Pokémon

Stephen A Smith Picks His Starter Pokemon Based On This Hilarious Reason

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Stephen A Smith continues to be a massive draw over at ESPN. Quite frankly, he is keeping the lights on over there. Although there have been some missteps along the way, Smith has continued to show that he is a fantastic addition to the team. Overall, First Take is a show that continues to get huge ratings. Even in an era where TV ratings are flatlining, Smith has somehow figured it out. It is truly impressive to watch, and ESPN better pay the man what he is worth next year when the contract is up for renewal.

Aside from ESPN, Smith has his own podcast where he fields questions from the audience. Overall, these segments are usually incredibly funny. He has asked about topics you wouldn’t expect him to know about. One just has to look at his ramblings on Lightneen McQueen to understand what we mean. Recently, however, Stephen A was asked about his thoughts on one other than Pokemon. Amid the Palworld controversy, many are talking about the infamous game. Well, one person wanted to know who Smith would choose as his starter Pokemon.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Reacts To ESPN Layoffs

Stephen A Smith Makes His Pick

In the video up above, you can watch the First Take host give his official answer. However, it is an answer that definitely comes with some humor. In the end, Smith said that he would prefer to take Charmander. This is a fire Pokemon that is a favorite for many. Smith ultimately chose the cute little Pokemon because it reminds him of his own forehead. Overall, it is a pretty hilarious answer. Although it is definitely an honest one. Another clip with the potential for Smith to go viral.

Let us know what you think of Stephen A and his choice, in the comments section below. Do you think he picked the right Pokemon? Which one would you pick? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and personalities, as well as their upcoming projects.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith’s Beef With Jason Whitlock, Explained

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What Is The Rarest Pokemon Card?

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For many, Pokémon cards are more than just pieces of cardboard; they’re a trip down memory lane, a collector’s dream, and sometimes, a significant investment. But among the thousands of Pokémon cards released over the years, which one claims the title of the rarest?

The Allure Of Ultra Rare Pokémon Cards

Ultra rare Pokémon cards have always been the crown jewels of any collection. With between 200 and 440 unique cards released annually, collectors are always on the hunt, especially for those with shiny white or gold stars. Their value has skyrocketed over the years, with some cards fetching millions. For instance, in December 2020, a Torchic Gold Star card #108 was auctioned for a whopping $25,400, a significant increase from its $560 value in 2016. But the crown jewel of them all? The Pikachu Illustrator card, which has an estimated value of a staggering $5.3 million.

Factors Influencing The Value of Pokémon Cards

Several factors determine the value of a Pokémon card. These include its rarity, cultural significance, market forces, online marketplaces, quality, condition, and the franchise’s enduring popularity. The odds of finding an Ultra Rare card in a booster pack have shifted over time, but the Pokémon craze remains strong, ensuring high card values. The market is ever-changing, with prices influenced by supply and demand. As long as Pokémon continues to capture hearts, these card values will remain high.

The Rarest Of Them All: Pikachu Illustrator Card

The Pikachu Illustrator card is a legend in the Pokémon card collecting community. Only 39 of these cards were distributed in 1998, and today, only ten confirmed copies are known to exist. This card was a prize from contests held in the 1990s, adding to its value and rarity. Its price range has varied from $375,000 to a mind-blowing $6 million. In July 2021, Logan Paul purchased one for $5.3 million. It cemented the card’s status as the rarest and most expensive Pokémon card in existence.

Other Notable Ultra Rare Pokémon Cards

While the Pikachu Illustrator card holds the top spot, several other cards are worth mentioning:

  • 1999 Pokemon Game Charizard-Holo 1st Edition #4: This card’s value has soared in recent years, with some selling for as much as $400,000.
  • 2017 Pokemon SM Black Star Promo Ishihara Gx #Tpci01: A unique card featuring the artwork of Tsunekazu Ishihara, the CEO and President of The Pokémon Company. One of these cards sold for $247,000 in 2021.
  • 1998 Pokemon Japanese Promo Kangaskhan-Holo Family Event Trophy Card #115: A card obtainable only by participating in a special tournament in Japan. Its value can reach up to $225,000.
  • 2000 Pokemon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Lugia-Holo #9: Featuring the legendary Pokémon Lugia, this card fetched $144,000 in a 2021 auction.

FAQs

  • What is the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold?
    • The Pikachu Illustrator card, which sold for $5.3 million in July 2021.
  • Why are some Pokémon cards so valuable?
    • Their value is determined by factors like rarity, cultural significance, market forces, and the franchise’s enduring popularity.
  • How can I determine the value of my Pokémon card?
    • Factors like rarity, condition, and market demand play a role. It’s best to consult with experts or use online marketplaces for accurate valuations.

