Rather than pitting Pokémon against one another in battle, in New Pokémon Snap, players are encouraged to witness Pokémon in their natural habitats and take and share stunning nature photographs with their research camera. Unlike a regular camera, the research camera in New Pokémon Snap can do more than just take pictures. It can also scan to research mysterious elements in the various courses of the Lental Region, find out a Pokémon name, gender, and type, and even find Pokémon and paths hidden within each biome. The research camera also helps players get a Pokémon's attention and encourage it to engage in special activities. Capturing these activities can help players complete requests and receive higher photo scores.
Players receive the research camera from the very first moments of New Pokémon Snap. It was created by Professor Mirror, who gives it to the player in the L.E.N.S. lab. Players will want to master the research camera's basic functions as quickly as possible to begin taking pictures of Pokémon. As they progress, they will be able to unlock more advanced camera features to take even better photos. Here's how to use the research camera in New Pokémon Snap.
How to Use the Research Camera's Basic Features in New Pokémon Snap
The most basic and important function of the research camera in New Pokémon Snap is, of course, taking photos of Pokémon found in the wild. Players will need to capture images while riding in the Neo-One floating pod. It is important for players to learn the controls used to take pictures, as that is what they will be doing with the camera most often.
To move the camera, players will need to tilt their Nintendo Switch or controller if they have motion controls turned on, or they will need to use the Left or Right Control Stick. The other controls are:
- Take Picture: A button
- Zoom In: ZL or L button
As players progress the main campaign of New Pokémon Snap, they will unlock more of the available features on the research camera.
If players prefer, they can always change the controls for the research camera in the game's settings. They can experiment to find their ideal Camera and Pointer Speeds, Frame Guides, and Zoom Modes, as well as change their Left and Right Stick Controls.
How to Use the Research Camera's Advanced Features in New Pokémon Snap
Over time, players will unlock the Scan feature on the research camera. Scan is a valuable tool that can be used for the following activities:
- Scan Pokémon: Scan a visible Pokémon to learn its name and gender and get the Pokémon to interact in a unique way with the player.
- Inspect Elements: Scan elements throughout the various biomes in the Lental Region for further research.
- Uncover Paths: Scan the environment to find hidden Branching Routes that lead to more Pokémon
Players can also unlock functions on the research camera that will get a Pokémon's attention and cause it to react and interact in unique ways for better and more interesting photos. Often these photos of Pokémon in action tend to result in higher photo scores in the Photodex. These features include:
- Play a Melody: The research camera plays a song that causes Pokémon to come out of hiding and/or dance.
- Throw Fluffruit: The research camera tosses a Fluffruit to lure Pokémon out of hiding and eat for a unique picture.
- Use Illumina Orb: The research camera throws an Illumina Orb, which create Illumina Phenomena, unique moments that vary between different Pokémon.
The controls for each of these advanced New Pokémon Snap research camera functions appear below:
- Scan: X button
- Melody: R button
- Fluffruit: B button
- Illumina Orb: Y button
Each of these functions can cause Pokémon to react in new ways, creating better photo opportunities. However, these moments happen fast, so players will want to make sure they're always ready to snap a quick picture as soon as they happen.
New Pokémon Snap is available for Nintendo Switch.