New Pokemon Snap: Do I need Nintendo Switch Online?

Pokémon Snap was first released on the Nintendo 64, and it's been 22 years since there's been a new version of the photography simulator. New Pokémon Snap releases on April 30, adding to the collection of Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch. Better yet, you won't need a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

All you'll need is a Nintendo Switch and a copy of the game to enjoy the story and the vast majority of the features in New Pokémon Snap. You'll be tasked with helping Professor Mirror research the Lendal region by taking pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. Beyond just spotting Pokémon, you'll want to try to catch them exhibiting various behaviors and make sure they're centered in the frame. You can even edit the images and add filters. Your photos will earn one to four stars based on how hard it is to capture a shot.

After putting all that work into taking and editing the perfect shot, you might want to show it off. This is where having a Nintendo Switch Online membership will come in handy. The internet has come a long way since 1999, and New Pokémon Snap players will be able to use the subscription service to create a personal album and share images of their work online for other players to view and rank.

It's unclear if having highly ranked photos will award you with anything besides bragging rights or if a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will provide you access to any other New Pokémon Snap features. Pokémon HOME, Pokémon Sword and Shield, and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! and Pikachu! don't support the service's cloud saves, so it's likely New Pokémon Snap won't either. Check back here for updates when the game releases!