In conclusion, while many Pokémon cards are rare and valuable, the Pikachu Illustrator card stands out as the rarest of them all. As the Pokémon franchise continues to grow and evolve, the allure of these cards, especially the ultra-rare ones, will undoubtedly persist. Collectors, keep your eyes peeled and your Pokéballs ready!

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Where To Buy Pokemon Cards: How Can You Get Them?

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The Pokemon Trading Card Game has been a beloved pastime for many since its inception. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to Pokemon, finding the right place to buy these cards is essential.

While the official Pokemon website provides a comprehensive guide on where to purchase these cards, here’s a distilled version to help you on your quest.

Trusted Places To Buy Pokemon Cards

pokemon
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 17: A competitor checks their hand at the Pokemon European International Championships at ExCel on November 17, 2017 in London, England. Thousands of competitors from around the world will attend the Pokémon TCG and Video Game Europe International Championships over three days, the first International Championships of the 2018 season. The competition will feature high Championship Point payouts and a prize pool value of up to $250,000. (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images)

When buying Pokemon cards, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re purchasing from a reputable source. The last thing you want is to end up with counterfeit cards. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Official Pokemon Stores: The Pokemon Company International operates several official stores worldwide. These stores guarantee genuine cards and often have the latest releases.
  2. Local Game Stores: Many local game stores stock Pokemon cards. Not only do they offer a wide variety, but you also get to support local businesses.
  3. Online Retailers: There are numerous online platforms where you can buy Pokemon cards. However, always check the seller’s reviews and ratings before purchasing.

Tips For Buying Pokemon Cards Online

Online shopping offers convenience, but it also comes with challenges. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth buying experience:

  • Research the Seller: Before purchasing, always check the seller’s reputation. Look for reviews and ratings from previous buyers.
  • Check for Authenticity: Genuine Pokemon cards have specific markings and holographic patterns. Familiarize yourself with these to avoid buying counterfeits.
  • Understand the Return Policy: Ensure that the seller has a clear return policy in case you’re not satisfied with the cards.

Why Buying Genuine Pokemon Cards Matters

Purchasing authentic cards ensures that you’re getting value for your money. Counterfeit cards are not only of inferior quality but also hold no value in the collector’s market. Moreover, genuine cards offer a richer gameplay experience, ensuring all players are on a level playing field.

FAQs

  • Where can I buy genuine Pokemon cards?
    • Official Pokemon stores, local game stores, and reputable online retailers are excellent places to buy authentic Pokemon cards.
  • How can I tell if a card is genuine?
    • Authentic cards have specific markings, holographic patterns, and a certain feel. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these characteristics.
  • Is it safe to buy cards online?
    • Yes, as long as you purchase from reputable sellers and platforms. Always check reviews and ratings before making a purchase.
  • Why should I avoid counterfeit cards?
    • Counterfeit cards are of lower quality and hold no value in the collector’s market. Moreover, they can disrupt gameplay, giving some players an unfair advantage.

In conclusion, while there are numerous places to buy cards, you must ensure you purchase genuine products. Whether you’re buying for gameplay or as a collector, genuine cards offer a superior experience and hold their value over time. Always research and buy from trusted sources to get the best out of your Pokemon card journey.

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Pokémon Announces New Stop-Motion Netflix Show

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Happy Pokémon Day! 27 years ago on Feb. 27, Pokémon debuted their first games in Japan. Now, they use this anniversary each year to celebrate new developments in their franchise and how far they’ve come. So, for 2023 Pokémon Day, fans of the Japanese cartoon and gaming company received another thrilling announcement. On Feb. 27, Netflix unveiled its plans for a new stop-motion series. However, instead of featuring the main characters Ash Ketchum or Pikachu, the show focuses on Haru and Psyduck.

Titled Pokémon Concierge, the upcoming series currently lacks a release date or announced cast. However, the producers of the stop-motion are Dwarf Studio, based in Japan. Pokémon Concierge is another huge milestone in the ever-fruitful relationship between Netflix and the brand. First acquiring their rights in 2014, Netflix boasts series and movies from the franchise on their platform. For the new series, the episodes are said to follow the characters in Pokémon Resort where they meet a variety of creatures and trainers. Creation of Pokémon Concierge begins “soon,” according to Netflix.

Pokémon’s Latest Endeavors

Before announcing their new Netflix series, the franchise was involved in other exciting collaborations recently. In Nov. 2022, they announced their partnership with Puma for a group of new sneakers. The models used for the collab include the RSX, the Rider RV, the Slipstream Lo, the TRC Blaze Court, and the Suede. Characters that inspired some of the models were Pikachu, Gengar, Charmander and Squirtle. This deal came just about four years after Pokémon first released a shoe collaboration with Adidas in 2018.

