Bluey Game vs Pokemon Snap for Young Kids
For young kids, the new Bluey: The Videogame is the better family choice because it is designed for preschoolers and early elementary children, while New Pokemon Snap requires reading, patience, and photo-scoring skills that frustrate most kids under 7. That said, the “better” game depends on your child’s age and attention span: Bluey is a gentle co-op adventure for ages 3-6, while Pokemon Snap is a slower, solo observation game better suited for ages 7 and up.
Background: What Each Game Actually Is
Bluey: The Videogame (released November 2023) is a 3D platformer based on the Australian animated TV show. It lets up to four players control Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli through short episodes that involve simple puzzles, collectibles, and mini-games. The entire campaign takes about 3-4 hours to finish, and there is no fail state—characters can’t die, and the game gently guides players to the next objective. It supports local co-op, so a parent or older sibling can play alongside a toddler.
New Pokemon Snap (April 2021) is an on-rails photography game set in the Pokemon universe. You ride a course through different environments, take photos of Pokemon in their natural habitats, and earn points based on the quality of your shots. It is a single-player experience with no time limit per course, but it requires reading text prompts, understanding the scoring system, and waiting patiently for rare Pokemon to appear. The game has a research level system that unlocks new Pokemon and behaviors as you improve.
How Each Game Works for Little Hands
Bluey is built for kids who may have never held a controller. The camera follows the character automatically, and the controls are limited to moving, jumping, and interacting. In co-op mode, a child can wander around while a parent solves the harder puzzles. The game also has a “free play” mode where kids can just run around the Heeler house and backyard without any objectives.
New Pokemon Snap uses two main controls: moving the camera and pressing the shutter button. That sounds simple, but the game also requires you to aim at moving targets, zoom in, and sometimes throw fruit or play music to trigger reactions. The scoring system (which judges composition, pose, and size of the Pokemon in frame) is opaque even to adults. A 5-year-old can enjoy snapping random photos, but they won’t understand why some photos get one star and others get four.
Comparing Difficulty and Frustration Levels
- Bluey: No game over screens, no timers, no reading required (all instructions are spoken). The hardest challenge is a simple memory match mini-game.
- New Pokemon Snap: Reading is required for prompts and the photo album interface. Some Pokemon are very small or move quickly, making them hard to photograph. The scoring system can feel arbitrary, leading to frustration when a “great” shot gets a low score.
For a 4-year-old, Bluey is almost frustration-free. For a 7-year-old, Pokemon Snap’s challenge is part of the fun—they can improve their photos and fill the Pokedex-style album. The age of the child is the single biggest factor in which game is better.
Cost and Platform Considerations
Both games are priced at $39.99 USD at launch, though they often go on sale. Bluey is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and PC. New Pokemon Snap is exclusively on Nintendo Switch (including the Switch Lite, since it can be played handheld). If you only have a Switch, both are options; if you have other consoles, Bluey is more accessible. Neither game has microtransactions or online multiplayer, so there are no hidden costs.
Common Problems Parents Report
For Bluey, the most common complaint is that the game is too short—many families finish it in one or two sittings. There is no post-game content beyond free play, so the replay value is low. Some parents also note that the camera can get stuck in tight spaces during co-op, though this is rare.
For New Pokemon Snap, the biggest issue is that young kids lose interest because the game is slow. Courses take 10-15 minutes each, and you have to replay them multiple times to see new Pokemon. The lack of a “free camera” mode also means kids can’t explore—they are locked to the track. Additionally, the game does not have a picture-in-picture co-op mode, so siblings have to take turns.
Alternatives to Consider
If you want a middle ground, consider Kirby and the Forgotten Land (ages 6+) or Paw Patrol: Grand Prix (ages 3+). For a photo-themed game that is more kid-friendly, Pokemon Snap on the Nintendo 64 (via Nintendo Switch Online) is simpler but dated. If you want a creative sandbox, Minecraft in Creative Mode works for ages 6+ with parental help. For families that prefer physical activity, the Bluey board game or Pokemon trading cards are screen-free alternatives.
Safety and Screen Time Notes
Both games are rated E for Everyone and have no inappropriate content. Bluey is specifically designed for preschoolers and has no combat or scary elements. New Pokemon Snap is also peaceful, but it does feature some Pokemon that might look intimidating (like Gyarados) though they are never aggressive toward the player. For screen time, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting recreational screen time to 1-2 hours per day for children over 5; both games are suitable for short sessions. Bluey’s co-op mode is a good way for parents to engage with the game together, which is encouraged for young children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 4-year-old play Bluey: The Videogame alone?
Yes, but with help. The game’s co-op mode lets a parent control one character while the child controls another, which is ideal. In single-player, a 4-year-old can move around and jump, but may struggle with some puzzle objectives. The game never punishes failure, so they can’t get stuck permanently.
Is New Pokemon Snap appropriate for a 5-year-old?
It is content-appropriate, but the gameplay is not. A 5-year-old can take photos and enjoy seeing Pokemon, but they will not understand the scoring or progression system. They may lose interest after a few courses. It is better suited for ages 7 and up.
Which game has better replay value?
New Pokemon Snap has more replay value because you can replay courses to find new Pokemon and get higher scores. Bluey has almost no replay value after you complete the story, unless your child enjoys the free play mode.
Do you need a Nintendo Switch to play either game?
Bluey is available on multiple platforms (Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC), but New Pokemon Snap is a Switch exclusive. If you don’t have a Switch, Bluey is the only option of the two.
Can two kids play together on the same console?
Bluey supports up to four players in local co-op, so yes. New Pokemon Snap is single-player only, so siblings would need to take turns. There is no online multiplayer in either game.
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