Media alert

POKÉMON SPOTLIGHTS LECHONK WITH NEW MERCHANDISE AND EXPERIENCES AS PART OF “POKÉMON TOGETHER” CELEBRATION

London, United Kingdom — March 31, 2023 — As part of its yearlong brand campaign, The Pokémon Company International is giving Trainers around the world another way to “Pokémon Together” by spotlighting various Pokémon throughout 2023, inviting the community to discover and learn more about unique Pokémon across the franchise. The first “Discover Pokémon Together” program kicks off today and features the Normal-type Pokémon Lechonk, which was introduced in the hit Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games.
 
In celebration of “Discover Pokémon Together: Lechonk,” The Pokémon Company International released a new video highlighting the endearing Pokémon’s gourmand sensibilities as it searches for Berries in its natural environment. Fans can learn more about Lechonk here.
 
In addition, Trainers can discover Lechonk through a variety of product offerings and in-game events beginning today and continuing through April 2023.
 
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Expansion Released with Celebratory Promotions
Trainers will have the opportunity to discover Lechonk by playing the newest expansion for the best-selling Pokémon TCG, Scarlet & Violet, available beginning today in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and special collections at participating retailers worldwide, including Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Inspired by the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, the new expansion adopts an updated take on Pokémon ex, a gameplay mechanic featuring Pokémon with high HP as well as powerful attacks and Abilities, and introduces Tera Pokémon ex to the Pokémon TCG.
 
To celebrate the launch of the Scarlet & Violet expansion, from 31 March 2023 to 8 June 2023, subject to availability and while stocks last, Trainers in the UK will have the opportunity to obtain a promo card featuring Lechonk at participating retailers. For more information on where and how to obtain these promo cards, see Pokemon.co.uk/Lechonk.
 
Furthermore, Trainers can add a Flying–Tera Type Lechonk to their Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game by picking up a download code from GAME in the UK. Download codes will be available in-store and online while supplies last.
 
Pokémon Center Launches Lechonk-inspired Merchandise Collection
Fans can display their love for Lechonk with a new collection of Lechonk-inspired apparel and accessories, available now only at Pokémon Center, the premier online destination for official Pokémon merchandise in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. The collection includes shirts, hats, pins, plush and a Pokémon TCG playmat featuring Lechonk in its natural habitat while eating the most fragrant wild grasses and the richest Berries. In addition, all qualifying Pokémon Center purchases of £50.00 or more will receive a special Lechonk promo card while supplies last.
 
Lechonk-themed Activities in Pokémon UNITE
To discover Lechonk in Pokémon UNITE, players can throw a Berry among Lechonk to receive a Lechonk-themed frame, stickers, and other items at no cost from March 31, 2023, at 1:00 a.m. BST to April 18, 2023, at 1:00 a.m. BST.
 
Celebratory Animation Channel Available Now on Pokémon TV
In honor of Lechonk’s love of the richest berries, Trainers can find a special channel on Pokémon TV featuring episodes of the Pokémon animated series that spotlight Pokémon berries. Episodes are streaming from now until April 14 on the Pokémon TV app, available for mobile devices and the Nintendo Switch™ system, and at watch.pokemon.com.
 
To join the conversation and “Discover Pokémon Together: Lechonk” with Trainers worldwide, fans are invited to use #PokemonTogether online.
 
###
 
About Pokémon
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, please visit www.pokemon.co.uk.

About Nintendo
Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario™, Donkey Kong™, The Legend of Zelda™, Metroid™, Pokémon™, Animal Crossing™, Pikmin™ and Splatoon™, through its integrated hardware and software products. Nintendo aims to deliver unique, intuitive entertainment experiences for everyone, manufacturing and marketing video game devices such as the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems, developing and operating applications for smart devices, and collaborating with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like visual content and theme parks. Nintendo has sold more than 5.4 billion video games and over 800 million hardware units globally. From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System™ more than 30 years ago, through today and into the future, Nintendo’s continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Frankfurt, Germany, serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe. For more information about Nintendo of Europe, please visit the company’s website at https://www.nintendo-europe.com/

About Tencent Games
Tencent Games was launched in 2003 and has since grown into the leading global platform for game development, publishing and operations, as well as the operator of the largest online game community in China. It is dedicated to offering engaging, high-quality, interactive entertainment experiences for all players. Tencent Games currently offers more than 140 self-developed and licensed games across 200 countries and regions, which provides hundreds of millions of users with cross-platform interactive entertainment experiences. Honor of Kings, PUBG MOBILE and League of Legends are some of the most popular titles around the world. We are committed to exploring the full potential of games, leveraging the rich IP resources within Tencent, spanning literature, anime, film, and television, to create high-quality interactive entertainment experiences. Furthermore, Tencent Games actively collaborates with overseas game publishers, such as SEA, Netmarble, Supercell and more, to form strategic partnerships and launch new games.