Twenty years ago,Pokemon Snap, aPokemonspin-off that tasks players with taking pictures of their favorite Pocket Monsters, released on N64. At the time of its release, critical response toPokemon Snapwas generally positive, and it stood, and still stands, as a unique offering within the franchise. As such, some fans have been hoping that aPokemon Snapsequel might eventually materialize, and thePokemon SwordandShieldproducerhas now offered some words on the matter.
In a recent interview with the UK publicationMetro, Junichi Masuda, the aforementionedPokemonproducer, was probed on why there has never been aPokemon Snap 2. While Masuda did not answer this line of questioning directly, he did indicate that there would need to be a “very unique twist” on thePokemon Snapconcept in order for a sequel to be a possibility. “I don’t think we can just make the same thing again,” Masuda stated.
Prior to this statement, the interviewer fromMetrodid make direct reference to the Wii U GamePad andNintendo Labo VR, two pieces of technology that could seemingly facilitate a new spin onPokemon Snap. However, Masuda’s words seem to suggest that more than just improved technology is needed to justify a sequel toPokemon Snap, and that might mean that a fundamental change to the core gameplay would be required.
This suggestion may create mixed feelings for those that have been holding out hope forPokemon Snap 2. On one hand, the idea of a “unique twist” may be an exciting prospect to those that would welcome an innovative approach in a potential sequel. On the other hand, Masuda’s words seem to indicate that there are currently no plans to revivePokemon Snap.
At the beginning of 2017,Pokemon Snapwas released on Wii U Virtual Console, giving fans a chance to experience the game on updated hardware. While this may not have been as exciting as a full onPokemon Snapsequel, it was, at least, something, and Masuda’s statements do not seem to suggest that hopeful fans will be getting much more than that in the foreseeable future.
