Snorlax Explained

Snorlax
Based On:Kōji Nishino
Series:Pokémon
Firstgame:Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)
Designer:Ken Sugimori
Species:Pokémon
Lbl21:Type
Data21:Normal

Snorlax, known in Japan as, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Snorlax first appeared in the Game Boy video game Pokémon Red and Blue, and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spin-off titles, and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise, as well as the mascot of mobile game Pokémon Sleep. Snorlax is a large, blueish creature, notable for constantly sleeping. Snorlax is voiced by Michael Haigney and Eric Stuart in English, and Katsuyuki Konishi in Japanese.

Snorlax has received generally positive response since its debut, cited as one of the series' most recognizable characters and a staple of the Pokémon franchise due to its simple design. It's large size and lazy demeanor has led to it being described as "relatable", while others have praised its "cuddly" and merchandisable appearance, comparing it to a teddy bear.

Conception and characteristics

Snorlax is a fictional species of Pokémon created for the Pokémon franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the video games Pokémon Red and Blue for the Game Boy.[1] In these games, the player assumes the role of a Pokémon Trainer whose goal is to capture and train creatures called Pokémon. Players use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon, and some can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution.[2] Designed by Ken Sugimori for the first generation of Pokémon games, the species was inspired in behavior and appearance by veteran Pokémon game designer Kōji Nishino.[3] [4] Nishino was exceptionally pleased by it,[5] and in an interview with Famitsu stated Snorlax "is like my son!"[6] According to Game Freak co-founder Junichi Masuda, Nishino had a habit of eating heavily then going to sleep. This behavior earned Nishino the nickname "Kirby" by Game Freak's staff as a nod to the Nintendo character, which in turn served as the basis for the Pokémon's Japanese name, "Kabigon".[7] An earlier design, nicknamed "Kabiin," resembles an earlier version of Snorlax and bears similarities to Nishino.[8] When translating the Pokémon games for western audiences, Nintendo decided to give the various Pokémon species "clever and descriptive names" related to their appearance or features to make the characters more relatable to American children.[9] Basing the name off of the esquilax, a fictional rabbit creature from the Simpsons episode "Lisa's Wedding", localizer Bill Giese named the species in American releases Snorlax, a portmanteau of the words "snore" and "lax". Localizer Sara Bush, on the other hand, remembered the naming process differently, suggesting it was a combination of "lackadaisical" and "snore".[10]

Snorlax is a highly sleepy Pokémon, known for constantly sleeping.[11] Thanks to its extremely strong digestive juices, Snorlax's stomach can dissolve any kind of poison. As a result, it can eat tainted food without worry.[12] Snorlax evolves from the Pokémon Munchlax, which is obtainable via breeding a Snorlax that is holding Full Incense, an in-game item.[13] Munchlax also sports a voracious appetite, and evolves into a Snorlax when it has a sufficiently high level of friendship with its Trainer. Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced Snorlax's Gigantamax form. When Gigantamaxed, Snorlax grows significantly larger and changes appearance, with various trees and plants appearing on its belly, having grown from seeds that fell from the plants it had eaten.[14] Snorlax was voiced by Michael Haigney and Eric Stuart in English,[15] [16] and by Katsuyuki Konishi in Japanese.[17]

Appearances

In video games

Snorlax's most notable role in the Pokémon games has been that of an inadvertent roadblock. In Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and their remakes, the player must obtain the Poké Flute in order to wake up two Snorlax that block various routes in-game.[18] Snorlax reprises this role in Pokémon Gold, Silver, their "upper version" and remakes. In these games, the player must play the radio's Poké Flute channel in front of Snorlax in order to awaken it.[19] Although there is only one Snorlax available to catch, another is used by Red, the protagonist of Red and Blue who acts as these games' final boss.[20] In , a pre-evolution of Snorlax named Munchlax was introduced; however, Munchlax remained unobtainable until the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.[21] In Pokémon Sun, Moon and their "upper versions", Snorlax is among the handful of Pokemon to possess a unique Z-Move, a powerful one-time use attack. It can use the move "Pulverizing Pancake" when holding a special "Snorlium Z" item. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Snorlax gained a "Gigantamax form," which could be used in battle.

