Type designer and YouTuber Kaihatsu returns as we chat about Ainu in video games! We discuss how northern Japan’s indigenous people have been portrayed in games like Ghost of Yotei, Samurai Shodown, Pokemon Legends Arceus, and how their culture may have influenced countless games. Plus I give some final thoughts on Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Monster Hunter Stories 3! And I dig deep into a lot of Nintendo news including the newest Star Fox game and analyze the financial report! Follow o...
May 17, 2026•1 hr 32 min
Indie developer Chris from KaniPro Games returns to chat about his newest title: Hong Kong 2097, the sequel to one of Japan’s worst doujin games. We get into how he secured rights to the sequel, how to make a follow-up to an infamously bad game, and the rocky road to actually getting it released! In the feature, I highlight all the exciting collabs and the movie going experience of watching The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in Japan! Follow our guest! KaniPro Games: https://x.com/KaniProGames Hong Ko...
May 03, 2026•46 min
Media historian Rex from Beyond Electric Sheep is here to chat about Evangelion video games! From visual novels to fighting games to mahjong, we (magma) dive into how one of Japan’s most important anime is also emblematic of a special time in Japanese gaming history. Plus, I look at the wacky Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and the deathly serious Pokemon Champions. Follow our guest! Website: https://www.beyondelectricsheep.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BEYONDELECTRICSHEEP Bluesky: htt...
Apr 19, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Author John Szczepaniak is here to chat about his anthology of dev interviews: The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers! We chat about the lesser known corners of Japan’s gaming scene, the people who built it, and general sake consumption. In the games section, I look at some short and sweet games like Balloon Kid and Öoo! Follow our guest! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/Untold-History-Japanese-Game-Developers-ebook/dp/B00Q93N29I (0:00) - Intro Feature (0:52) - The Untold History of Japa...
Apr 05, 2026•1 hr 3 min
YouTuber Oceaniz flies into the podcast to chat about Monster Hunter Stories 3! We examine all the ambitious additions to this underrated spinoff JRPG series and nail down which franchise rep will be in Smash Bros. Plus I gush even more about Pokemon Pokopia, and pop inside the newly opened Capcom Store Ikebukuro! Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Oceaniz BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/oceaniz.bsky.social (0:00) - Intro Games (0:57) - Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflec...
Mar 22, 2026•1 hr 2 min
Returning guest and Japan explorer Daan Koopman is back to bring us to PokePark Kanto, the newest Pokemon theme park in Japan! We explore every nook of this amazing new section of YomiuriLand, and what you should say if you meet Junichi Masuda! And I take a look at Pokemon Pokopia, one of the biggest Switch 2 surprises! Plus, the news including a peek at Pokemon Winds and Waves! Follow our guest! Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nintendaan.com Twitter: https://x.com/NintenDaan Twitch: https://w...
Mar 08, 2026•1 hr 2 min
Nintendo superfan and YouTuber AK Family Home joins to chat about the revival of the Virtual Boy thanks to Nintendo Switch Online! We dive into the hardware, the games, and Virtual Boy’s unique stamp on Nintendo history. Plus, I take you into the retro game pop up shop/exhibit, Parco Game Center! Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Akfamilyhome Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/akfamilyhome.com Twitter: https://x.com/Akfamilyhome (0:00) - Intro Games (0:51) - Virtual Boy on NSO w/...
Feb 22, 2026•52 min
Developer Lucy Blundell shares her experience creating the Miiverse inspired visual novel, Videoverse! We dive deep into a unique era of online gaming fandom and the challenges of making your own Miiverse. And we also chat about Capcom Creations, one of the best gaming exhibits I’ve ever visited! Plus, I analyze a flurry of Nintendo news! Follow our guest! Website: https://www.kinmoku.games/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kinmoku.bsky.social Videoverse on eShop: https://www.nintendo.com/us/st...
Feb 08, 2026•1 hr 5 min
George from the Nintendormant podcast joins to chat about Chibi-Robo, which was recently added to Nintendo Switch Online! We chat about this cult hit’s enduring legacy and nail down how much a real Chibi-Robo would actually cost. Plus I return to my once abandoned island to bring you the details on Animal Crossing New Horizons 3.0. And I take you inside Tobichi, the official shop of Hobonichi. And yes, there is Earthbound merch inside! Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nintendo...
Jan 25, 2026•53 min
YouTuber Dale Clayton returns to dish out some predictions about Nintendo in 2026! What’s gonna happen on Pokemon’s 30th anniversary? Will Rambi return? Are we due for ArtePiazza’s next game? Find out with our totally gonna come true predictions! In the feature, I take you inside the Suikoden 30th anniversary exhibit! Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dale_dpg (0:00) - Intro Games (0:52) - Nintendo in 2026 Predictions w/ Dale Clayton Feature (48:26) - Suikoden 30th Anniversary ...
