10 Video Game Side Characters EVERYONE Loves

Now nine generations in, the first run of Pokémon games are still the best. Kicking off several decades of love for the franchise, Red, Blue and Yellow for the GameBoy are as iconic as they now are scarce (seriously, you go see how much they want for an original cartridge on eBay). And with this golden spot in the history of gaming comes a whole host of iconic characters.

There are the epic original gym trainers, like Sabrina and Blaine, your rival Blue (Gary in the anime), and all the old familiars like Professor Oak, Brock and Misty. But most of these are divisive; everyone has their preference, and their bones to pick. Just one side character rises head and shoulders above the others as a firm favourite: Shorts Guy.

The Youngster trainer found on Route 3 is not much of a character when it comes down to it, but that never stopped gamers, memers and the internet community at large. Basically just an NPC who wants to battle, everything Shorts Guy lacks in character development, he makes up for in one iconic catchphrase: 'I like shorts! They're comfy and easy to wear!'

An instant hit before even the age of the internet meme, and one the creators have recognised the fan response to by including and referencing in several other games since.