Snorlax (), known in Japan as , is a
Pokémon species, a type of ''Pocket Monster'', in
Nintendo
is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. It develops video games and video game consoles.
Nintendo was founded in 1889 as by craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi and originally produce ...
and
Game Freak
is a Japanese video game developer, best known as the primary developer of the mainline ''Pokémon'' series of role-playing video games published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
History
Predating the video game company, ''Game Freak'' ...
's
''Pokémon'' franchise. Created by
Ken Sugimori
is a Japanese video game designer, illustrator, manga artist, and director. He is best known as the primary character designer and art director for the ''Pokémon'' franchise. Sugimori is also credited with the art direction for other titles, inc ...
,
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. Snorlax is a large, blueish creature with closed slit eyes and a closed mouth that features two upwardly protruding teeth.
Snorlax is voiced by
Katsuyuki Konishi
is a Japanese voice actor from Wakayama, Wakayama. He is affiliated with Ken Production. His debut role was Volfogg/Big Volfogg in ''GaoGaiGar''. He is most well known for portraying Kamina in ''Gurren Lagann'', Laxus Dreyar in ''Fairy Tail'' a ...
in the Japanese versions of the
''Pokémon'' anime and the
''Super Smash Bros.'' series of video games, and by
Hitoshi Takagi
was a Japanese voice actor. He died 15 days before his 79th birthday at the age of 78 due to partial ischemic heart disease.
He was best known for providing the voice of Totoro.
Notable voice roles
Anime
*''Moomin'' and ''New Moomin'' (Moomi ...
and
Mitsuru Ogata
is a Japanese voice actor. He is affiliated with Mausu Promotion.
Filmography
Television animation
;1998
*''Detective Conan'' (Kenichi Hirai)
*''Maico 2010'' (Kacchin, Katsuo)
;2001
*'' Baki the Grappler'' (Ian McGregor)
;2002
*'' Mao Dante'' ( ...
in the animated shorts ''
Pikachu's Rescue Adventure'' and ''
Pikachu & Pichu
is a fictional species in the ''Pokémon'' media franchise. Designed by Atsuko Nishida and Ken Sugimori, Pikachu first appeared in the 1996 Japanese video games ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green'' created by Game Freak and Nintendo, which we ...
'', respectively. In its English-language appearances, it was originally voiced by Michael Haigney, and later
Eric Stuart
Eric Stuart is an American voice actor and musician who worked for 4Kids Entertainment, NYAV Post, and Central Park Media.
Early life
Stuart was born in Brooklyn, New York to a modern dancer mother and a criminal attorney father.
Voice act ...
.
Known as the "Sleeping Pokémon", Snorlax has been said to weigh over and, until
''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'', was considered the heaviest known Pokémon ever discovered.
[Trophy: Snorlaxes love to sleep and love to eat: these portly Pokémon get grumpy if they don't get 888 pounds of food per day. After snacking out, they always nap. They have cast-iron stomachs and can eat moldy and even rotten food with no digestion problems. They are the heaviest Pokémon on record, weighing in at over 1,000 pounds. ] Since its debut, Snorlax has received a generally positive reception, and is one of the most popular Pokémon, especially in the Kanto region due to its cuteness.
Conception and characteristics
Snorlax was one of several different designs conceived by Game Freak's character development team and finalized by
Ken Sugimori
is a Japanese video game designer, illustrator, manga artist, and director. He is best known as the primary character designer and art director for the ''Pokémon'' franchise. Sugimori is also credited with the art direction for other titles, inc ...
for the first generation of ''Pocket Monsters'' games ''Red'' and ''Green'', which were localized outside Japan as
''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'' and ''Yellow''. Snorlax is #143 in the Pokédex. It weighs 1,014.1 lbs. (460 kg), and is 6'11" (2.1 m) tall.
In appearance and behavior, Snorlax is inspired by veteran Pokémon game designer Kōji Nishino. Snorlax's Japanese name of "Kabigon" is derived from Kōji Nishino's nickname of "Kirby" (Japanese: カービィ ''Kābī''), which in turn is inspired by
the video game character of the same name. According to Game Freak co-founder
Junichi Masuda
is a Japanese video game composer, director, designer, producer, singer, programmer and trombonist, best known for his work in the '' Pokémon'' franchise. He was a member of Game Freak where he was an employee and executive at the company si ...