Jan 11, 2026•1 hr 5 min
Source Gaming creator and Sakurai guru PushDustIn joins the podcast to chat about the new manga based on the life of Masahiro Sakurai! We dig into Sakurai’s fascinating career journey and how the manga highlights his biggest moments. Plus, I head to space to bring you impressions on Suika Game Planet and Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2! Follow our guest! Check out Knights of Fiona: https://knights-of-fiona.com/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/will.pushdustin.com (0:00) - Intro Feature (0:50) - M...
Dec 28, 2025•42 min
Is Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour the best game of 2025? You’re gonna have to listen to find out! Josh from Still Loading Podcast is back as we chat about our favorite games from 2025, both new and old! From Donkey Kong to Rayman, from Medal of Honor to Boku no Natsuyasumi, we highlight what excited us this year. Plus, I look at this holiday season’s Japanese gaming pamphlets that are free in stores now! Follow our guest! Podcast: https://www.stillloadingpodcast.com/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/pr...
Dec 14, 2025•2 hr 10 min
Source Gaming’s Joshua Goldie returns to talk Stray Children, the newest JRPG from Onion Games and the spiritual successor to Moon: Remix RPG Adventure! Plus I look at Sakurai’s Kirby Air Riders and the Japanese indie action game, Sonokuni! In the feature, I take you inside Final Fantasy IX 25th Anniversary: The Exhibition which is happening right now in Ginza! Follow our guest! BSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nantenjex.bsky.social Linktree: https://linktr.ee/joshua.goldie (0:00) - Intro Games (1...
Nov 30, 2025•1 hr 21 min
Dragon Quest superfan and returning guest ChristophRPG is back to chat about Dragon Quest I&II HD2D! We chat about the many changes to these classic games, why they still hold up today, and peek into the future of the franchise. In the feature, I take you inside Lawson to eat a bunch of slime bread as I break down their latest collab with Dragon Quest! And a lot of news, including the latest update on PokePark Kanto! Follow our guest! Twitter: https://x.com/ChristophRPG (0:00) - Intro Games ...
Nov 16, 2025•55 min
Podcaster Joshua from Nintendo Maniacs joins to chat about Pokemon Legends Z-A! We break down this unorthodox Pokemon game, dig deep into Mega Pokemon, and give the final verdict on the Pokemon franchise in the Switch era. And we look at another Game Freak title, Mario and Wario! And in the feature, I look at the amazing illustrated Pokemon field guide, Pokecology! Follow our guest! Nintendo Maniacs podcast: https://linktr.ee/NintendoManiacs BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nintendomaniacs.bsky...
Nov 02, 2025•1 hr 21 min
Game localizer Stephen Meyerink joins as we dive into Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles! We explore this game’s many new additions, the history of FFT’s localization, and talk about this Final Fantasy spinoff’s enduring legacy. Plus, I take you inside the brand new Sega merch shop in Shibuya, Sega Store Tokyo! Follow our guest! BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjmtaelus.bsky.social Website: https://sjmtaelus.com/ (0:00) - Intro Games (0:49) - Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chron...
Oct 19, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Japan’s biggest gaming event, Tokyo Game Show 2025, just happened and video game PR guru Kyle aka Mr. KN1V3S is back to chat all about it! We dive into some amazing Switch 2 demos, the best booths, and talk about all the great upcoming games we tried out! Plus I look at the hotly anticipated Hades II and the not anticipated at all Fire Emblem Shadows! Follow our guest! Mr. KN1V3S: https://bsky.app/profile/mrkn1v3s.bsky.social (0:00) - Intro Feature (0:52) - Tokyo Game Show 2025 w/ Mr. Kn1v3s Gam...
Oct 05, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Scott Popular and Mr. KN1V3S join the podcast to chat about Video Game Prom, the biggest video game related party in Tokyo! We talk about how they’re bringing a party atmosphere to indie dev meetups and strategies to become the prom queen! Plus I look at Hollow Knight: Silksong and the new Donkey Kong DLC! And of course, a big analysis of the Direct! Follow our guest! Video Game Prom: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-video-game-prom-tickets-1288063345139 Scott: https://bsky.app/profile/scottpop...
Sep 21, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Type designer Kaihatsu joins to chat about Nintendo fonts! We explore how Nintendo utilizes typography in their games, the surprising NHK/Wii connection, and the joys of Pop Happiness. Plus, I take a look at Kirby Star-Crossed World and Hello, Mario! Small correction: The Japanese version of Super Mario Galaxy uses the Rodin Maria font. Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Kaihatsu Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kaihat.su Twitter: https://x.com/KaihatsuYT (0:00) - Intro Feature ...
Sep 07, 2025•57 min
Chris from KaniPro Games returns to chat about his new game: Conjunctivitalizer! This indie shoot ‘em up made in Japan is aiming to upend shooter conventions, and we explore the genesis of the project, the new demo on Steam, and how Toshiya Yamanaka of Sin and Punishment fame wrote music for the game! Plus, I roll you inside the Katamari Damacy Collaboration Cafe in Shibuya! Follow our guest! Conjunctivitalizer on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3343600/Conjunctivitalizer/ KaniPro Game...
