This week, find out if we successfully podcasted our way to a new Pope. Learn just how poorly AI can spell Voorhees and Viticci. And, enjoy an audiobook pick, thoughts on Friends, and a Marvel movie bundle deal. Also available on YouTube every Friday here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged: As the conclave continues, two seagulls steal the show on the…

This week on NPC, Federico, Brendon, and John chart which handheld makers are still shipping to the U.S. in the wake of steep tariffs, then explore how speedrunners are stress‑testing Breath of the Wild at Nintendo’s Switch 2 hands‑on events. Plus, they update listeners on Nintendo’s release of version 20 of the original Switch’s firmware, how a co…

This week, John and Federico compare wildlife notes, John is set up to work outdoors, Federico has an album to share, and John recommends a movie about ancient Rome. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Textastic: The Powerful Code Editor for iPad and iPhone — Now Free to Try Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Groundhog…

This week, looming tariffs cause more handheld makers to pause shipments to the U.S., demand for the Switch 2 outstrips supply, John explains what the U.S. pre-order process was like, and we marvel at the restoration of a vintage Game Boy kiosk. Links and Show Notes Follow Up Playdate, Season 2 Preorders The Latest Portable Gaming News Tariff Updat…

This week, Federico gets silly with the Vision Pro, and John learns about crypto – typical Unwind stuff. Links and Show Notes Goodwill for Electronics The GRID Picks Federico’s Pick: ResMed Kontor Head Strap Forwardvia John’s Pick: Number Go Up by Zeke Faux Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon M…

This week, John and Federico hold down the fort without Brendon, discussing U.S. Switch 2 pre-orders, Super Mario Kart World, upcoming hardware from Epilogue, Playdate’s Season 2, Razer Remote Play, and more. Links and Show Notes Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders in the U.S. Switch 2 Breath of the Wild will add weapon repairs through Zelda Notes Super Ma…

This week, Federico shares all the details about his new 4K OLED display, and John is obsessed with documentaries about the Barkley Marathons. Links and Show Notes Picks Federico’s Pick: ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM John’s Pick: The Barkley Marathons The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young The Finisher: Jasmin Paris and the Barkley Marathons…

This week on NPC, the trio analyzes how tariffs have disrupted Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. Then Federico, John, and Brendon dissects new details that have emerged about the upcoming console, debate Nintendo’s game pricing, ponder what console exclusivity means in 2025, and share their excitement for the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Links and …

This week, we consider whether the dire wolf has actually been “de-extincted” and recommend a show on Apple TV+ and an excellent four-movie bundle. This episode is sponsored by: Rogue Amoeba: Makers of incredibly useful audio tools for your Mac. Use the code MS2504 through the end of April to get 20% off Rogue Amoeba’s apps. Links and Show Notes Th…

This week, Federico, John, and Brendon Bigley dive into Nintendo’s reveal of the Switch 2, analyzing the technical specifications, Mouse Control, the camera accessory, the new Pro Controller, Game Share, Nintendo’s strategy shift, and more. Programming Note: We’re releasing this episode early while the Switch 2 news is still fresh. Therefore, there…

This week, the latest on the NVIDIA tech driving the Switch 2 and a new Donkey Kong game brings back podcast memories, plus Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and a super-slim Qi battery pack for your iPhone. Links and Show Notes Nintendo Switch 2 and NVIDIA Nintendo Switch 2 Leveled Up With NVIDIA AI-Powered DLSS and 4K Gaming NVIDIA Blog Nvidia c…

This week, Brendon, John, and Federico analyze the latest Nintendo Direct and what it reveals about the Switch 2’s rumored June launch. Then the trio dissects the many questions that Nintendo’s upcoming Virtual Game Cards system raises, explores the features of the Nintendo Today app, and debate the reported three-phase launch strategy for the next…

This week, Federico and John each share a couple of drink discoveries and John has updated his video recording and gaming setups, before they share a TV show, documentary, and movie deal. This episode is sponsored by: Fello AI – All-In-One AI Chat Client for macOS. Download it on the App Store today. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Dropping …

This week, Brendon shares his surprising early impressions of the Ayn Odin Portal. Then Federico, John, and Brendon dive into Nintendo Switch 2 pricing rumors, explore the performance issues of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on M4 Macs despite being Steam Deck verified, and break down Qualcomm’s confusing new G-series chips powering upcoming handhelds. T…

This week, Federico wonders whether John would have been a vibe coder if he started building an app today, and they share music picks along with a movie trilogy deal. Links and Show Notes A Vibe Coder Before the Term Was Coined Blink Effortless Affiliate Link Generation on iOS Blink 2.0 iPad Multitasking Support and Removing Small Frustrations A Co…

This week, Brendon, Federico, and John dive into the ongoing Retroid Pocket Mini controversy, discussing the scaling issues, community reactions, and what it means for consumers in the retro handheld space. After addressing Retroid’s troubles, they explore the Retroid Pocket Classic and pricing information for the Flip 2. To wrap up the week’s news…