Snorlax appears in several spin-offs, such as ,[22] Pokémon Go,[23] [24] Pokémon UNITE[25] and New Pokémon Snap.[26] In Pokémon Sleep, the player helps Snorlax by feeding it berries and meals throughout the day, and helping it fall asleep, boosting their "drowsy power" in the process.[27] Snorlax also appears in the Super Smash Bros. series.[28]

In other media

A notable Snorlax appears in the Pokémon anime, where series protagonist Ash Ketchum captures one.[29] He uses it sporadically, due to its constant sleeping and eating habits,[30] [31] but it is a particularly strong battler, netting several major wins for Ash throughout the series.[32] In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Red catches a Snorlax, which he nicknames "Snor". Red caught Snor because he was blocking the road during a bicycle race. Snorlax has since played a major role in his team.[33] A Snorlax also appeared in the film Pokémon Detective Pikachu, sleeping on a road in Ryme City.[34]

Promotion and reception

A variety of merchandise depicting Snorlax has been produced such as cushions,[35] beds,[36] bean bag chairs,[37] toys,[38] and lounge chairs.[39] In 2002, a contest was held to design a card for the Pokemon Trading Card Game, with Snorlax as the focus. Twenty entries were selected and posted to the Wizards of the Coast website, where the winner could be decided. Craig Turvey ended up winning the competition.[40] Stickers featuring Snorlax were added to the Line messaging system in 2024.[41] In 2023, "Project Snorlax" was announced, following similar campaigns for the Pokémon Eevee and Piplup, which promoted Snorlax in a variety of ways throughout the year.[42] These included animated shorts, music videos,[43] manga series,[44] and special artwork for the Pokémon.[45] A road in Las Vegas was named after Snorlax.[46] Snorlax was a rare Pokémon in Pokémon Go, with sightings of the Pokémon in-game causing a stampede in Taiwan[47] and New York City.[48] Following earthquakes in Japan, Niantic boosted the spawn rates of Snorlax in Pokémon Go in affected prefectures in order to boost tourism in the area.[49] [50] [51]

Snorlax has received generally positive reception from the media, and has been cited as one of the franchise' most recognizable characters.[52] [53] Nadine Manske of Dot eSports attributed their appeal to being "so relatable. Who doesn’t want to just eat and sleep all day?" She further described it as having a "classic, simple design that makes it a lovable, staple Pokémon in every generation since the beginning."[54] Ryan Woodrow for Sports Illustrated stated that one would be hard pressed to find anyone that hated Snorlax, also calling it a simple design but yet "such a lovable cuddly teddy bear that everyone who lays eyes on it falls in love with it."[55] Alec Bojalad of Den of Geek called Snorlax "just a big cuddly critter" that was "eminently merchandisable", suggesting it would make a viable option as a mascot for the Pokémon franchise.[56] Elijah Watson of Complex stated that while Snorlax was extremely lazy, they were also extremely powerful, despite their slow speed. He further added "We should all strive to be Snorlax: lazy as hell but surprisingly awesome."[57] A video released for Project Snorlax, depicting Cubone and Snorlax—two normally solitary Pokémon—bonding received positive reviews from critics, with many highlighting it as heartwarming.[58] [59]

