New Pokémon Snap launches in April, pre-orders available today

Pokémon fans have received the first new information about the upcoming New Pokémon Snap since its announcement on June 17. The anticipated sequel to the Nintendo 64 classic will launch on Nintendo Switch on April 30. In addition, players can pre-order the game beginning today.

The Pokémon Company shared a trailer for New Pokémon Snap on January 14. This trailer shows off some gameplay, while prominently featuring the game’s many environments. Players will take pictures of Pokémon in forests, seas, jungles, deserts, and more vibrant locations.

Additionally, The Pokémon Company made a Twitter thread to highlight more details about the upcoming game. The player’s character will traverse the Lental region as they try to help Professor Mirror study Pokémon in their natural habitats. Players will also work alongside Professor Mirror’s research assistant, Rita.

More about New Pokémon Snap

Just as Professor Oak did in the original, Professor Mirror will evaluate the player’s photographs in New Pokémon Snap. He will judge photos based on criteria like what the Pokémon in the image is doing and where they are in the frame. To assist in the picture-taking process, players will be able to toss a kind of fruit known as fluffruit. Fluffruits will attract Pokémon’s attention, allowing the player to get a perfect snapshot.

Notably, the Lental region features a unique phenomenon never seen in a previous Pokémon game. Known as Illumina, the phenomenon causes Pokémon and even vegetation to glow. The trailer showcases a shining Illumina Meganium, which also appears to be larger than normal.

New Pokémon Snap is one of multiple releases fans can look forward to as Pokémon celebrates its 25th anniversary. Pokémon Sleep and Pokémon Unite are also expected to release sometime this year. There is even a musical collaboration with Katy Perry on the horizon. And maybe if we’re lucky, Pokémon will announce the long-awaited Generation 4 remakes before the year is over.