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“Fallout Season 2 Drives Increased Player Engagement on Steam as Interest in the Franchise Reawakens”

While it hasn’t taken as commanding a stranglehold over the world’s collective consciousness as its debut series did, the second helping of Amazon’s Fallout TV show is succeeding in helping drive a number of extra Steam players back to the wasteland. That said, a number of said wastelands being heavily discounted as part of the platform’s recently concluded winter sale likely hasn’t hindered those efforts.

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Garmin Forerunner 165: An Affordable Running Smartwatch Option Compared to Apple Watch, Perfect for New Year’s Fitness Aspirations

# Unleashing Your Athletic Capabilities with the Garmin Forerunner 165

Data is vital for enhancing your performance as an athlete. To improve your speed, increase your endurance, and sustain a regular training regimen, acquiring a high-quality running watch is essential. Whether you’re readying for a marathon, prepping for a local 5K, or just jogging a few times weekly, having a dependable running watch is crucial for quantifying your efforts. Currently, Amazon is providing a limited-time offer on the Garmin Forerunner 165, reducing its price by $50—bringing it down to only $200.

## Crafted for Active Lifestyles

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is designed for those living active lifestyles and focusing on fitness. It features a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that delivers clear visibility, whether you’re running in bright sunlight or at night.

### Your Personal Fitness Mentor

The built-in GPS of the Garmin Forerunner 165 enables you to monitor your running routes and supplies precise information about your distance, pace, and other vital metrics. The watch also incorporates wrist-based heart rate monitoring, making it ideal for athletes training within specific heart rate zones. With over 25 pre-loaded activity profiles, it accommodates a wide variety of sports, including running, HIIT, cycling, weight training, and beyond.

Furthermore, the Garmin Forerunner 165 can act as a personal fitness mentor. By utilizing the Garmin Connect app, you can access complimentary adaptive training plans from professional coaches, which can be synced directly to your watch. This eliminates uncertainty from your training, delivering a more effective strategy for enhancing your performance.

### Health Tracking Throughout the Day

In addition to workouts, the Garmin Forerunner 165 continues to assess your overall health during the remainder of your day. It monitors your heart rate, both while engaged in physical activities and when at rest. A standout feature is the Body Battery score, which evaluates your energy levels based on metrics like heart rate and activity. This aids in recognizing the best times to exercise or recover, ensuring you maintain optimal performance.

### Remarkable Battery Life

Battery longevity is another strong advantage of the Forerunner 165. With GPS active, the watch can endure up to 19 hours, making it suitable for extended runs. When GPS is disabled, the battery can last up to 11 days. An individual who runs multiple times weekly will likely need to charge the watch only once a week. This makes it far superior to other smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, which generally require daily charging.

### Smart Features at Your Command

The Garmin Forerunner 165 also provides smart functionalities akin to those found on pricier smartwatches. When linked to a compatible smartphone, the watch enables you to receive alerts for emails, texts, and notifications directly on your wrist. This allows you to keep your phone stored away while remaining connected and informed during your workouts or throughout your day.

### Affordable Excellence

Generally priced at $250, it is currently available for just $200 with a 20% discount. You can choose between two fashionable band hues: black or white, according to your taste.

In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a superb investment for any athlete aiming to safely and effectively elevate their performance. By leveraging its comprehensive tracking features, health monitoring, and smart capabilities, you can advance your training to new heights.

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Collector Acquires ‘Most Unfortunate Charizard’ Card for Substantial Amount

### The Charm of Imperfection: An Exploration of the Gold Star Charizard and Its Surprising Sale

The realm of Pokémon card collecting is frequently characterized by strict grading criteria and meticulous focus on condition. Collectors strive for cards that are impeccable, graded with high values to enhance their worth. However, a peculiar incident challenges this standard: a Gold Star Charizard, among the most desired cards from the Pokémon Trading Card Game, was recently sold for $550 despite being in what can only be labeled as dreadful condition. This transaction underscores an intriguing element of collecting—value can originate from uniqueness and history just as much as from immaculate condition.

