Pokémon Snap was unlike any Pokémon game before it. Instead of catching and battling, you played as a young photographer named Todd, riding a vehicle through island courses and taking pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. For many 90s kids, it was the first time they saw their favorite Pokémon move in 3D.
Quick answer
Pokémon Snap (N64, North America June 1999) is a photography game where you ride through courses snapping pictures of 63 Pokémon. Professor Oak scores your photos on size, pose and technique. Items like apples, pester balls and the Poké Flute help you get better shots.
Key takeaways
- A rail-based photo safari across island courses.
- Professor Oak rates each photo for points.
- Items unlock as you progress and reveal secrets.
- Hidden Pokémon and special poses reward replaying courses.
How Pokémon Snap works
Each course is a short on-rails ride. You can look around, zoom in and take a limited number of photos. At the end of each run, you choose your best photo of each Pokémon to show Professor Oak, who scores it. Scores improve with a larger, centered Pokémon in a good pose, extra points for special poses and more Pokémon of the same species in the shot.
Scoring factors
| Factor | How to improve it |
|---|---|
| Size | Zoom in and fill the frame |
| Pose | Wait for an action, like dancing or attacking |
| Technique | Center the Pokémon and face it toward the camera |
| Same Pokémon bonus | Capture several of the same species together |
| Special photos | Trigger rare behaviors or hidden events |
Items and how to use them
Apples
Throw to lure Pokémon closer or distract them.
Pester balls
Provoke a reaction, like waking or startling a Pokémon.
Poké Flute
Play music to wake Pokémon or make some dance.
Dash engine
Speed through sections to reach hidden spots.
Tips for high scores
Replay courses
New items reveal new Pokémon and behaviors.
Experiment
Throw items at everything; many secrets are hidden.
Focus on poses
Action shots earn big points.
Frame well
Center the Pokémon and get close.
Find the signs
Photograph Pokémon-shaped rock formations and other secrets for Professor Oak.
Fun fact: In 1999, some US stores had special kiosks where players could insert their N64 cartridge and print their Pokémon Snap photos as stickers.
Pokémon on the N64
Pokémon Snap was one of several Pokémon games on the Nintendo 64, alongside Pokémon Stadium (North America, 2000). See more N64 favorites in best N64 games and the full Pokémon US timeline.
Then (90s)
A rental-store favorite with sticker kiosks at the mall.
Now (2027)
A cult classic that inspired a modern sequel.
Conclusion
Pokémon Snap turned Pokémon into a relaxing photo safari and gave 90s kids a new way to experience their favorites. Replay the courses, experiment with items and chase the perfect shot. Then browse the original 151 Pokémon.
Frequently asked questions
When did Pokémon Snap come out?
Pokémon Snap launched on the Nintendo 64 in North America in June 1999.
How do you play Pokémon Snap?
You ride a rail vehicle through courses and photograph wild Pokémon. Professor Oak scores your best photos based on size, pose, technique and how many Pokémon appear.
How many Pokémon are in Pokémon Snap?
The original Pokémon Snap features 63 photographable Pokémon from the original 151.
What items are in Pokémon Snap?
You unlock apples to lure Pokémon, pester balls to provoke reactions and a Poké Flute to wake or make Pokémon dance.
Could you print Pokémon Snap photos?
Yes. In 1999, some stores in the US had kiosks where players could print their Pokémon Snap photos as stickers.
How can I play Pokémon Snap today?
On original N64 hardware, or through Nintendo's classic game library on newer systems where available.
Sources and further reading
Dates and facts were checked against these references. Release dates can vary by region; we use North American dates unless noted. Spotted an error? Tell us.