User:Pokelego999/sandbox/Regitube

Regitube is an internet meme, introduced in 2023. It is a Fakemon based around a video published by Canadian river tubing company The Tube Shack on their social media platforms. The video subsequently became a meme, inspiring a wide variety of fan works, including a mod for the 2021 video games Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Origin and spread

The initial video first appeared in August of 2023, published by Canadian river tubing company The Tube Shack. The video depicts an employee, who places a large number of stacks of inner tubes around their torso, arms, and legs, before walking away covered in them. Users were quick to point out the similarities between the inner tube-covered employee and the "Regi" Legendary Pokémon from the Pokémon series of video games. Various Twitter users later reposted an edited version of the video with the group's battle theme from the series, garnering much popularity. The video quickly caused the meme to spread, resulting in large numbers of fanart and memes surrounding the video, with the subject being dubbed Regitube (With other alternative names such as Regifloat).

Reception

Writing for Kotaku, Kenneth Shepard stated that "while Fan-made Pokémon are nothing new, but the community seldom rallies around one like they have Regitube." While he further stated that "...while Regitube can only exist in our hearts and fan art," he further elaborated by stating that Regitube's prominence made sense given the pre-existing usage of the Regis in meme culture. Game Rant described the Regi as mysterious yet powerful Pokemon, which sparks creativity in fans, citing that Regitube was a result that "got the hearts of the Pokemon community." This was further elaborated on by Onur Demirkol, writing for Softonic, who stated that the unique abilities and typings of the Regis allowed for room for fans to create their own designs, which he stated showed "how small, fun things can lead to something big and imaginative." Ana Diaz, writing for Polygon, stated that Regitube "strikes the right balance between a concept that’s utterly goofy and one that’s a plausible Pokémon design." She highlighted it as an "iconic" design, commenting on it favorably. Demirkol also cited similar reasons, also commenting on how it was a goofy design that fit in with the Pokemon world. Fan response to Regitube has been favorable, with many discussing potential stat spreads and movepools for the non-existent Pokemon. Dot Esports had described it as "an endearingly ridiculous concept" that "has proved very popular."

A mod for Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl made by creator TheYisusOne received attention for putting Regitube into the game. It recieved significant social media attention, garnering millions of views and thousands of likes. The Tube Shack later posted an edit of the original Regitube video, overlayed with audio of Regirock from Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, acknowledging the meme.