and we are frothing at the mouth for some info, here are what reviewers are saying about New Pokémon Snap.

Telegraph

The game plays at just the right speed so that you're desperate to try again to get the perfect snap, but without it feeling overwhelming and absurdly complex. I will admit that for those who aren't so big on replaying levels, it may get tiring. Still, it helps that the personalities of the Pokémon really shine through, the cheeky Scorbunny, the cheerful Grookey, the bouncy Pichu; why wouldn't you want to go and spend more time with them?

A perfect score from Telegraph has given us something to hope for. Check out the review.

Comicbook.com

New Pokemon Snap could very well be the next "chill" hit for Nintendo in the vein of last year's Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game itself has very low stakes, but there's still lots to explore and find, and it should be a great distraction for players over the rest of the spring and summer. New Pokemon Snap is an impressive re-debut for the Pokemon Snap franchise and should hopefully give Nintendo and The Pokemon Company motivation to make additional Pokemon Snap games. Less than a quarter of all Pokemon species is represented in New Pokemon Snap, so there is certainly room for more exploration, more discovery, and more photos in the future.

A near-perfect score, so expectations are high. Here's the full review.

Game Informer

New Pokémon Snap delivers an experience similar to that of the original while expanding on the formula in ways that prolong the appeal of the expedition. In the two decades since the first game's release, the Pokémon world has changed in innumerable ways, but the simple appeal of immersing yourself in this universe and taking pictures has remained unchanged.

More positive thoughts and we're here for it. Here's the full review.

NintendoWorldReport

New Pokemon Snap is exactly what the name implies. It is a new Pokemon Snap, and that's it. It doesn't reinvent the gameplay, nor does it add to it or even clean it up. Quality of life issues that were present in 1999 stand proudly untouched in 2021. That being said, if you just wanted another Pokemon Snap, this is exactly that. It is significantly bigger than the original, and photo editing options in combination with Twitter and Facebook integration make it a somewhat more social experience. While it is easy to say this is the definitive Pokemon Snap experience, I can't help but find myself wanting something that truly feels new rather than simply more. New Pokemon Snap is a loyal-to-a-fault sequel, that hopefully harkens to something a bit more adventurous down the line.

A middle of the row look at New Pokémon Snap. Check out the full review.

Guardian

It is still enjoyable, because the Pokémon themselves are so interesting to look at; it's just not wildly exciting. It's a laid-back game and one that offers many hours of gentle photographic research to anyone drawn to Pokémon's weird world – whether you're a veteran of 90s Pokémania, or a nine-year-old.

Not everyone completely loves it, though. Check out the review here.

GameSpot

Here's the full review on New Pokémon Snap.

IGN

Check out the full review here.

NintendoLife

Check out what they had to say in their full review.

Get ready for your Lental region adventure

Overall, the buzz is incredibly positive for this new photographic adventure. We can't wait to see what photo opportunities are on the horizon in New Pokémon Snap. After hearing what everyone is saying, it looks like fans will be happy after the long wait. Are you grabbing New Pokémon Snap? Let us know, and get ready to snap some Pokémon!

Sara Gitkos

Sara is the Freelance Coordinator, writer, and editor at iMore. When not editing or writing away, she's glued to her Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or PS5, though she's a retro gamer at heart.