#### The Gold Star Charizard: A Dream for Collectors

The Gold Star Charizard is an iconic card that debuted in the 2006 EX Dragon Frontiers set. It possesses considerable value in the Pokémon card landscape. A flawless version of this card, graded PSA 10, can command prices over $58,000, while a card in less desirable condition, without grading, may still garner nearly $2,000. The appeal of this card lies not only in its visual appeal; it signifies a formidable character within the Pokémon realm, cherished by fans across generations.

Collectors usually hunt for sealed packs from this set, which can be quite pricey—generally around $1,000—while sealed booster boxes containing 36 packs can fetch astonishing prices, occasionally soaring to $135,000. Even the empty packaging carries notable value, with prices for vacant boxes surpassing $200. The scarcity and appeal of cards like the Gold Star Charizard—and its counterparts such as Gold Star Mew and Rayquaza ex—highlight this trend. Each contributes to a burgeoning market where chance is a vital factor in discovering valuable items.

#### An Unusual Sale: The “World’s Worst Charizard”

In a comedic turn, a specific listing on eBay featured the infamous Gold Star Charizard in such a poor state that it appears to have endured both fire and water damage. Marketed as “WORLDS WORST CHARIZARD GOLD STAR EX Dragon Frontiers 100/101,” this card was boldly categorized as trash, with the seller recounting the quirky saga of locating it on a playground after rain. The description confirmed that it was “TRASHED,” accentuating its damaged condition while highlighting its rarity as an example of imperfection.

The seller indicated that this was not a card for the meticulous collector in search of quality but for someone who appreciated the unique narrative tied to this worn piece. The final price of $550, while seemingly meager compared to pristine counterparts, reflects the playful and nostalgic spirit of the collector community. The card’s undesirable state did not diminish its worth for certain collectors; instead, it added an eccentric charm.

#### Views on the Sale

The excitement surrounding this sale, as noted by sources including WarGamer, illustrates the varied motivations that drive collectors. While many aim to invest in top-condition cards, others find joy in the tales behind their acquisitions. This sale exemplifies the idea that value is not solely linked to perfection but can also arise from personal connections, nostalgia, and the quirky history of a specific item.

Moreover, the dynamics of the Pokémon card market reveal the profound interrelation of nostalgia, rarity, and condition. Cards that evoke childhood recollections, such as this Charizard, may appeal to collectors who are interested not just in the financial worth but in the sentiment of owning a piece of their childhood dreams.

### Conclusion

In the continually changing landscape of Pokémon card collecting, a recent transaction involving a severely damaged Gold Star Charizard demonstrated that even in the worst state, captivating stories and surprising value can emerge. It reinforces the idea that each card carries with it a narrative that resonates beyond its physical appearance, connecting collectors in a mutual journey filled with nostalgia, achievements, and occasionally, humor. This incident serves as a reminder that the essence of any collection lies not only in the cards themselves but also in the experiences and memories they encapsulate.

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Desire for a Follow-Up Grows After Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Reaches 1 Million Units Sold

**Title: The Future of Strategy RPGs: Final Fantasy Tactics and New Trends in Gaming**

In the realm of gaming, few series hold as much esteem as *Final Fantasy*, especially its tactical variations. The recent achievement of *Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles*, which has surpassed 1 million copies sold, prompts fascinating inquiries regarding the future of grid-based strategy RPGs. As enthusiasts eagerly await possible sequels or new releases, the factors influencing sales data and market trends could greatly affect Square Enix’s choices.

**The Sales Surge of Final Fantasy Tactics**

Square Enix’s projections for *Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles* started off modest, resulting in astonishment when sales crossed the 1 million threshold. Yasumi Matsuno, the original director, conveyed his surprise at the favorable response, suggesting the possibility of updates and expansions for the game. Looking ahead, Kazutoyo Maehiro, the director of the remaster, noted that strong sales might prompt discussions about new titles, including the potential return of *Final Fantasy Tactics 2*.