, Nishino was nicknamed "Kirby" because of his large appetite, which directly inspired Snorlax's habit of constantly eating and sleeping.
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 as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children.
Basing the name off its constant sleeping spells, the species was renamed Snorlax, a portmanteau of the words "snore" and "relax".
Snorlax is a noseless
ursid-like Pokémon that has a cream-colored face, hands and feet, while the rest of its body is teal in color. Its head is also large, and it has two small
canine teeth
In mammalian oral anatomy, the canine teeth, also called cuspids, dog teeth, or (in the context of the upper jaw) fangs, eye teeth, vampire teeth, or vampire fangs, are the relatively long, pointed teeth. They can appear more flattened howeve ...
visibly protruding from its lower jaw. Its feet are large compared to most Pokémon, which assist its balance when it chooses to stand. Although Snorlax's arms are short in relation to its size, they are long enough to enable it to both grab food and eat. Snorlax has been said to weigh over 1,000 pounds, and for a time was considered the heaviest known Pokémon.
[Trophy: Snorlax love to sleep and love to eat: these portly Pokémon get grumpy if they don't get 888 pounds of food per day. After snacking out, they always nap. They have cast-iron stomachs and can eat moldy and even rotten food(such as Muk's poison) with no digestion problems. They are the heaviest Pokémon on record, weighing in at over 1,000 pounds. ] Due to having an enormous appetite, Snorlax will devour almost anything, even moldy and rotten food.
[Pokédex: Its stomach can digest any kind of food, even if it happens to be moldy or rotten. ] 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.
[Pokédex: Its stomach's digestive juices can dissolve any kind of poison. It can even eat things off the ground. Snorlax is also known to be one of the most popular Pokémon, especially in the Kanto region. ][
Despite its size, Snorlax is such a docile Pokémon that children use its large belly as a place to play.][ Snorlax has hidden potential to unleash tremendous power when holding the Snorlium Z ]item
Item may refer to:
Organizations
* ''Instituto del Tercer Mundo'' (ITeM), the Third World Institute
* ITEM club, an economic forecasting group based in the United Kingdom
Newspapers
* ''The Item'', an American independent, morning newspaper ...
, however, which gives access to its signature Z-Move Pulverizing Pancake.[Pokédex: Snorlax's typical day consists of nothing more than eating and sleeping. It is such a docile Pokémon that there are children who use its large belly as a place to play. ] Snorlax has a pre-evolution, Munchlax, which is obtainable via breeding a Snorlax that is holding Full Incense. 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'' saw the introduction of Snorlax's Gigantamax form. When Gigantamaxed, various trees and plants will appear on its belly, having grown from seeds that fell from the plants it had eaten, and it can learn the G-Max Move G-Max Replenish.
]
Appearances
In video games
Snorlax's most notable role in the ''Pokémon'' games has been that of an inadvertent roadblock. In ''Pokémon Red'', ''Blue'', their "upper version" and their remakes
A remake is a film, television series, video game, song or similar form of entertainment that is based upon and retells the story of an earlier production in the same medium—e.g., a "new version of an existing film". A remake tells the sam ...
, the player must obtain the Poké Flute in order to wake up either of the two Snorlax that block Routes 12 and 16. Snorlax reprises this role in ''Pokémon Gold'', ''Silver'', their "upper version" and remakes
A remake is a film, television series, video game, song or similar form of entertainment that is based upon and retells the story of an earlier production in the same medium—e.g., a "new version of an existing film". A remake tells the sam ...
. In these games, the player must restore power to Kanto radio tower
Radio masts and towers are typically tall structures designed to support antennas for telecommunications and broadcasting, including television. There are two main types: guyed and self-supporting structures. They are among the tallest human-made ...
and then play the radio's Poké Flute channel in front of Snorlax in order to awaken it. Although there is only one Snorlax available to catch, another is used by Red
Red is the color at the long wavelength end of the visible spectrum of light, next to orange and opposite violet. It has a dominant wavelength of approximately 625–740 nanometres. It is a primary color in the RGB color model and a secondar ...
, the protagonist of ''Red'' and ''Blue'' who acts as these games' final boss.
