Latest news with #Charmander
SoraNews24
a day ago
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Pokémon Happy Meal toys appear at McDonald's in Japan
This wild event runs for a limited time, with special surprises for customers. Summer's here and it's time to catch 'em all at McDonald's, thanks to a new range of Happy Meal toys being released in Japan from 8 August. This time, customers will be able to find Pikachu, Eevee, the original starter trio Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur, as well as Mega Charizard X and Mega Lucario, and we were lucky enough to get a peek at all of them before the official release. The range is being released over two weeks, starting with the first round, from 8-14 August, which includes the following four toys. ▼ Pikachu's Tail-Wiggling Dash Pikachu rides on an electric current with a roller underneath the base so when you push it along by hand, its tail wiggles back and forth. This toy is so charming you'll find it hard to stop playing with it. ▼ Charmander's Spinning Top Charmander's grin will immediately put a smile on your dial, and when you set it on a flat surface and give it a spin, your smile will turn into a grin as the Pokémon twirls at an impressive speed. The way the spin finishes, with Charmander striking a triumphant pose on the Poké Ball, is particularly delightful. ▼ Squirtle's Poké Ball Roller Squirtle also shows off a 'Hey, look at me!' pose atop a Poké Ball, although this one has him moving back and forth, as if performing a balancing act while you roll the ball along by hand. ▼ Mega Lucario's Battle Disc Launcher Mega Lucario makes his Happy Meal debut with a toy set comprising of a disc and a target, which adds an exciting game element to the series. Simply insert the disc into the base, and when you press it with your finger the disc launches powerfully toward the target. You can also swap the target out for your own figures for extra fun and excitement. The second round of toys, available from 15-21 August, includes the following four toys. ▼ Pikachu's Poké Ball Rocking Roller Pikachu sits atop a Poké Ball in a roly-poly, self-righting toy style. Tilt it with your finger and Pikachu rocks dramatically from side to side. The satisfying way he always stands back up despite the odds is particularly adorable. ▼ Mega Charizard X's Spinning Top The Mega Charizard X spinner features a Master Ball design for its base, and it works just like the Charmander spinning top, so you can set them up for a spin-off against each other. Charizard is larger than Charmander, though, so spinning him feels a bit more challenging. ▼ Bulbasaur's Poké Ball Roller After collecting the Squirtle Poké Ball roller in Round One, you'll now be able to add a Bulbasaur version to your collection in Round Two, and it's just as cute. ▼ Eevee's Shaka-Shaka Keychain Eevee sits on a tree stump, looking incredibly sweet as the only keychain in this batch of Happy Meal toys. Whenever the main body is shaken, it makes a 'shaka shaka' ('rustling') sound that's reminiscent of a gentle maraca. With a Poké Ball shaped carabiner attached, this is the perfect toy for clipping onto a bag and carrying around with you on your travels. Additionally, in Round Two there's a special 'Secret Toy' being released, which will only be revealed to those lucky enough to receive it. Pokémon fans will also want to ensure they visit on 9, 10 and 11 August, because that's when those who purchase a Happy Meal will receive a bonus Pokémon card set as a limited-time weekend event. You'll get a set of two cards — one featuring an original artwork of Pikachu, plus one randomly selected from five types. Stocks are limited, so if you're interested, you'll want to act fast! The fun doesn't end there, though, because from 22 August, Round Three begins, where customers will receive one of the nine toys from Rounds One and Two at random. This is a great way to try and catch 'em all if you missed out on your favourites in the first two weeks, which is what we did with last year's awesome release of Pokémon Happy Meal toys. Photos©SoraNews24, ©Pokémon ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.©2025 Pokémon ©1995-2025 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK (R), and character names are trademarks of Nintendo ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
News18
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
On Cam: ‘Pokémon' Lizard With Flaming Tail In Cambodia. Internet Asks, ‘Charmander, Is That You?'