This revival of interest in tactical RPGs arrives at a moment when the genre has experienced varied popularity. The success of a remaster often reflects consumer demand, potentially persuading publishers to invest in fresh projects. If *The Ivalice Chronicles* maintains its success, it could open doors for more grid-based strategy games.

**Hi-Fi Rush: A Long-Expected Physical Release**

In related developments, *Hi-Fi Rush*, a notable title that captured the attention of the gaming community, is now up for physical pre-order. This 2023 Game of the Year nominee, crafted by Tango Gameworks, illustrates how different release formats can influence a game’s lifecycle. The announcement of a physical edition, including for PS5, marks a strategic shift for numerous studios as they appeal to collectors and conventional gamers who favor physical products.

**The Streaming Environment: Potential for Arc Raiders**

As gaming ventures into alternate media, the potential for adaptations rises. Patrick Söderlund, head of Embark Studios, expressed an interest in transforming *Arc Raiders* into a television project. Although no solid plans have materialized, the increasing tendency among studios to consider cross-media ventures implies that successful gaming franchises might reach new audiences through streaming platforms like Netflix.

**Conclusion: A Crucial Moment for Strategy RPGs**

Amidst these changes, gaming is experiencing a mix of nostalgia and innovation. With *Final Fantasy Tactics* reigniting interest in tactical RPGs and emerging titles like *Arc Raiders* seeking television adaptations, it’s reasonable to conclude that Square Enix could be swayed by present market currents and consumer sentiments. As fans, developers, and publishers navigate these challenges, the future of grid-based strategy RPGs may depend on ongoing sales trends and the broader saga of gaming culture.

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Anker Prime Charger (160W, 3-Port) Now Offered at the Best Price So Far, Under Year-End Savings

### The Significance of Portable Chargers: Maintain Power Everywhere

Experiencing a dead battery on vital devices like your phone, laptop, or tablet can be both annoying and inconvenient. To prevent such occurrences, possessing a dependable portable charger is essential for keeping your devices energized, particularly while you’re out and about.

#### Anker Prime Charger: A Wise Choice

At present, the **Anker Prime Charger, 160W** is offered on Amazon for a limited duration at **$105.99**, reduced from its regular price of **$150**—resulting in a discount of **$44.01**, or around **29%** off. This robust, compact charger is perfect for anyone in search of effective power solutions.

#### Features of the Anker Prime Charger

The Anker Prime Charger is designed to charge several electronic devices simultaneously, making it a flexible option for users with diverse gadgets. It delivers up to **160W of power** through its USB-C ports, facilitating quick charging of high-demand devices such as USB-C laptops, phones, and tablets.

The charger includes:
– **USB-C Ports**: Ideal for the latest devices that require high-power charging.
– **USB-A Ports**: Compatible with older phones, Bluetooth speakers, and smaller electronics.
– **Power Delivery (PD) Capability**: Allows for swift charging, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

In spite of its powerful features, the Anker Prime Charger remains compact and lightweight, easily fitting on a desk or nightstand without taking up valuable space. Its portability makes it a perfect companion for business trips, vacations, or daily commutes, replacing the need for multiple chargers and cables.

#### Improved Safety Features

Safety is paramount with the Anker Prime Charger. It incorporates built-in features that monitor temperature and power usage, safeguarding against heat damage, high voltage, and electrical shocks from short circuits. These protective systems provide reassurance when charging multiple high-value devices concurrently.

#### Final Thoughts

The **Anker Prime Charger** merges size, capacity, and performance effortlessly, rendering it an essential tool for anyone who often requires a power boost. It’s ideal for both home and travel, crafted to streamline your charging needs and reduce clutter. Keep one in your bag or car to guarantee you’re always ready for charging emergencies.

For those interested, you can [acquire the Anker Prime Charger](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/5984/) and remain powered up wherever life leads you.

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A Widely Acclaimed Best-Selling Manga in Japan at Present Developed by AI

**AI-Generated Manga Topping Charts in Japan: A Significant Indicator of 2026**

As the initial week of 2026 begins, the manga publishing realm is experiencing a notable shift with the emergence of AI-generated content. A new four-volume manga, *My Dear Wife, Will You Be My Lover?*, has surfaced as a top seller in Japan, sparking conversations about the future of artistic production in the digital era.