The book Media and the Make-believe Worlds of Children found that children could relate to Snorlax and interpret aspects of themselves in a positive light, describing it as an icon for a state of regression, but also symbolizing powerful characteristics for children.[60] Scientific papers have also been published analyzing Snorlax as if they were real beasts, both in regards to their eating habits and to calculate the strength of their "Body Slam" attack.[61] [62]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All . . Hilliard . Kyle . December 25, 2016 . January 22, 2024 . October 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx . dead .
  2. Book: Allison, Anne . Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination . May 2006 . University of California Press . 9780520938991 . 192–197.
  3. Web site: ピカチュウは大福？ 初めて明かされる誕生秘話 . May 2, 2018 . . August 20, 2022 . ja . August 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220820175808/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/1/ . live .
  4. Web site: Hood . Vic . 2018-06-04 . Pokémon's Snorlax Is Based on a Real Person . 2024-07-05 . IGN . en.
  5. Web site: . Japanese . Interview Mr. Nishino About...POCKET MONSTERS?! . 1997 . 2023-08-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/19991003085623/http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/POKEMON/INTER/KABIN/INTER_KB.HTM . October 3, 1999 . dead .
  6. Book: Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia . April 1996 . Creatures, Inc. . . 143 . 4893664948.
  7. More Burning Questions For The Pokémon Series . Shea . Brian . October 24, 2019 . . . August 20, 2022 . August 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220820180023/https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2019/10/24/more-burning-questions-for-the-pokemon-series . dead .
  8. Web site: Valente . Adriano . 2020-10-11 . Pokémon: 10 Beta Pokémon Designs That Turned Into Something Else . 2024-05-21 . TheGamer.
  9. PokéMania. Chua-Euan. Howard. November 22, 1999. . September 15, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081217032121/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html. December 17, 2008. dead.
  10. Book: Dockery, Daniel . Monster Kids: How Pokémon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All . 4 October 2022 . . 64 . 978-0762479504.
  11. Web site: Frank . Allegra . 2016-09-01 . It took 20 years, but Snorlax is finally taking a stand in Pokémon Sun and Moon . 2024-05-19 . Polygon.
  12. Web site: Snorlax's exclusive Z-Move: Pulverizing Pancake! - Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180418225514/https://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-ca/pulverizing-snorlax/ . April 18, 2018 . April 18, 2018.
  13. Web site: Smith . Kaleb . 2021-12-15 . Pokémon BDSP: How To Get The Full Incense (& What It Does) . 2024-07-02 . Screen Rant.
  14. Web site: Get yourself a Gigantamax Snorlax in December. Polygon. November 27, 2019. July 21, 2021. July 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210721093623/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2019/11/27/20985374/gigantamax-snorlax-pokemon-sword-shield-dec-january. live.
  15. Web site: Michael Haigney . GalaxyCon . 2024-07-03.
  16. Web site: Voice Actor Eric Stuart come to Anime Yorkshire. Anime Yorkshire . 2024-07-03 .
  17. Web site: Snorlax and Cubone Become Friends in Official Pokémon Digest Video . Chapman . Paul . Crunchyroll . December 29, 2023 . 2024-05-21.
  18. Web site: Billcliffe . James . 2024-05-02 . How to wake Snorlax in Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow . 2024-05-19 . VG247.
  19. Web site: 2003-02-10 . Pokemon of the Day: Snorlax (#143) . 2024-05-19 . IGN.
  20. Web site: Shaddock . Chris . 2020-02-23 . Pokemon: Every Member Of Red's Core Team, Ranked . 2024-05-19 . TheGamer.
  21. Web site: Mullen . Hayley . 2020-03-23 . How To Evolve Munchlax (& 9 Other Facts About The Pokémon) . 2024-05-19 . TheGamer.
