Gaming

Meet Lechonk, The Squishy Hog Pokémon Taking The Internet By Storm

"Lechonk is the only Pokemon you are legally not allowed to nickname.”

by Millie Roberts  2 June 2022
LECHONK

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Everyone has been dazzled by the announcement of a new addition to the Pokémon universe — a wee piggy named Lechonk.

The Pokémon Company International announced the hog Pokémon on Thursday much to the glee of the internet, amid the release date for upcoming Nintendo Switch games Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Lechonk is one of six new Pokémon making a debut including fresh-faced legendaries and starters. They’re joined by a new Pokémon Trainer and two fresh professors who are causing a separate spiral online for being really, really hot. Fans are also excited about the multiplayer element, letting up to four people to team together and roam the map.

But back to the friendly neighbourhood hog, its name is likely based on the Spanish word ‘lechón’, which translates to pig, swine, and suckling pig.

“This is Lechonk’s namesake — this is its destiny,” wrote Kotaku of the Pokémon’s “noble fate” as a delicious, unattainable dinner. “Lechonk wouldn’t know what it is if it wasn’t being slaughtered, deboned, and rotated over fire until its skin turned golden brown.”

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But Pokémon Co. were quick to put gamers in their place, clarifying that Lechonk wasn’t as tender as it looks.

“It may appear fat at first glance, but in reality, the Pokémon’s body is mostly muscle built by constantly walking around in search of food,” they said of the squat king, also known for its Aroma Veil and Gluttony abilities.

Scarlet and Violet will pivot back to the regular timeframe the Pokémon universe is usually set in, after a dabble in a feudal-inspired period during Pokémon Legends: Arceus, released in January.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be out on Switch on November 18. Gotta catch them all? Nah, just Lechonk, thanks.