The Internet Has A New Favorite Pokemon
The latest generation of "Pokemon" games, "Pokemon Scarlet" and "Violet," were first announced back in February. And although gamers were immediately smitten with the new round of Starter Pokemon — Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly — everyone has been waiting to learn more about the next wave of monsters that can be captured in the series' newest region. On the morning of June 1, Nintendo revealed a new trailer for "Pokemon Scarlet" and "Pokemon Violet," which showed off some interesting stealth mechanics, new Professors, and (of course) plenty of Pokemon. Among these were returning favorites like Pikachu, awesome-looking legendaries named Koraidon and Miraidon, and the internet's newest hero: Lechonk.
Lechonk, a Pokemon resembling a cute little pig, can be seen multiple times in the new trailer. According to The Pokemon Company (via Polygon), Lechonk is a Normal-type Pokemon who "uses its sense of smell to find and eat only the most fragrant wild grasses and the richest Berries." In turn, this has made the adorable fella smell like herbs. For this reason and many others, fans online are going completely wild over Lechonk.
Pokemon fans are in love with Lechonk
After viewing the new "Scarlet/Violet" trailer, some excited fans immediately took to creating edits and tributes to Lechonk. The love for this Pokemon is already reaching a fever pitch, with some people drawing and posting fan art within the hour following the trailer's release. Others are already naming Lechonk as their new favorite Pokemon in the series' history.
Many fans simply can't believe the developers went through with naming the creature Lechonk, but are nonetheless delighted by it. As pointed out by multiple fans online, "lechon" is a Spanish word for a small pig, as well as the name of a pork dish in the Philippines. Add that to the obvious pun relating to the creature's "chonkiness," and you have a recipe for a beloved Pokemon, months before the game has even released.
Only time will tell if Lechonk's popularity will fade before the new games' November release date, but things are looking pretty good for this adorable little ham.