Nintendo Cartridge Society

Patrick and Mark are joined by special guest Michael C. Hearn to celebrate the Virtual Boy's 30th anniversary by definitively ranking its entire U.S. librarySUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

The first Indie World Showcase of the Switch 2 era has arrived, and Patrick and Mark break down every announcement from the presentation. Plus, hands-on impressions from the Drag x Drive Global Jam, Nintendo debuts "My Mario," a new toy line for preschoolers, and more.The guys also talk about:The pitfalls of playing the original Legend of Zelda with a Switch 2 Pro Controller.Patrick's first impressions of UFO 50.When we expect more release dates from Nintendo.What's playable at Nintendo's Gamescom booth.Nintendo patents some unexpected Joy-Con 2 attachments. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark go bargain hunting as they share their favorite Nintendo games that deliver big fun without a big price tag.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Nintendo raises prices on the original Switch, amiibo, and both Switch and Switch 2 accessories in North America, and Patrick and Mark can't help but marvel at how wild it is that a nearly 10-year-old console is going up in price. Plus, new details on Drag x Drive ahead of its demo this weekend, an update to Mario Kart World, and more.The guys also talk about:A 5-minute spoiler discussion of the end of Donkey Kong Bananza.Patrick's impressions of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales demo.Mark's thoughts on Dear Me, I Was…Could microtransactions be coming to Donkey Kong Bananza?SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark wrangle all the announcements and surprises from today's Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase.The guys talk about:The striking new artstyle for Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection.A fresh trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.Concerns over how Star Wars Outlaws will perform on Switch 2A surprisingly strong showing from EA.How to fix the title "The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales."The out-of-nowhere reveal of Octopath Traveler 0.Has HD-2D worn out its welcome?And more!SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark become honorary members of Team MZ as they wrangle all of the news out of last week's Pokemon Presents, including updates on Pokemon Legends Z-A and a shiny new Switch 2 bundle. Plus, record-breaking Switch 2 sales, Mario Paint arrives on NSO, and more.The guys also talk about:Their ongoing adventures in Donkey Kong Bananaza, and some surprising DK lore implications.What to make of the Nintendo Switch 2 being widely available in the US for a few days now?A wave of new voice actors for key Nintendo characters.The first Tetris 99 Maximus Cup of the Switch 2 era.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark go bananas (tastefully) as they recount their first week with Donkey Kong Bananza.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Nintendo reveals the actors playing Link and Zelda in the upcoming live-action movie, and Patrick and Mark consider their hopes and expectations for what that film will be. Plus, first impressions of Donkey Kong Bananza, the return of the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program, and more.Hear Mark on Video Games: A Comedy Show: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uCJiEPgncjjr47ckPKV7kThe guys also talk about:A devastating revelation when Patrick opens the SNES Classic app on his Switch 2.Drag x Drive gets a limited-time test event.New happenings in Mario Kart Tour and Super Mario Run.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

To celebrate Donkey Kong Bananza, Patrick and Mark look across the Nintendo universe and pitch other characters who deserve the full Bananza treatment. Who else should star in a big, bold, genre-busting revival?SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Donkey Kong looms large this week as Patrick and Mark dig into new developer interviews about Donkey Kong Bananza and a fresh copyright filing that breathes new life into rumors of a Donkey Kong movie. Plus, Nintendo retires another discount program, buzz builds around a possible July Nintendo Direct, and more.The guys also talk about:Patrick's experience playing Mario Kart World with GameChat.Do retro 2D games hold up better than retro 3D games?Nintendo updates its publisher agreement in Asia. Can it help clear out the eShop spam?SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCH / SWITCH 2Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark are joined by special guest Greg Smith to draft musical groups made up entirely of Nintendo characters. Who's the frontperson? Who's on tambourine? The trio assembles their dream bands across genres, instruments, and Mushroom Kingdom egos. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Did Nintendo accidentally tip their hand on unreleased Nintendo 64 games coming to the Nintendo Switch Online library? Patrick and Mark join the internet in squinting at the blurry box art...but Patrick finds a reason to think it might not be so simple. Plus, Nintendo confirms the Mario Odyssey team is behind Donkey Kong Banaza, updates on the future of Mega Man, and more. The guys also talk about:Patrick's impressions of the Zelda Notes feature while playing Breath of the Wild.Wind Waker kicking Mark's butt.Mark's visit to Nintendo New York. Final Fantasy 14 director Kaoki Yoshida's praise for Echoes of Wisdom.Switch 2's incompatability with third-party docks.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark barrel into Part 2 of the ABC's of Donkey Kong, celebrating even more of the characters, games, and oddities that make DK a beloved Nintendo institution.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and special guest Matt Acevedo breakdown the drama around a recent update to Mario Kart World, how that update enforces the core design identity of a game, and whether that's frustrating (it is). Plus, Matt's first couple weeks with Switch 2, insight into Drag x Drive, and more.The guys also talk about: "Dear Me, I Was..." - the new narrative game from ArcSystem Works, the studio behind Another Code: RecollectionPikmin 4 being a perfect entry-point for the seriesSuper Mario Strikers and the strange legacy of Mario SportsThe impenetrable joys (?) of the F-Zero seriesSUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFollow Matt on everything @TheMattAcevedoFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

