Heart Container: 22 Years Later, I Am Still Todd Snap
“Since New Pokemon Snap was announced, folks have gushed about the charm of the original game and the catharsis the new one would bring. It’s incredible to think I’ve found that, albeit in such an unexpected way and person.”
*Very light spoilers for the first hour of New Pokemon Snap below*
Back in 1999, I fell asleep on Pokemon sheets, curled up next to Pokemon plushies, surrounded by Pokemon plastered walls. I sang along, poorly, to every Pokemon intro and outro song, and dressed as Ash, then Jesse, then Misty, for three consecutive Halloweens. I poured countless hours into the games, and even have Quite The Story to tell involving me, my mom, my elementary school principal, and Pokemon Yellow that I am far too embarrassed to tell, but swear to you is a testament to my dedication.
However, as soon as I start talking to my kid sister about Pokemon, it takes less than thirty seconds for me to realize her knowledge of the little guys has greatly surpassed my own. It’s humbling, quite staggering, frankly, and fills me with a unique and unparalleled joy. Pokemon has a legacy. I see it in her, and interestingly enough, I see it in New Pokemon Snap.
In addition to my all-consuming “Pokemania” back in 1999, something else quite memorable happened: Pokemon Snap was released. I never was super invested in Snap. I found it charming for sure, but it never compelled me the same way the main series and even Pokemon Stadium did. However, I did love Todd Snap.
In addition to being the protagonist you play as in Pokemon Snap, Todd was also in the animated series, and joined Ash and co. for a few episodes as they traversed the Kanto region. Just like Ash, Todd was fresh to double-digits, wide-eyed, and enamored by the world of Pokemon. However, unlike Ash, Todd was never interested in being the very best like no one ever was–at least not at training. Todd was more interested in capturing Pokemon on film, observing their natural behavior, without the influence of trainers, gym battles, and the rest of Pokemon society, really. There’s also something else about Todd that he and Ash do not have in common: Todd grew up.
In New Pokemon Snap, Todd Snap not only makes a cameo, but returns as a pretty important character and mentor. Turns out, Todd is now a world famous Pokemon photographer, and is here to bestow some of his knowledge on to you and your photographer peers. And for some reason, the sight of him–probably somewhere in his late 20s, early 30s–made me incredibly emotional. After sitting with my feelings for a bit, I realized why. Even now–even as I play the new game as this youthful self-insert–I still see myself through him, because I grew up too.
In New Pokemon Snap, the series is no longer about Todd. Sure, he has a history, further ambitions, and undeniably still holds a place in it. But at the center of the story are the children beginning their journeys–and he finds so much joy in watching them do so. Since New Pokemon Snap was announced, folks have gushed about the charm of the original game and the catharsis the new one would bring. It’s incredible to think I’ve found that, albeit in such an unexpected way and person. However, excited and delighted as I am, this emotion pales to what I feel when I think of my 13 year-old sister inevitably starting her playthrough in the next few days. Like Todd, I am eager to admit New Pokemon Snap isn’t solely about myself, my self-reflection, and my feelings. It’s about kids like her, and the legacy of wonder and joy Pokemon carries.
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