Nintendo Cartridge Society

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

In 2023, Patrick declared he was going to buy everything Nintendo released in 2024. Now, Patrick and Mark take stock of the things Nintendo released, what they bought, what they bought twice, and what they bought three times...SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark get worked up about analog triggers as new regulatory filings indicate a GameCube controller could be in the works for the Switch 2. Could this signal GameCube games coming to Nintendo Switch Online? Do GameCube games even make sense as part of NSO? Plus, a look at the creative team behind last year's NSO Playtest, the opening date for Nintendo San Francisco, and more.The guys also talk about:The butt rock of Xenoblade Chronicles X.The Super Game Boy-exclusive features of Donkey Kong '94.Star Wars Hunters shutting down.Niantic officially selling its games, including Pokemon Go and Pikmin Bloom, to Scopely.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

This week, Patrick and Mark conclude their ABC's of Nintendo Console Launches.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark throw off their Mario bed sheets, brush their teeth with Mario toothpaste, and dress in their finest blue overalls to celebrate the spoils of MAR10 (Mario) Day, including a new LEGO Mario Kart set, an update for Alarmo, and more.The guys also talk about:Getting started with Okami.Mario Picross and Donkey Kong '94 for the Game Boy arrive on Nintendo Switch Online.Strategies for Nintendo to keep subscribers happy with NSO.Improving discoverability on the eShop.Switch 2 features potentially revealed in regulatory filings.Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 + 4 remakes offically announced for Switch.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark prepare for the Switch 2 by looking back at the systems that came before with Part 1 of the ABCs of Nintendo Console Launches.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark use "News." It's super effective! The guys round-up all of the announcements from last week's Pokemon Presents, including the reveal of Pokemon Champions and a release window for Pokemon Legends Z-A. The guys also talk about:Patrick's initial impressions of Ninja Five-O.Mark's experience with Thank Goodness You're Here.A new overview trailer for Xenoblade Chronicles X.Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 + 4 remakes (probably) announced for Switch.Super Soccer being removed from Nintendo Switch Online.Awards for Kirby and Smash creator Masahiro Sakurai.Looking back at the Switch's launch on its 8th anniversary.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark dive into your questions and comments about last week's episode on Nintendo's original IPs. From franchises they overlooked to fresh perspectives on Nintendo's creative history, it's a full episode of fan-fueled discussion—plus a few surprises along the way.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark—who absolutely always knew Nintendo's rewards program is called "Gold Points" (and not "Gold Coins")—break down the latest updates and clarifications to Nintendo's loyalty programs. Plus, a Pokémon Presents is on the horizon, Pokémon GO developer Niantic shifts focus away from gaming, and more!The guys also talk about:Mark takes a break from Pikmin Bloom thanks to its overzealous notifications.Patrick scratches the Metroid Dread itch. A pair of retro game releases hit the eShop.A new Super Mario Wonder Switch OLED bundle lands in North America.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

By listener suggestion, Patrick and Mark take a deep dive into the new worlds and characters Nintendo has introduced with each console generation. From breakout successes to forgotten experiments, they explore the legacy of Nintendo's original creations and what they mean for the future—especially with the Switch 2 on the horizon.SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark team up with Garrett Morlang and the Super Gamer Boys podcast for an epic crossover episode! They break down the latest Nintendo news, including rumors of two Final Fantasy remakes in development, share what they've been playing, and even tackle 4:33—all with a Super Gamer Boys twist.Check out the Super Gamer Boys at https://supergamerboys.comSUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyFRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

This Valentine's Day, Patrick and Mark play Cupid by casting Nintendo characters in classic Disney love stories. Tune in as they reimagine The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin with a fun, Nintendo twist.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 Conner McCabe to try to make sense of all these new Nintendo patent filings, speculate about what "mouse support" could bring to the Switch 2, and bring as many things full-circle as they can.The guys also talk about:The Wario Land seriesThe GBA's weird sound chipWhether they're going to play Donkey Kong Country Rreturns HDWhat the Switch 2 will costThe runaway success of Super Mario Party JamboreeThe possibility of more HD-2D Dragon Quest RemakesA release date for Capcom Fighting Collection 2SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesocietyListen to Call Me By Your Game wherever you get your podcasts!FRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark explore the colorful rogues' gallery of Donkey Kong villains, tracing their evolution through the years. Then, after reviewing the contenders, they deliver a definitive ranking to crown the greatest Donkey Kong villain of all time. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

After an unexpected sick day last week, Patrick and Mark are back—fever-free and (mostly) decongested—to catch up on all the latest Nintendo news! This week, they dive into an Animal Crossing Valentine's Day event exclusive to Japan, trading in Pokemon TCG Pocket, leaked Switch 2 box dimensions, and more. The guys also talk about: Metroid Dread's hard mode.Mark's first thoughts on Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.Donkey Kong's kill screen defeated after 44 years.Alarmo for rent in Japan. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCHPatrick: SW-1401-2882-4137Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050