Mew is widely considered the hardest Pokémon to find and photograph in the original Pokémon Snap for the Nintendo 64.
While Mew itself, once its dedicated stage is unlocked, is unmissable, the true challenge lies in gaining access to its secret course. This process demands players meticulously locate and photograph all six "Pokémon Signs" scattered across various levels throughout the game. These signs are abstract symbols or formations within the environment that represent a specific Pokémon, and capturing them on film is crucial for game progression.
The Elusive Nature of Pokémon Signs
The difficulty in reaching Mew's stage stems from several key factors related to these signs:
- Obscure Placement: Many Pokémon Signs are exceptionally well-hidden, often requiring players to interact with the environment in specific, non-obvious ways or use particular items to reveal them.
- Challenging Prerequisites: Some signs are only accessible after completing certain prerequisite actions or triggering complex sequences of events within a level. A notable example involves a hidden sign linked to the Legendary Pokémon Zapdos, which demands players carefully follow a precise series of actions to make it appear for a photograph.
- Cumulative Effort: Discovering and photographing all six signs is a cumulative endeavor that requires thorough exploration and a deep understanding of each course's secrets. Only once all signs have been successfully documented does the final, secret Rainbow Cloud course, where Mew resides, become available for play.
Therefore, while the encounter with Mew itself is a straightforward photography session once you're on its stage, the intricate and often cryptic process of uncovering these "Pokémon Signs" makes it the most challenging Pokémon to access and ultimately photograph in Pokémon Snap.