Crafted by Mamaya and published by Studio Zoon, *My Dear Wife, Will You Be My Lover?* currently sits at the forefront of the charts in Comic CmoA’s young adult segment, recognized as Japan’s largest ebook marketplace. The plot revolves around the personal challenges of a middle-aged couple striving to reignite the passion in their relationship. Despite its distinctive concept, the manga has received mixed critiques, highlighting the polarizing nature of AI-generated creations.

The success of the manga can be linked, in part, to the contentious approach used in its creation, which incorporates AI-generated visuals. This dependence on artificial intelligence for artistic content has ignited a dialogue among readers and industry experts. Although the manga has achieved remarkable sales, it has drawn fire for its dialogue, character illustrations, and an overall deficiency in originality. The user rating is a modest 3.1 stars, considerably lower than rival titles that enjoy ratings as high as 4.3 stars.

Fan feedback has been diverse; some patrons express dissatisfaction over the inclusion of AI-generated material in traditional manga channels. Calls for boycotts have arisen from a faction of the fandom who believe that AI-generated works diminish the artistry of human creators. Nevertheless, numerous readers seem to welcome the new medium, suggesting an increasing acceptance of AI’s involvement in creative spheres.

Kazuaki Ishibashi, a seasoned manga writer and editor known for acclaimed works like *Mob Psycho 100*, has shared his apprehensions about the rising prominence of AI-generated content. He observed that the concerns appear to be mainly with creators, as readers seem unconcerned about the origins of the work. Ishibashi anticipates that this trend will likely experience rapid growth in 2026, marking a significant turning point in the manga sector.

The launch of *My Dear Wife, Will You Be My Lover?* acts as both a commercial triumph and a trigger for more profound discussions regarding the future of creative expression. As the limits of artistic creation continue to blur with technological advancements, industry stakeholders and audiences must navigate the consequences of AI’s expanding role in the realm of manga and beyond. The real challenge resides in balancing innovation with the appreciation of traditional artistry as the manga marketplace adjusts to a changing digital environment.

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Xbox Game Pass Debuts in 2026 Featuring Two Significant Game Launches

### January Xbox Game Pass Additions: What to Anticipate

As the New Year begins, Xbox Game Pass subscribers are set for a delightful experience with numerous thrilling additions to the service this January. The month started off with a few titles that may not have attracted a lot of attention but laid the groundwork for more significant releases on the horizon.

#### Recent Additions

On January 6, Xbox Game Pass welcomed the following titles:

– **Brews & Bastards**: A distinctive twin-stick shooter that guarantees an entertaining and hectic gameplay experience.
– **Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition**: A highly praised horror-platformer that elevates the original with enhanced visuals and gameplay mechanics.

The following day, January 7, brought the addition of:

– **Atomfall**: A lesser-known first-person action game celebrated for its gameplay mechanics.
– **Lost in Random: The Eternal Die**: A roguelite follow-up that expands upon the unique narrative of its predecessor.
– **Rematch**: An online multiplayer football simulation, giving players a chance to partake in competitive matchups.
– **Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition**: This edition includes fixes that address problems from the initial release.

The excitement continues. On January 8, enthusiasts can look forward to the release of the remade **Final Fantasy**, delivering a nostalgic journey refined for contemporary consoles.

#### Upcoming Highlights

A particularly awaited title is **Star Wars Outlaws**, scheduled to launch on January 13. This game represents a significant chance for players to delve into an open-galaxy storyline focused on crime and adventure. Despite its troublesome launch marked by bugs and criticism, this edition is anticipated to demonstrate enhancements, giving newcomers a chance to engage.

Following this, **My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery** will be released on January 15, introducing a family-friendly selection to the array. The month reaches its peak on January 20 with the debut of **Resident Evil Village**, featuring the famous Lady Dimitrescu, along with the day-one launch of **MIO: Memories in Orbit**, which aims to deliver an intriguing metroidvania experience.