In 2021, for the 25th anniversary of the game, the franchise dropped an album. The project featured songs from a multitude of artists that loved Pokémon. Lasting 14 songs, rappers like Lil Yachty, Tierra Whack, Vince Staples, and Post Malone joined in on the fun. Additionally, other stars like Katy Perry and J Balvin contributed to the release. It’s safe to say that the franchise is one of the most influential and beloved brands in entertainment. So, when Pokémon Concierge finally releases, there are sure to be many loyal fans tuned in. Let us know what you think, in the comments below.

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Aminé Kicks Back With A Giant Poodle In The ‘Charmander’ Video

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The pride of Portland, Aminé did an admirable job staying busy during the pandemic. The rapper put out nearly a full album’s worth of new material in the Limbo (Deluxe Edition) and then was among those featured in the soundtrack to the Space Jam: A New Legacy sequel. Now he’s dropped “Charmander,” his first new track of 2021 and the video is telling of what he’s been up to since… well, sort of.

“Charmander,” named after the classic Pokémon fire-breather, sees him expanding into new sonic frontiers as the track is propped up by a sped-up jump up drum and bass beat. He ruminates on being comfortable in his home base with the repeatable hook, “I’ve been chillin’ on an island, too,” and is seen hanging with a new friend: A giant poodle. As he goes about his day-to-day in a woodsy Oregon cabin, flipping through records, cooking with his lady, and chopping wood, the massive pup is by his side. And the dog has a similar disposition to Aminé: Curious, but always relaxing. He spoke about the track in a statement:

“After the release of Limbo I took some time to experiment and challenge myself to create in ways I hadn’t before — exploring different textures and tempos without any expectations. ‘Charmander’ was the first product of that period that felt natural while still being at a completely different BPM than any of my previous work.”

Watch the video for “Charmander” above.

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Vince Staples Breaks Down His ‘Pokemon 25’ Song ‘Got ‘Em’ With Help From Snorlax

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Vince Staples might be best-known for his sardonic social media personality and scathing, nihilistic gangsta raps, but he’s also quite the pitchman — remember his hilarious Sprite commercials? The Long Beach native puts all three skills to use on Pokemon 25: The Album, a companion compilation of tracks celebrating the generations-spanning multimedia franchise’s 25th anniversary. Vince contributes “Got ‘Em” to the album, which also features such names as J Balvin, Lil Yachty, Post Malone, and Tierra Whack and drops October 15.

Above, in a rare glimpse of earnestness from Vince, he breaks down the “evolution” — hehe — of “Got ‘Em” along with some “help” from Snorlax. Of course, if you know anything about Pokemon — which, as Vince points out in the video, you probably do — Snorlax’s assistance amounts to basically napping in the corner while Vince recounts his experiences playing the video game and watching the cartoon growing up. As he puts it, “It’s important to tap into your inner child or just not be jaded. There’s always room for excitement or fun or optimism if you can keep hold of the things that were important to you in childhood, it’ll put you into a good place.”

If that feels like a big swing from the rapper’s usual stance on such things, it might be time to go back and review his old work — despite the running thread of fatalistic acceptance of his dark surroundings, there have always been glimpses of optimism as seen through his mischievous sense of humor. That humor pops up in his Pokemon explainer, too; the latter portion of the clip consists of Vince comparing his “nap ability” to Snorlax’s and determining that despite being an expert in catching 40 winks whenever possible, the rotund road napper has a lot more experience in sawing logs at a moment’s notice.

The Album poster
You can watch Vince Staples talk up Pokemon 25 above and pre-order the album here.

Post Malone Covered A Hootie And The Blowfish Classic For His ‘Pokémon’ Partnership

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The Pokémon franchise is commemorating its 25th anniversary this year; While Pokémon Red and Blue, the first games released in the US, came out stateside in 1998, the original Japanese games, Red and Green, were released in 1996. Anyway, part of the celebration has included collaborating with Post Malone on a couple things. Malone is performing a virtual concert for Pokémon Day this weekend, but ahead of that, he has released a new cover tied to the partnership: a rendition of the Hootie And The Blowfish classic “Only Wanna Be With You.”

Malone keeps the cover mostly stylistically faithful to the original version, and even though the song doesn’t have any clear preexisting connection to Pokémon, Malone has turned in a fun recording nonetheless. He slightly tweaked the lyrics, shifting the focus of one line from the Miami Dolphins to his favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, as he sings, “I’m such a baby ’cause the Cowboys make me cry.” Longtime Pokémon fans may have also noticed that the song has a sample from the second-generation Game Boy/Game Boy Color games Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, specifically the music that plays in Ecruteak City.

Darius Rucker, who of course sang and co-wrote the ’90s classic, is over the moon about Malone’s rendition, tweeting of it this morning, “The smile in my face will not leave for a long time. This is awesome. My bro @PostMalone bringing it. Hell yes man!!!!!!!!!”

Listen to Malone’s rendition of “Only Wanna Be With You” above.