Pikachu has been the mascot of Pokémon since the franchise launched in Japan in 1996, and Thunder is one of the electric attacks associated with the character in the games and animated series. The crackling, high-voltage sound has become shorthand for electric power in fan edits, gaming videos and memes, because listeners recognise it instantly even without seeing Pikachu on screen. Its short length and dramatic peak make it easy to drop into reaction clips, battle montages and comedic surprises, keeping it in regular use years after its first appearances.