The upcoming spin-off game New Pokemon Snap will have online features to some degree. Nintendo has revealed that the photo-snapping game, New Pokemon Snap, will have online functionality via the official store page.

With the original release having come out 22 years ago, the New Pokemon Snap for Nintendo Switch is highly anticipated. The main gameplay sees players travel through natural environments and take pictures of various roaming Pokemon. While the original game was of a small scope, the Switch entry promises multiple islands to explore along with gorgeous graphics.

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Details about New Pokemon Snap on Switch are extensive when checking out the store page. Even though it is noted as being for "1 player," the bottom of the page has the Nintendo Switch Online label. It states that the game supports both "Online Play" and the "Save Data Cloud." While the cloud is clearly referring to backing up save data, it is unclear what online capabilities will be in the game. The size of the game, 6.8GB, is substantially less than Pokemon Sword and Shield, even though it has a lot more Pokemon than the original Nintendo 64 game.

It is known that throughout story, players will take pictures and upload the images to their personal Pokemon Photodex. In addition, there is no mention of multiplayer, so fans can likely rule out being able to join each other in an open world. This is a game focusing on taking photos, so online play could be referring to some sort of sharing feature. Being able to upload photographs online to compare to other players could add a slightly competitive element to an otherwise single player game.

Having gameplay elements that connect to playing online could boost interest in New Pokemon Snap for Nintendo Switch. As a single player game, it will likely attract fans looking for something outside of the main Pokemon series. But with some sort of online or multiplayer aspect, those on the fence may decide to join in. If a leaderboard or sharing mechanic exists for players paying for online, those wanting to show off their photography skills could see some value. Even Animal Crossing: New Horizons has seen massive popularity in part due to gamers showing off pictures of their towns.

At this time, any ideas about how New Pokemon Snap will incorporate online is merely speculation. While one would hope that the feature justifies paying for online, like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this implementation could be minor. Nintendo has not shown anything about the online features either, despite the game releasing in a few months. This likely quells any hopes that the online will be extensive. Either way, fans of the New Pokemon Snap should see online as icing on the cake for the overall experience.

New Pokemon Snap will be available for the Nintendo Switch on April 30th, 2021.

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Source: Nintendo.com