  22. Web site: Sahdev . Ishaan . 2010-11-14 . PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure Playtest: A Virtual Playground . 2024-05-19 . Siliconera.
  23. Web site: Budhathoki . Diwas . 2024-04-09 . Pokemon GO: How To Get Shiny Snorlax . 2024-07-05 . Game Rant . en.
  24. News: 2021-01-28 . Pokémon Go Shadow Pokémon counters, how to beat Shadow Snorlax and how Purified Pokémon work . 2024-07-05 . Eurogamer.net . en.
  25. Web site: Hoffer . Christian . Pokemon Unite Shows Off Charizard and Snorlax's Movesets . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183119/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-unite-charizard-snorlax-moveset/ . July 9, 2021 . July 6, 2021 . Comicbook.com.
  26. Web site: June 10, 2021 . 10 Funniest Tweets About New Pokémon Snap . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240128164509/https://screenrant.com/funniest-tweets-new-pokemon-snap/ . January 28, 2024 . July 6, 2021 . Screen Rant.
  27. Web site: Ong . Alexis . 2023-10-20 . Pokémon Sleep helped me catch 'em all — all the z's, that is . 2024-05-19 . The Verge.
  28. Web site: Miller . Cameron . 2022-04-02 . 10 Greatest Pokeball Pokemon In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Ranked . 2024-05-19 . TheGamer.
  29. Snack Attack . . Yukiyoshi Ōhashi (writer) . Various . March 25, 2000 . Adventures on the Orange Islands. 94.
  30. Web site: Kurland . Daniel . 2020-11-16 . 10 Pokémon Ash Caught And Then Immediately Forgot About . 2024-05-19 . Comic Book Resources.
  31. Web site: Edmundson . Carlyle . 2023-03-11 . Ash's 12 Strongest Pokémon (Other Than Pikachu) . 2024-05-19 . Screen Rant.
  32. Web site: Tahir . Saad . 2023-02-01 . Ash Ketchum's 20 Strongest Pokemon, Ranked . 2024-05-19 . Game Rant.
  33. Web site: Kurten . Guillermo . 2023-12-21 . Red's Best Pokémon From The Pokémon Adventures Manga . 2024-05-19 . Comic Book Resources.
  34. Web site: Every live-action Pokémon in Detective Pikachu. Polygon. November 12, 2018. July 21, 2021. July 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210721092617/https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/12/18087432/detective-pikachu-trailer-live-action-every-pokemon-list-cameos. live.
  35. Web site: Pokémon fans can get cuddly with gigantic Snorlax cushion. Allegra. Frank. February 26, 2016. Polygon. July 6, 2021. July 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185634/https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/26/11121558/pokemon-snorlax-cushion-bandai-pre-orders. live.
  36. Web site: Corriea . Alexa Ray . October 24, 2014 . Your Pokémon dreams of sleeping on a Snorlax can be real . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185430/https://www.polygon.com/2014/10/24/7059885/pokemon-snorlax-pikachu-beds . July 9, 2021 . July 6, 2021 . Polygon.
  37. Web site: Pokémon fans can finally sit on Snorlax's face this winter. Allegra. Frank. July 28, 2016. Polygon. July 6, 2021. July 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185825/https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/28/12318354/pokemon-snorlax-bean-bag-chair. live.
  38. Web site: Petite . Steven . February 25, 2020 . Toy Fair 2020: New Pokemon Toys Let You Interact With Eevee And Snorlax . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184611/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/toy-fair-2020-new-pokemon-toys-let-you-interact-wi/1100-6473993/ . July 9, 2021 . July 6, 2021 . GameSpot.
  39. Web site: Pull Up a Seat in This Snorlax Chair. Anime News Network. August 4, 2023. July 6, 2021. July 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190742/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-06-29/pull-up-a-seat-in-this-snorlax-chair/.148229. live.
  40. Web site: 2023-11-16 . Lost alternative artwork from a Pokémon TCG contest has been found after 20 years . 2024-04-03 . VGC.
  41. Web site: ポケモンのLINEスタンプ「ようきなカビゴン！スタンプ」，本日発売。「現場猫」くまみね氏の描き下ろし . 2024-07-05 . 4Gamer.net . ja.