As Donkey Kong Banaza looms, Patrick and Mark celebrate the history of Nintendo's favorite ape with Part 1 of the ABC's of Donkey Kong.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick is joined by special guest Mikey McCollor to unpack the Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct. From songs time forgave to little girls with dreams to hand-slappin' sonar to an un-untangle-able web of canon and continuity; the guys unpeel it all. Plus, some reflections on Mario Kart World, what the Switch 2 does for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and... Doom Eternal, why not?The guys also talk about: Resident Evil Remake What the Nintendo Music App is actually good forMasahiro Sakurai considering AI as a solution to AAA game development woesThird party games selling poorly on Switch 2 (but maybe not unusually so)SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFollow Mikey on everything @SecretBlimpFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

To celebrate their 866th episode, Patrick and Mark dedicate the entire show to 4'33" topics suggested by you! From childhood crushes to favorite classical music, the current state of Star Wars to favorite movies, it's a lightning round of deeply important nonsense. Thanks to everyone who sent in suggestions, and to everyone for listening!SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark gear up for a trip to the Spirhalite Islands as Nintendo reveals Splatoon Raiders, a brand-new spin-off game. Plus, a Donkey Kong Bananza Direct is on the horizon, Switch 2 hits an early sales milestone, and the guys share updates from their journeys through Mario Kart World, Breath of the Wild, Wind Waker, and more.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark look back on their first week with Mario Kart World and the Switch 2 itself, and like any new relationship, there's excitement, confusion, and a killer soundtrack. Plus, their impressions of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Breath of the Wild revisited, and more. Could it be love?SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

The Switch 2 is finally here and the news keeps coming! Patrick and Mark round up everything happening in the wake of the Switch 2 launch, including updates from Summer Game Fest and a new release date for The Legend of Zelda movie. Plus, their initial hands-on impressions of the Switch 2, and more.The guys also talk about:Getting their Switch 2's and the set up experience.A brush with Nintendo Customer Support.Updates on Mina the Hollower and 007 First Light.New game announcements for both Switch and Switch 2, including Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection.What's going on with Call of Duty on Switch 2.New voice actors for Donkey Kong, Peach, Toad, and Toadette. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

It's Switch 2 launch day! To celebrate the occasion, Patrick and Mark create an audio time capsule capturing the moment: how they're feeling, what they know for sure about the new system, and what they think they'll be saying about it two years from now. Predictions! Hopes! Concerns! It's all sealed inside, ready to revisit in 2027.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark run through their final pre-launch checklist as the Switch 2 prepares for liftoff later this week. From their launch day plans to the games they're picking up first, the guys get ready for the next generation of Nintendo. Plus, Nintendo at Summer Game Fest (maybe), rumors of a June Direct, and more.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

In their official capacity as members of the Nintendo Chamber of Commerce (don't look it up), Patrick and Mark hand out prestigious honors to their favorite shops, vendors, and item peddlers from across Nintendo games. Who's got the best deals? The friendliest service? The most questionable wares? Step inside and find out today!SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark hit the track to break down this week's Nintendo news, including how Cow and other classic NPCs have joined the roster in Mario Kart World. Plus, a curious copyright filing sparks rumors of a new Hotel Dusk game, the surprising origins of the Pokémon logo, and moreSUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark each count down four reasons they're hyped (and one reason they're not) for GameCube games on the Switch 2.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Hey, isn't Mario supposed to be a plumber? Then why couldn't he stop the leak that the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie might be called Super Mario World? Patrick and Mark dive into the rumors, plus Nintendo's return to Gamescom, a batch of Switch 2 news briefs, and more.Watch Patrick and Mark on the Nintendo Switch Space Solace video game fantasy draft: https://youtu.be/3xwFdmPx7zkThe guys also talk about:The Super Mario Advance games for the Game Boy Advance.Updates on Switch 2 pre-orders from the American My Nintendo Store.Diddy Kong's new look.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark are joined by special guest Nick Costanza to count down their favorite countdowns in video games. From dramatic self-destruct sequences to high-stakes mini-games and everything in between. Time's ticking!SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark react to the news that Nintendo expects the Switch 2 to become the fastest selling console of all time in its first 10 months. Plus, Switch 2 pre-orders go live on the My Nintendo Store, speculation on why publishers are embracing Game Key Cards over physical cartridges, and more.Catch Patrick and Mark on Call Me By Your Game Co-Op: https://youtu.be/VeGRTOYYwrASUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark celebrate Mother's Day the only way they know how: by picking out thoughtful, weird, and possibly dangerous gifts for the iconic moms of the Nintendo universe.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