#### Exiting Titles

As is customary with service updates, the introduction of new games results in some titles being cycled out. On January 15, the following games are set to exit Xbox Game Pass:

– **Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn**
– **Neon White**
– **Road 96**
– **The Ascent**
– **The Grinch Christmas Adventures**

These changes ensure that Xbox Game Pass continues to be vibrant and appealing for its subscribers.

### Summary of Additions and Exits

#### New Titles
– **January 6**
– *Brews & Bastards*
– *Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition*

– **January 7**
– *Atomfall*
– *Lost in Random: The Eternal Die*
– *Rematch*
– *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition*

– **January 8**
– *Final Fantasy*

– **January 13**
– *Star Wars Outlaws*

– **January 15**
– *My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery*

– **January 20**
– *Resident Evil Village*
– *MIO: Memories in Orbit*

#### Titles Leaving
– **January 15**
– *Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn*
– *Neon White*
– *Road 96*
– *The Ascent*
– *The Grinch Christmas Adventures*

This month, Xbox Game Pass presents gamers with an excellent chance to expand their game library with cherished classics and overlooked treasures.

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Roblox Player Probes Speedrunning Deception to Regain World Record

**Title: Quinten’s Journey for Truth: Uncovering Cheating in Roblox Speedrunning**

In a recent development in the gaming scene, Quinten, an enthusiastic Roblox player, captured attention as they maneuvered through the challenging realm of competitive speedrunning—particularly in the obstacle course game, *Ultimate Easy Obby*. Quinten’s adventure not only underscores the excitement of competition but also the significance of honesty in gaming.

Quinten was close to achieving a Guinness World Record with a stunning time of 05:48:96. This record came after a fierce competition with another challenger, demonstrating exceptional skill and commitment. Quinten, an 18-year-old from Belgium, invested countless hours perfecting each jump and fine-tuning movements to reach this milestone, regarding it as their peak gaming accomplishment.

However, the triumph was fleeting. Just days following Quinten’s record being set, several new records popped up from seemingly random Roblox accounts, eclipsing Quinten’s time by an astonishing six seconds. Such a notable enhancement sparked immediate doubts within the speedrunning community, as Quinten remarked, “For context: a 6-second gap on a speedrun this optimized is physically impossible.” Instead of retreating, Quinten made a commitment to investigate these new records and expose what they suspected to be a case of cheat.

Quinten’s inquiry uncovered three main pieces of proof indicating dishonesty. The first involved scrutinizing timestamps on the speedruns. In *Ultimate Easy Obby*, players progress through a simple 50-stage course. However, the timestamps from the rival accounts were inconsistently arranged, implying that players had not finished the course as expected. Additionally, one of the new record holders lacked a “digital receipt” confirming their completion of the race, suggesting that they probably teleported directly to the game’s end using a script, bypassing the standard verification process.

The most persuasive evidence came from Quinten’s own examination of their recorded run. By executing a frame-by-frame analysis and calculating the maximum possible time savings achievable through flawless movements and in-game mechanics, Quinten mathematically proved that the times claimed by the suspected cheaters were unachievable within the game’s physics engine. This thorough assessment highlighted the validity of Quinten’s own record against the implausible assertions from the others.

In an extraordinary twist, Quinten compiled their findings and presented them to Guinness World Records. The organization acknowledged the digital forensics provided by Quinten and re-evaluated the records. Following a comprehensive review, Quinten’s original time was reaffirmed as the authentic world record. The validation marked a pivotal moment not only for Quinten but also for the Roblox community, emphasizing the necessity of fair play.

As Quinten shared, “It felt amazing to successfully lobby a major organization to reverse verified records based on user-submitted digital forensics.” This experience has not only restored Quinten’s status as the champion of *Ultimate Easy Obby* but also shed light on a critical issue in online gaming: the need for credibility and the ongoing struggle against cheating in competitive settings.

In summary, Quinten’s tale stands as a tribute to determination and the quest for truth within the gaming sphere. It highlights that even though competition can be intense, upholding the rules and ensuring integrity can ultimately result in a fair and rightful acknowledgment of skill.