New 'Haier Brothers' cause controversy in China

"I cannot accept the new deigns as the two brothers look like dull robots," said Sina Weibo user Xu Xiaoguang, adding "The redesigning of classic characters is negative to Haier Group's promotion."

"Haha, I never expected to see the two boys wearing clothes, it is such a weird feeling. Maybe I am nostalgic," said another Weibo user, Aichide Baobao.

In response to online users' dissatisfaction, the official Weibo account of Haier Brothers said the new edition revolves around the two heroes' adventures in the universe, and they wear space suits for "safety" reasons.

The official account also said the changing design is following trends, and explained the production team has fully considered the aesthetics and preferences of the new generation of children's audiences.