In '' Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness'', a pre-evolution of Snorlax named Munchlax was introduced; however, Munchlax remained unobtainable until the release of ''Pokémon Diamond'' and ''Pearl''. In ''Pokémon X'' and ''Y'', Snorlax is once again a roadblock, this time wandering to a bridge near Camphrier Town and sleeping there. One of Camphrier Town's locals mentions that it does this at least once a year. The Poké Flute must once again be obtained, but this time the player must give it to the owner of Shabboneau Castle so he can wake it up.
In ''Pokémon Sun'', ''Moon'' and their " upper versions", Snorlax is among the handful of Pokemon to possess a unique Z-Move. In Snorlax's case, it can use Pulverizing Pancake as long as it is holding Snorlium Z and knows Giga Impact. In ''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'', Snorlax received a Gigantamax form with access to the unique G-Max move G-Max Replenish.
In ''Pokémon Snap
is a 1999 first-person photography game with rail shooter style gameplay mechanics developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It was first released in Japan in March 1999 and was later released in July 1999 in N ...
'', when using the Poké Flute, Snorlax stands up and dances to the music, which is a very high-scoring picture. In ''Pokémon Ranger
is an action role-playing video game developed by HAL Laboratory and Creatures Inc., published by The Pokémon Company and distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS video game console. The game was released at various dates, varying between ...
'', Snorlax is seen sleeping throughout the game, effectively cutting off certain areas until later on. It eventually remains in a cave until the player completes the Ranger Browser. Snorlax is an NPC in '' PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure'' and its sequel, '' PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond''. Snorlax appears from a Poké Ball in the '' Super Smash Bros.'' series, one of the few Pokémon to appear in every installment of the series. Using Body Slam, it jumps up when it appears and slams into whomever it hits. In ''Melee'', Snorlax is seen as a Poké Float that allows players to fight upon on its head and belly. It also appeared in ''Pokémon Go
''Pokémon Go'' (stylized as ''Pokémon GO'') is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game, part of the ''Pokémon'' franchise, developed and published by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for iOS and Android ...
'', ''Pokémon UNITE
''Pokémon Unite'' (stylized as ''Pokémon UNITE'') is a free-to-play, multiplayer online battle arena video game developed by TiMi Studio Group and published by The Pokémon Company for Android and iOS and by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch ...
'' and ''New Pokémon Snap
''New Pokémon Snap'' is an on-rails first-person photography game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo Switch. It is a sequel to the 1999 Nintendo 64 game ''Pokémon Snap.'' Ann ...
''.
In other media
In the ''Pokémon'' anime, a number of Snorlax play various supporting roles in certain episodes. The first appearance of a Snorlax was in Episode 41 — ''Wake Up Snorlax!'' — in which it becomes a roadblock to the next town Ash is traveling to. Ash Ketchum
Ash Ketchum, known as in Japan, is a fictional character in the '' Pokémon'' franchise owned by Nintendo. He is the protagonist of the ''Pokémon'' anime and certain manga series as well as on various merchandise related to the franchise ...
also captures one in ''Snack Attack!'' that was eating the grapefruits of the Grapefruit Islands. He uses it sporadically, mostly opting to use other Pokémon due to it constantly sleeping. Ash called upon it for the Sumo Conference in ''Ring Masters'', and later used it to defeat Clair's Kingdra in their rematch. He also used Snorlax during the Johto League competition, first against Gary Oak where it quickly defeated Gary's Nidoqueen and Arcanine, but lost to Scizor. Snorlax then fought during Ash's following match against Harrison
Harrison may refer to:
People
* Harrison (name)
* Harrison family of Virginia, United States
Places
In Australia:
* Harrison, Australian Capital Territory, suburb in the Canberra district of Gungahlin
In Canada:
* Inukjuak, Quebec, or " ...
, defeating his Steelix and Hypno, though in the end it was defeated by his Houndoom. Snorlax later meets and gets to be friends with May
May is the fifth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and is the third of seven months to have a length of 31 days.
May is a month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, May ...