A major firmware update for the original Switch adds support for features like Virtual Game Card and GameShare, and Patrick and Mark unpack what it means for the looming launch of the Switch 2. Plus, Nintendo sets its sights on accessory maker Genki, the Joy-Con 2 gets a stealthy new rumble, and more.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

With word that some Nintendo titles are getting souped-up “Switch 2 Editions,” Patrick and Mark imagine what other Switch games deserve the deluxe treatment. What gets upgraded? What gets added? And which forgotten gems from the Switch are ripe for a glow-up?SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark survived the great Switch 2 pre-order scramble—and lived to podcast about it! This week, the guys share their experiences trying to secure the new hardware, plus thoughts on the newly available Tears of the Kingdom and Street Fighter 6 amiibo, GameCube controller pre-orders, and more. It's pre-orders all the way down!SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark affix patches to the elbows of their sports coats and dive deep into the curious semantics of Nintendo's game titles. What does it really mean when a game is called “Land” instead of “World”? And what happens when you throw “Super” in front of something? From "New" to "Deluxe," they explore the subtle signals Nintendo sends through its naming conventions.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark catch up on an eventful week in Nintendo news, with pre-order information and pricing confirmed for North America and—hey!—a whole Mario Kart World Direct as well. Plus, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, amiibo pricing updates, and more. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark pit randomly selected Nintendo games against each other in a no-rules, rapid-fire showdown to determine which game reigns supreme. Will logic prevail? Don't count on it! SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

When will Switch 2 pre-orders open in North America? Nobody knows—not even Patrick and Mark! But that doesn't stop them from trying to make sense of reports about Nintendo's manufacturing plans and what they could mean in our ever-panicked global economy. Plus, new details on the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, helping a listener spend their Nintendo Switch Vouchers, and more.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

The Switch 2 Direct was packed with exciting news—but it didn't cover everything. This week, Patrick and Mark explore what was missing from the presentation and what those omissions could mean for the system's future and Nintendo's broader strategy.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Mark is out of the hospital and now the only thing spewing out of his body uncontrollably is Switch 2 Direct opinions. Patrick and Mark finally get together to discuss:Switch 2 hardware features like GameChat and Game Share.Nintendo's approach to pricing.Reactions to games like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong: Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders.Third-parties showing up for Switch 2.And more.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Mark is waylaid with a medical emergency, so special guest co-host Conner McCabe joins Patrick to breakdown every minute of the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. Super Mario Kart, Kirby's Air Riders, Donkey Kong Bananza, Switch 2 Editions, 40k / 60FPS / HDR, Metroid Prime 4, Elden Ring, The Duskbloods, Game Cube Classics Library, Game Sharing, Game Chat, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Street Fighter 6, Hades II, and like, 50 other games. It's a wild ride marked by price point controversies and unclear upgrade paths!Listen to Call Me By Your Game and Super NPC Games Club where ever you get your podcasts!SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark asked, and you delivered! With the Switch 2 Direct just hours away, the guys dive into listener predictions, reacting to your boldest guesses and weighing in with their own expectations for what Nintendo will reveal. Will the rumors hold true, or are surprises in store? Let's speculate one last time before the big event!SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Well, folks, that was a weird one! Patrick and Mark break down everything revealed in today's Switch 1 Nintendo Direct, trying to make sense of it all. From the latest look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to Nintendo's new Virtual Game Cards system and the debut of Nintendo Today!, the guys dive into all the surprises, oddities, and what it could mean for the future.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

A Switch 2 Nintendo Direct is locked in for next week—but what if Patrick and Mark told you there might be a Switch 1-focused Direct happening first? Rumors are swirling that Nintendo could drop a surprise presentation for the current Switch just days before the big Switch 2 reveal. Does this make sense? What could it mean? The guys break it all down!Plus, the guys also talk about:Patrick playing Donkey Kong '94 on the Super Game Boy.Mark checks out the indie game Urban Myth Dissolution Center.(Some of) Kirby and the Forgotten Land is added to Nintendo Music.The ESA reveals the Accessible Games Initiative. A hidden 60 FPS mode in Xenoblade Chronicles: X.Lego and Pokemon tease a collaboration.A new Splatfest in Splatoon 3 for SpringFest 2025.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050