Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Best New Pokemon is “Lechonk” the Hog

Earlier today, we got to see the second trailer for Game Freak’s next installation of the Pokemon franchise. In this trailer, we got to see a handful of new Pokemon that many players can’t wait to catch and put into their parties, specifically a particular hog that has captivated the hearts of many. This Hog, named Lechonk, is making the rounds and has people wanting more of it for the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet games.

We previously only knew about the three starter Pokemon, Spirigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. They had cool and fun designs, but Lechonk took the cake with little effort. It has dethroned Tepig, Spoink, and Swinub for the cutest swine Pokemon by design and name.

This hog Pokemon is a Normal-type, meaning it’s only weak to Fighting-type moves. For its height of 1’8”, it’s quite beefy (pun intended). It also can have the Aroma Veil or Gluttony passive abilities. At this point in time, we do not know its evolutions, so that is mostly left to wild speculation.

Of course, with fan speculation, people really want Lechonk to evolve to a Pokemon named Lethick (or thicc, depending on how much you indulge in memes). The name couldn’t be more on the nose when it comes to fan service, puns, and meme culture.

On one hand, its name is derived from the popular suckling pig dish called Lechon. It’s a popular delicacy in areas like Spain and the Philippines. The fact that the name is culturally accurate to a place depicted in a fictional rendition of Spain is quite fitting (although people wouldn’t dare hurt Lechonk).

On the other hand, the fact that this small piglet of a Pokemon has “chonk” in its name has people reeling from how cute and fitting the name is. It’s got the small squiggly tail and waddles around with a body so round and deserving of being called a “chonker” that it’ll actually live up to its name.

In previous mainline Pokemon titles, there has always been that one Pokemon that people on the internet collectively praise for its cuteness. The more recent examples that come to mind are Hisuian Growlithe from Legends Arceus, Grookey from Sword and Shield (remember #GrookeyGang?), and Rowlet from Sun and Moon.

Hopefully, as we get closer to the release date of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, we’ll be able to find out what Lechonk turns into. Expectations are going to be extremely high with this new fan favorite, so hopefully Game Freak can deliver.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to release on November 18, 2022, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.