Last Updated: While many on the Internet reacted to the video, saying that the lizard resembled the Pokémon character Charmander, others tried to explain the reason behind such a phenomenon. Another day, another amusing video has surfaced on the Internet, with people screaming, 'Is that a real-life Charmander?" The clip, taken somewhere in Cambodia, showcased a lizard, seemingly 'shooting fire" from its tail, quite similar to the popular Pokémon character. The lizard was seen walking on a wall, with its tail lighting up every few seconds, which piqued the curiosity of everyone. The now-viral video was shared on Instagram just a few days ago, though the exact time and location remain unknown. In the caption of the post, the user wrote, 'A man was exploring his backyard in Cambodia when he witnessed something absolutely insane. He saw a gecko, but this wasn't normal. As he watched closely, the gecko's tail suddenly sparked a small flame and ignited actual fire… like a matchstick being lit." The user continued, 'In the video, you can clearly see the tail catch fire, burning for a few seconds before fading out. The man had never seen anything like this in his life." Asking people on the Internet what the reason could be behind such a phenomenon, the user added, 'What do you think? What kind of gecko lizard does that? Is it a rare natural mutation… or something supernatural?" How Did The Internet React To The Video? The bizarre video has sparked a frenzy among online users. While a major section of users have filled the comments section with Charmander-related gifs, another joked, 'Charmander, is that you?" One more added, 'Dude found a Charmander and didn't even catch him." Someone said, 'I love our generation, we see something mind-boggling and instead of marvelling at the unexplained world around us, our first instinct is to make a reference to it with Pokémon." Some Online Users Also Came Up With Their Own Explanations Taking to the comments section of the video, a user pointed out that it could be a rare species of lizard, saying, 'The Turniptail Lightbulb-Lizard (Riama cashcaensis) is a lizard known for its potential to illuminate its tail. This lizard, also known as the Kizirian's Lightbulb-Lizard, is found in Ecuador and is known to burrow. While the exact mechanism of tail illumination is still under investigation, it's thought to be related to the presence of a substance within the tail that glows when exposed to light or breaks down." Another explained, ' So, there's an extremely rare variant of lizards that are almost extinct, which produce flammable sparks from the tip of their tails when wiggled due to micro fibre frictions produced in their tails. This was originally the inspiration behind the popular 'Charmander' character from the popular series 'Pokémon'." 'Plot twist: Sunlight Reflected by Lizard's Tail. What you saw was a natural light reflection or refraction caused by sunlight hitting the lizard's tail at just the right angle," argued a different user. Since the video has been posted, it has garnered over 16 million views on the social media platform. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. First Published: July 30, 2025, 09:26 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Steam data leak row: Rumors about 89 million affected false, officials address panic
Recent claims about 89 million Steam user records being sold on the dark web are likely false, experts say. Social media posts sparked panic this week, alleging Steam login details were available for $5,000. However, investigations suggest no actual breach occurred. The rumors began when a LinkedIn post by shared by games journalist MellowOnline1 on X (formerly Twitter), claimed a hacker named 'Machine1337' was selling the data. The leak supposedly included SMS codes and phone numbers tied to Steam accounts. MellowOnline1 speculated the breach came from Twilio, a company providing two-factor authentication (2FA) services for apps like Steam. ALSO READ | What is American Bitcoin, the latest addition to Trump's expanding crypto empire? Twilio denied involvement, telling Bleeping Computer no breach occurred. Valve, Steam's parent company, also clarified it doesn't use Twilio for authentication. Researchers couldn't verify the hacker's claims or the data's source, raising doubts about its legitimacy. While the threat appears exaggerated, users should still secure their accounts. Enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, Valve's official 2FA tool, which adds extra login protection. Change your password regularly—found under 'Settings' or 'Preferences'—and avoid reusing passwords elsewhere. Stay alert for phishing attempts. Scammers often exploit fear around leaks by sending fake 'Steam Support' messages. Never share login codes or personal info via email or links. Valve hasn't issued an official breach alert, reinforcing the likelihood this is a false alarm. However, cybersecurity experts stress proactive measures are always wise. If you've reused your Steam password on other sites, update those immediately. ALSO READ | Is Charmander getting a new evolution? Pokémon fans divided as Gen 10 buzz builds Short, simple steps can prevent most hacking attempts. Check your account's login history for suspicious activity and revoke access to unknown devices. For now, stay calm—but stay cautious.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Is Charmander getting a new evolution? Pokémon fans divided as Gen 10 buzz builds
A rumored Gen 10 Pokémon game, "Pokémon Gales & Tides", is trending online, according to a post by the Hidden Power Podcast Twitter account. Leaked details include island exploration, a 'Gigaxis' battle gimmick, and starters like a Fire Goat, Water Octopus & Grass Snail. But fans are stuck on one thing: a ground-type Charmander variant. Posted anonymously on 4chan, the leak describes 16 main islands, 150+ smaller ones, and Guardian Pokémon fusions. Yet the spotlight is on Charmander — usually a Fire-type — getting a sandy redesign. Fans groaned. 'Stop making new Charmanders every region,' one tweeted. Another joked, 'Of course they'd give Charizard another form.' ALSO READ | What is Palme d'Or? Honorary Cannes award presented to Robert De Niro Another X user commented, 'Only believing this because a regional variant for the Charizard line sounds exactly in line of what Pokémon would do lmao' According to Gaming Bible, most agree the leak is likely fake. 4chan rumors rarely pan out. The user even admits: 'This is just random waffling.' Skeptics note Game Freak hasn't hinted at Gen 10 yet. The blog writer on Gaming Bible has even vowed to 'eat a Pikachu plushie' if proven right. The author also said, 'But if I predicted that the moon would explode every day until the end of time, eventually I'd be right. People really do just be saying anything over on 4chan, because it's a completely anonymous messaging board.' Charmander, the fiery starter from 1996's Pokémon Red/Blue, became a global icon. Its evolution into Charizard, a dragon-like fan favorite, boosted its fame. The anime's loyal Charmander episode (where Ash saves one in the rain) deepened its emotional appeal. Over 25 years, Charmander got Mega Evolutions (2013), Gigantamax forms (2019), and plushies galore. Despite its overexposure, it remains a symbol of Pokémon's magic. Yet fans debate: Does it need another remake?
Economic Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
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 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.
