The Pokémon GO Avatar Change Controversy erupted in 2024 when Niantic introduced a global update to character models, aiming to provide more diverse customization options. However, the player base immediately reacted with memes criticizing the 'uncanny valley' appearance, weird proportions, and the loss of the original aesthetic. The meme template is frequently used to highlight the 'before and after' of the update, often comparing the classic, sleek designs to the new, more awkward models. It serves as a digital protest against developer changes that players feel have stripped the game of its visual charm and character personality.