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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Pokémon Snap

Pokémon Snap is a 1999 photography video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pokémon Snap is a 1999 photography video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It is a spin-off in the Pokémon series and is known for its on-rails photo-taking gameplay, in which players photograph Pokémon in set environments to earn scores.

Gameplay

Players control a photographer character who travels through predetermined courses and takes pictures of wild Pokémon. The game rewards framing, timing, and subject behaviour, combining photography with rail-shooter-style movement.

Release and platforms

Pokémon Snap was developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It released first in Japan in March 1999, then in North America in July 1999 and in PAL regions in September 2000.

Reception and legacy

The game became notable for its unusual premise and its early use of real-time 3D Pokémon on a home console. It later gained a sequel, New Pokémon Snap, which revived the concept on Nintendo Switch.

The original game was later made available on Nintendo’s Virtual Console services, and the series concept was expanded with New Pokémon Snap in 2021. The franchise’s photography focus helped distinguish it from mainline Pokémon games.

Key facts

  • Pokémon Snap is a spin-off title in the Pokémon franchise.
  • The game was first released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999.
  • Gameplay centres on photographing Pokémon from a moving vehicle on fixed routes.
  • The game features 63 Pokémon, according to multiple game summaries.
  • It was followed by the sequel New Pokémon Snap, released for Nintendo Switch in 2021.
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Canadian context

Pokémon Snap was released in North America in July 1999, making it part of the Pokémon franchise’s early console-era presence for Canadian players as well as U.S. players.[1][9]

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Pokémon Snap?
It is a photography video game with rail shooter elements, where players take pictures of Pokémon along fixed routes.
Who developed Pokémon Snap?
It was developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo.
When was Pokémon Snap released?
It first released in Japan in March 1999, then in North America in July 1999 and in PAL regions in September 2000.
How many Pokémon are in Pokémon Snap?
Sources in the search results state that the game features 63 Pokémon.
Did Pokémon Snap get a sequel?
Yes. New Pokémon Snap was released for Nintendo Switch in 2021.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Snap
    Supports: Developer, publisher, platform, genre, series status, release dates, and sequel.
  2. Bulbapedia — https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Snap
    Supports: Release dates, platform, spin-off status, and Virtual Console availability.
  3. IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/28/pokemon-snap
    Supports: On-rails photography gameplay and general premise.
  4. MobyGames — https://www.mobygames.com/game/4681/pokemon-snap/
    Supports: Gameplay premise, 63 Pokémon count, and rail-shooter-style movement.
  5. The Pokémon Company — https://newpokemonsnap.pokemon.com/
    Supports: New Pokémon Snap as an all-new game inspired by the 1999 original.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Pok%C3%A9mon_Snap
    Supports: Sequel release year and genre description.