Is Pokémon running out of ideas? Ground-type Charmander leak sparks fan backlash in Gen 10 rumour mill
TIL Creatives AI generated image
When longtime Pokémon fan Aaron Lucero saw a Ground-type Charmander trending online this weekend, his reaction summed up what much of the fandom was feeling: 'Again? They're doing this again?'
Lucero, like thousands of others, stumbled across the latest Generation 10 'leak' making the rounds online. The alleged info drop, which originated from 4chan and gained traction through a repost by the Hidden Power Podcast , outlines ambitious plans for the next mainline game, possibly titled Pokémon Gales & Tides , rumoured for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Also read: 'Pokémon Go' maker nears $3.5 billion deal to sell games unitThe leak describes a tropical archipelago setting featuring 16 major islands, 150+ smaller ones, a new battle mechanic called 'Gigaxis,' and three new starter Pokémon: a Fire Goat, Water Octopus, and Grass Snail. But one bizarre detail is dominating conversation more than any of that: a new ground-type regional variant of Charmander.The Pokémon community has always had strong feelings about its mascots, but the idea of giving Charmander yet another region-specific twist, this time as a Ground-type has left fans baffled and, in many cases, frustrated. 'I don't care about the rest of it, just please for the love of god stop making a new Charmander every other region,' one fan wrote.
Another chimed in: 'Only believing this because a regional variant for the Charizard line sounds exactly in line of what Pokémon would do lmao.'
This isn't the first time Charmander and its evolutionary line have stolen the spotlight. Mega Charizard X , Y , and Gigantamax Charizard have all had their day. But for a growing segment of the fanbase, the overexposure is wearing thin, especially when there are over 1,000 other creatures in the Pokémon roster.
Despite the frenzy, there's a high chance this entire leak is a fabrication. While 4chan has occasionally been a source of accurate leaks, its track record is sketchy at best. The anonymity of the platform makes it a breeding ground for unverified information, especially when it comes to major game franchises like Pokémon .
Also read: Pokémon GO acquisition: Scopely buys Niantic's gaming division for $3.5 Billion – What it means for players and the future of the game 'If any of this ends up being true, I will livestream myself eating a Pikachu plushie,' one skeptical fan joked, echoing the mood of many.
Still, it's fun to imagine. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A already confirmed as the next official release, anything beyond that is pure speculation. But the growing backlash to Charmander's repeated reinvention is a clear sign: the fanbase wants fresh ideas, not another familiar flame in a new coat of mud.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Pokemon Legends release date announced: Pre-order merchandise and more details we know so far
The Pokemon Company International has revealed new details for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, including its release date. The Japanese gaming studio has confirmed that the upcoming game will launch in October. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to be a new frontier for the Pokemon video game series. It will feature an RPG story set entirely within Lumiose City, blending action elements and a real-time battle system. This approach aims to deliver a gameplay experience distinct from previous titles in the franchise. The narrative focuses on an adventure "woven by people and Pokémon together." Apart from this, the company has also launched new merchandise featuring Mega Evolution that has been released on Pokemon Centre. This will allow fans to prepare for the upcoming game. The return of Mega Evolution, a mechanic first introduced in Pokémon X and Y, has also been confirmed for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Pokemon Legends Z-A: Release date and availability Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to launch on October 16. This highly anticipated video game will be available for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 . Preorders for the game are set to begin on June 5, via the Nintendo eShop. Players who purchase either the physical or digital version for Nintendo Switch will have the option to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by acquiring an upgrade pack from the Nintendo eShop or My Nintendo Store. The company has also invited fans to watch the latest Pokemon Presents presentation on July 22. Trainers can tune into the official Pokémon YouTube channel for further news and updates from the world of Pokémon. The cover art for the game has also been unveiled, showcasing the main characters and their partner Pokémon battling a Mega-Evolved Pokémon in Lumiose City at night. Mega Evolution Merch to be available at Pokemon Centre Pokémon Centre is launching a year-long Mega Evolution celebration tied to the upcoming release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now New merchandise, including giant pins of Mega Charizard X and Y and a capsule apparel collection featuring Mega Venusaur, Mega Gengar, Mega Lucario, and more, will roll out throughout the year. Starting next month, anyone who preorders Pokémon Legends: Z-A at Pokemon Centre in the US, Canada, or the UK will receive a free random Sitting Cuties plush (Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile) while supplies last. More Mega Evolution–themed products and experiences will be announced soon on
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
Pokémon Legends: Z-A: How to preorder and get free gifts? See release date, platforms, setting, game cover, and Pokémon Presents date and where to watch
The Pokémon Company International has announced the official release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. A summer Pokémon Presents video presentation has also been scheduled. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The game will be available for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Preorders begin on June 5 through the Nintendo eShop. Buyers can choose a digital or physical version. Those who buy the Nintendo Switch version can later upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition by purchasing an upgrade pack. The upgrade packs will be available on the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. Also Read: GTA 6: Is upcoming game worth waiting for? Here's release date, map, global release time, gameplay and platforms The game's cover art has been revealed. It shows the lead characters and their Pokémon in Lumiose City. A Mega-Evolved Pokémon appears in the scene, which takes place at night. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is different from past games. It includes real-time battles and takes place in one city. Players will explore the city and experience the story with their Pokémon next month, those who preorder the game from Pokémon Center in the US, Canada, or the UK will receive a free plush. The plush will be one of three Pokémon: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. Supplies are limited, and the plush is selected at Read: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 4: Release date, time, new weapons, maps, modes and maps The next Pokémon Presents video presentation will stream on Tuesday, July 22. Fans can watch the broadcast on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. When will Pokémon Legends: Z-A be released? The game will launch worldwide on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. What do I get for preordering from Pokémon Center? Preorders include a random Sitting Cuties plush of Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile, while supplies last.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Pokémon Legends: Z-A: How to preorder and get free gifts? See release date, platforms, setting, game cover, and Pokémon Presents date and where to watch
The Pokémon Company International has announced the official release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. A summer Pokémon Presents video presentation has also been scheduled. Release Date, Platforms and How to Preorder Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The game will be available for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Preorders begin on June 5 through the Nintendo eShop. Buyers can choose a digital or physical version. Those who buy the Nintendo Switch version can later upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition by purchasing an upgrade pack. The upgrade packs will be available on the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in Davao Del Sur - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Also Read: GTA 6: Is upcoming game worth waiting for? Here's release date, map, global release time, gameplay and platforms Game Cover and Setting The game's cover art has been revealed. It shows the lead characters and their Pokémon in Lumiose City. A Mega-Evolved Pokémon appears in the scene, which takes place at night. Live Events Pokémon Legends: Z-A is different from past games. It includes real-time battles and takes place in one city. Players will explore the city and experience the story with their Pokémon companions. Free Gifts Starting next month, those who preorder the game from Pokémon Center in the US, Canada, or the UK will receive a free plush. The plush will be one of three Pokémon: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. Supplies are limited, and the plush is selected at random. Also Read: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 4: Release date, time, new weapons, maps, modes and maps Pokémon Presents Presentation Date and Where to Watch The next Pokémon Presents video presentation will stream on Tuesday, July 22. Fans can watch the broadcast on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. FAQs When will Pokémon Legends: Z-A be released? The game will launch worldwide on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. What do I get for preordering from Pokémon Center? Preorders include a random Sitting Cuties plush of Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile, while supplies last.