  42. Web site: Life . Nintendo . 2023-03-20 . Snorlax Is The Next Pokémon To Get Its Own Official Website . 2024-04-03 . Nintendo Life.
  43. Web site: Stenbuck . Kite . 2024-02-16 . New Pokemon Music Video Features Ai Fairouz Snorlax Song . 2024-04-03 . Siliconera.
  44. Web site: Cimaglio . Zachary . 2024-01-21 . Pokémon's Snorlax's Dream Gourmet Manga Is Being Serialized Online for Free . 2024-04-03 . Comic Book Resources.
  45. Web site: Liu . Stephanie . 2024-01-23 . New Project Snorlax Illustrations Focus on Its Threatening Side . 2024-04-03 . Siliconera.
  46. News: Kennedy . Victoria . 2023-05-23 . Pokémon-inspired Las Vegas street names feature Jigglypuff Place, Snorlax Lane . 2024-04-03 . Eurogamer.
  47. Jenkins . Nash . 2016-08-22 . Epic Video 'Shows Huge Mob in Taipei Racing After Pokémon' . 2024-07-05 . TIME . en.
  48. A Rare Pokémon Caused A Huge Stampede In Central Park . 2016-08-10 . Snyder . Chris . Video . . 2024-07-06 . YouTube.
  49. Web site: March 2, 2017 . Pokemon GO、熊本地震の被災地で「カビゴン」出現率アップ . 2024-04-04 . ITmedia NEWS . ja.
  50. Web site: Sakamoto . Mie . 2017-03-03 . 'Pokemon Go' deploys Snorlax to quake-hit Kyushu . 2024-07-05 . The Japan Times . en.
  51. Web site: Ritchie . Rene . 2017-03-04 . No, Snorlax isn't spawning in Pokémon Go right now — except for Japan! . 2024-07-05 . iMore . en.
  52. Web site: Snorlax . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150227043914/http://www.ign.com/top/pokemon/28 . February 27, 2015 . February 28, 2015 . IGN.
  53. Web site: Slackie . Kevin . Taveras . Moises . February 27, 2017 . The 100 Best Pokémon . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221218143039/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/pok-mon/the-top-100-pokemon-of-all-time/ . December 18, 2022 . July 5, 2021 . Paste.
  54. Web site: . Nadine . Manske . 2023-08-02 . 2022-06-16 . The best Normal-type Pokémon, ranked . August 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230802214621/https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/the-best-normal-type-pokemon-ranked . live .
  55. . Ryan . Woodrow . 2023-05-06 . The 10 best Normal Pokemon of all time . August 5, 2023 . August 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230805043922/https://videogames.si.com/guides/best-normal-pokemon#gid=ci02be7cc380002732&pid=kangaskhan . live .
  56. Web site: Alec . Bojalad . 2024-07-03 . 2023-02-24 . . What Pokémon Could Replace Pikachu as the Face of the Franchise?.
  57. Web site: 8. Snorlax — The 50 Best Pokemon Up to "Pokemon Crystal" . Watson, Elijah . . March 11, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140113181759/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/best-pokemon-crystal-nintendo/snorlax . January 13, 2014 . live .
  58. Web site: Cimaglio . Zachary . 2023-12-30 . Newly-Released Snorlax Pokémon Series "Too Adorable" for the Internet . 2024-04-03 . Comic Book Resources.
  59. Web site: Haze . Roxxy . 2024-01-05 . Why Pokemon Fans Are Loving This Unlikely Friendship . 2024-04-03 . Game Rant.
  60. Book: Götz, Maya. Lemish, Dafna . International Communication Association Conference . Aidman, Amy . Moon, Hyesung . 2005. Media and the Make-believe Worlds of Children: When Harry Potter Meets Pokémon in Disneyland. Routledge. 101–105, 108. 0-8058-5191-7.
  61. Tennant . Frances . 2016 . Snorlax: The Unhealthiest Pokémon? . live . Journal of Interdisciplinary Science Topics . 5 . 54 . 978-1-326-68636-9 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231119115050/https://journals.le.ac.uk/ojs1/index.php/jist/article/view/810 . November 19, 2023 . November 19, 2023.
  62. Physics Special Topics . 15 . 1 . K. . Yeomans . M. . Jupp . D. . Cobley . D. . Fenlon-Smith . 2016 . P4_4 Snorlax used Body Slam . November 19, 2023 . November 19, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231119115050/https://journals.le.ac.uk/ojs1/index.php/pst/article/view/907 . live .

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