's younger Munchlax. Most recently, Snorlax helped Ash earn the Guts Symbol from Greta Greta may refer to:
*Greta (given name), including a list of people and characters with the name
Places
* Greta Bridge, village in County Durham, England
* Greta, New South Wales, town in Australia
** Greta railway station
** Greta Army Camp, form ...
in ''Wheel of Frontier'' by defeating her Hariyama with an Ice Punch and flattening her Medicham with Body Slam. In the ''Pokémon Adventures
is a Japanese manga series based on the '' Pokémon'' media franchise created by video game designer Satoshi Tajiri and managed by The Pokémon Company. Tajiri once stated that the series is closest to how he imagined the universe of ''Po ...
'' manga, Red catches a Snorlax, which he nicknames "Lax". Red caught Lax because he was blocking the road during a bicycle race. He is very gluttonous and is driven into a frenzy by the smell of honey. Later, after extensive training, Lax becomes one of the most physically powerful members of Red's team.
A Snorlax also appeared in the film ''Pokémon Detective Pikachu
''Detective Pikachu'' (also known as ''Pokémon: Detective Pikachu'' and released as in Japan after the original game) is a 2019 comedy film directed by Rob Letterman. Based on the ''Pokémon'' franchise, the film is a loose adaptation of the ...
'', sleeping on a road in Ryme City.
Reception
Snorlax has received generally positive reception from the media. ''IGN
''IGN'' (formerly ''Imagine Games Network'') is an American video game and entertainment media website operated by IGN Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc. The company's headquarters is located in San Francisco's SoMa distri ...
'' editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" called Snorlax the "single most popular non-evolver that isn't also a legendary out there". In 2015, ''IGN'' ranked Snorlax as the 28th best Pokémon, with editor Lucas calling it "one of the most recognizable Pokémon". ''GamesRadar
''GamesRadar+'' (formerly ''GamesRadar'') is an entertainment website for video game-related news, previews, and reviews. It is owned by Future plc. In late 2014, Future Publishing-owned sites ''Total Film'', '' SFX'', ''Edge'' and '' Computer ...
'' called the character a fan favorite, further describing it as "perhaps the most American of ". Another ''GamesRadar'' editor also praised Snorlax, stating it "may be (and is) the greatest Pokemon of all time". Kevin Slackie of '' Paste'' listed Snorlax as 30th of the best Pokemon. Michael Derosa of ''Screen Rant
''Screen Rant'' is an entertainment website that offers news in the fields of television, films, video games, and film theories. ''Screen Rant'' was launched by Vic Holtreman in 2003, and originally had its primary office in Ogden, Utah. ''Scr ...
'' listed Snorlax as one of Ash Ketchum
Ash Ketchum, known as in Japan, is a fictional character in the '' Pokémon'' franchise owned by Nintendo. He is the protagonist of the ''Pokémon'' anime and certain manga series as well as on various merchandise related to the franchise ...
's strongest companions. Andrew Webster of ''The Verge
''The Verge'' is an American technology news website operated by Vox Media, publishing news, feature stories, guidebooks, product reviews, consumer electronics news, and podcasts.
The website launched on November 1, 2011, and uses Vox Media' ...
'' claimed Snorlax is a best Pokemon of all time. Steven Bogos of '' The Escapist'' listed Snorlax as 13th of their favorite Pokemon.
''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. Snorlax was ranked 8th in ''Complex
Complex commonly refers to:
* Complexity, the behaviour of a system whose components interact in multiple ways so possible interactions are difficult to describe
** Complex system, a system composed of many components which may interact with each ...
''s "The 50 Best Pokemon Up to ''Pokemon Crystal''", with Elijah Watson saying Snorlax is "lazy as hell but surprisingly awesome". ''GameSpy
GameSpy was an American provider of online multiplayer and matchmaking middleware for video games founded in 1996 by Mark Surfas. After the release of a multiplayer server browser for the game, QSpy, Surfas licensed the software under the GameS ...
'' has described it as "downright silly". During the International Pokémon Tournament, Snorlax won by eating a ton to heal itself after being toxicated.
A variety of merchandise depicting Snorlax has been produced such as cushions, beds, bean bag chairs, toys, and lounge chairs.
References
External links
* Snorlax on Bulbapedia
Snorlax on Pokemon.com
{{Pokémon directory
Pokémon species
Video game characters introduced in 1996
Fictional bears
Video game bosses
Fictional characters who can change size
Video game characters based on real people