This morning, The Pokémon Company surprised us with an exciting trailer for New Pokémon Snap. The upcoming Nintendo Switch game will certainly feel familiar, but it has plenty of new things to offer as well. After the trailer dropped, the official Pokémon Twitter account unleashed a flurry of additional details. There were a handful of new characters and features revealed, but none quite as interesting as “the Illumina phenomenon.”
Introducing the Illumina phenomenon
Near the end of the New Pokémon Snap trailer, we catch a glimpse at a massive, glowing Meganium, surrounded by sparkles of light. This creature is an example of the Illumina phenomenon, which is unique to the archipelago Lental Region. The increase in size reminds me of Mega Evolution and Dynamaxing, but the heavenly glow is something new. What secrets do these Pokémon hold?
To find out, you’ll need some help from the local brainiacs. This region’s top researcher is Professor Mirror, and he’ll be sending you out to venture from island to island on an ecological survey, photographing Pokémon in their natural habitats. Professor Mirror is assisted by the ever-eager Rita who has plenty to teach you. With their help, you’ll survey Lental and learn more about the Pokémon that inhabit it. New Pokémon Snap launches on Nintendo Switch on April 30.