Aug 24, 2025•47 min
Source Gaming’s Joshua Goldie returns as we chat about Dear me, I was… from some of the key staff behind Another Code and Hotel Dusk! We chat about this surprising return to Cing’s roots and how you should eat breakfast. Plus we share more in-depth thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza! In the feature, I take you inside The Shape of Mother exhibit, featuring over 180 clay figurines from Earthbound’s history! Follow our guest! Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nantenjex.bsky.social YouTube: https://www...
Aug 10, 2025•54 min
The world’s most renowned Donkey Kong journalist, Hyle of DK Vine, joins the podcast to chat about Donkey Kong Bananza! We explore the game’s development history, how it reimagines Nintendo’s iconic ape, and analyze Kong name lore. In the feature, I take you inside the newly opened toy store, Kiddy Land Shinjuku! Follow our guest! Website: https://www.dkvine.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dkvine.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DKVine (0:00) - Intro Games (0:50) - Donkey Kong Bananz...
Jul 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Video essayist IdolismJ joins to look at Buriki One, SNK’s under the radar attempt at making an MMA fighting game! We dig deep into this obscure fighter, the Hyper Neo Geo 64, orange hair, and how it’s a perfect time capsule for a moment in Japanese pop culture history. And in the feature segment, I take you inside Capcom Osaka, the company’s biggest merch store in Japan! Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IdolismJ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/idolismj.yase.world (0:00) - I...
Jul 13, 2025•53 min
Pro Mario Kart player Vantox joins as we chat about the competitive scene and mastering Mario Kart! How can you go from 24th place all the way to the top? Plus I share more details on the Switch 2 launch games I’ve been playing, and share my demo impressions on Donkey Kong Bananza! Follow our guest! Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/vantox_ Twitter: https://x.com/vnt__x (0:00) - Intro Feature (0:50) - Mastering Mario Kart w/ Vantox Games (21:45) - More Switch 2 launch games News (41:15) - Donkey Kon...
Jun 29, 2025•51 min
YouTuber Dale Clayton is back as we delve into the Switch 2 launch in Japan! We chronicle our journey to getting one in Japan and chat about the hardware’s record-breaking launch in the country! Plus we look at Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and a smattering of other games we’re playing on Nintendo’s newest console! Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dale_dpg Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/daledpg.bsky.social (0:00) - Intro Feature (0:50) - Switch 2 launch in Japan w/ Dale C...
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr 36 min
Game preservationist Caitlyn Pascal joins to chat about electro-mechanical games, the machines that dominated Japanese arcades before video games! We explore the fascinating history on how some of the biggest arcade titans got their start making these one-of-a-kind devices that showcased amazing technology, and talk about Caitlyn’s effort to preserve this important chapter of gaming history! And I look at some classic titles in Capcom Fighting Collection 2! Follow our guest! Early Arcades Japan:...
Jun 01, 2025•57 min
YouTuber Dale Clayton is back as we dive into a Nintendo Switch retrospective! We go year by year exploring the highs, lows, and weirds of Nintendo’s greatest console. In the feature section, I talk about one of Nintendo’s best merch partners, EDITMODE! Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dale_dpg Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/daledpg.bsky.social (0:00) - Intro Games (0:50) - Switch Retrospective w/ Dale Clayton Feature (1:33:05) - EDITMODE: Nintendo Apparel News (1:39:57) - ...
May 18, 2025•1 hr 44 min
YouTuber 4amLaundry joins as we chat about retro game shopping in Tokyo! We recommend our favorite shops, games, and analyze the state of retro game hunting in Japan! And I take a look at Kairosoft’s Heian City Story! Follow our guest! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@4amLaundry Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/4amlaundry (0:00) - Intro Feature (0:55) - Retro Game Shopping in Tokyo w/ 4amLaundry Games (39:34) - Heian City Story News (46:14) - Switch 2 preorder updates, new game merch Social media:...
May 04, 2025•52 min
What’s up with moai in video games? You’re gonna find out as game developer and creator of moai.games joins as we chat about moai in Japanese games! We explore Japan’s fascination with these mysterious statues, why Konami loves them so much, and reveal our favorite moai! Plus I take a look at Koei’s ambitious strategy game Uncharted Waters: New Horizons before closing out with some Japan-focused Switch 2 news! Follow our guest! Website: https://www.gingerbeardman.com/ Moai website: https://moai....
Apr 20, 2025•44 min
Japanese mascots, yakuza, kei trucks, and more can be found as you explore the Japanese countryside in Promise Mascot Agency from Kaizen Game Works! Game director Oli Clarke Smith joins to talk about how this unique amalgamation of ideas came together to make the game, working with legendary game dev Ikumi Nakamura, assembling an all-star voice cast, and more! Also I give all the details on my trip to Nintendo Osaka, and dive deep into the surprising Switch 2 Direct! Follow our guest! Bluesky: h...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min
