He's a bit scary. Catching him mid-dance should get big points though

The Japanese really know how to create a fad. Remember Tamagotchi - the pointless product that no kid could be without? Pokemon continues the tradition of well-marketed crap... and it's great!
Andy Ashwin

What in God's name is a Pokemon?
Pokemon, pronounced Poh-Kay-Mon, is an abbreviation of Pocket Monster. The Japanese are Pokemon crazy - you'll find them on trading cards, audio CDs, Game Boys and even plastered all over lunch boxes. They have also invaded the telly with their own cartoon series.

But what are they?
They are actually bizarre little mutant creatures; some based loosely on real animals, others completely hat-stand. There are around 150 of the little blighters and the makers encourage you to collect them all.

And then break them in half?
Heaven forbid! No, the 'snap' in Pokemon Snap refers to the act of capturing them on film, via a novel little device called a camera (kah-mer-uh).

I see. Not much of a game though, is it?
It looks like it might be quite a good laugh actually. The basic premise is that Professor Oak, the celebrated Pokemon expert, is conducting research on Pokemon Island. As the intrepid Ash, your task is to explore the island and take photos of the various Pokemon in their natural habitat.

What for?
So that the professor can use them in his definitive Pokemon research paper. Before venturing forth in Zero One (your strange three-wheeled form of transport), you'll be given a camera and a roll of film with 60 exposures.