This week John is tricked by Daylight Savings, Federico and he reflect on how to avoid getting stuck in a creative echo chamber, share movie and music picks, along with a movie deal, and digress into the world of European cartoon theme songs before calling it a day. Links and Show Notes Avoiding the Creative Echo Chamber Picks Federico’s Pick: Live…

John, Brendon, and Federico are back for another week of handheld news, including a tiny bit of Switch 2 news, an up and down week for Retroid, DS handhelds inch forward, Samsung wonders if thumbholes are the perfect complement to thumbsticks, and AYANEO decides thumbsticks aren’t worth the trouble. Plus, Brendon shares NextUI and the 8BitDo Ultima…

This week, Cajun cooking, behind-the-scenes of the launch of NPC XL, another great British spy drama, and a classic sci-fi deal. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment John Cooks Red Beans and Rice Recipe Crock Pot Slow Cookers Introducing NPC XL - More NPC, Every Week NPC: Next Portable Console is now weekly for everyone. Enjoy a new episode packe…

This week, Retroid Pocket Flip 2 specs are out, the Legion Go S disappoints, and we try to decipher what AYANEO is doing before reminiscing over a PictoChat clone on the iPhone and discussing the benefits of having a personal videogame shopper in Japan, and Brendon’s experience with the black Miyoo Flip. Links and Show Notes Introducing NPC XL - Mo…

This week, Federico questions John’s character before discovering the joy of audiobooks, while John has been listening to more podcasts and has a question for listeners about which TV show he should watch next. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Federico digs into John’s history as a sports fan. Picks Federico’s Pick: Co-Intelligence: Living an…

On the latest NPC, ASUS gaming phones, Retroid’s big surprise, and more Nintendo emulation drama, plus 8BitDo tries to solve the iPhone vertical controller problem, Federico weighs in on the Any Odin2 Portal, and the whole gang has nothing but love for the TrimUI Brick. Links and Show Notes Follow-Up Bazzite Potential Effect of Tariffs on Retro Han…

This week on Unwind, Federico and John offer a peek behind what it’s like to wait for an Apple press release to drop, Federico critiques an Italian’s recommendations of what to buy at Costco and shares a videogame pick, and John has a new movie for listeners. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Apple Reveals New iPhone 16e with Face ID and 48MP Camera C…

This week, John takes listeners back to the animal kingdom, before he and Federico share a couple of TV recommendations. Plus, John shows off a recent dream device acquisition. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Armadillos in the North Carolina mountains Armadillos are expanding in North Carolina. What to know How Armadillos Can Spread Leprosy Picks Fe…

This week, Brendon, Federico, and John consider how the Switch 2 will impact the wider handheld market, recap the specs and benchmarks for the Legion Go S and 2, and cover new devices coming from Anbernic and AYANEO. Then, Brendon shares his experience running Bazzite on the ASUS ROG Ally X. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News What…

This week on Unwind, John makes a Kuzu discovery that may amuse Italian listeners, we explore bars and aperitivo, and we share a music and TV show pick, along with a great deal. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Follow-Up: Kuzu vs. Kudzu Bars, Coffee Shops, and Bottle Shops Understanding Italian Coffee Culture Aperitivo A Beginner’s Guide to a…

This week, Federico and John do some regional grocery shopping, Federico pursues pasta perfection, plus a documentary and podcast recommendation. Show Notes Links and Show Notes Unplugged Shop the Pig: Grocery Store Names Regional Grocery Stores Piggly Wiggly Food Lion Harris Teeter Publix Perfect Handmade High Hydration Pizza e Mortazza Recipe Nat…

It’s a packed episode with a post Switch 2 reveal vibe check and more on iPhone game controller innovation, plus John’s early impressions of the Ayn Odin2 Portal, Brendon’s review of the Miyoo Flip, and Federico’s long 2DS/3DS emulation journey. Links and Show Notes iPhone Controller Innovation MCON’s Kickstarter Campaign 8BitDo’s Micro Controller …

This week, a neighborhood explosion, oats, root vegetables, and coffee, plus a classic sitcom, a unique videogame, and an action-packed movie. Links and Show Notes MacStories Uncooked Coffee Overnight Oats Easy Overnight Oats Picks Federico’s Picks: Friends Stream Buy 1000xRESIST John’s Pick: Alien Romulus on Hulu Follow us on Mastodon MacStories F…

This week, John judges Southerners’ handling of snow, Federico is a game streaming convert, and John has a new favorite series about the Troubles in Ireland. Plus, we found a great deal on a favorite sitcom. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment The South and snow This video captures it well Picks Federico’s Pick: GeForce NOW John’s Pick: Say Noth…

On this special edition of NPC, Federico, John, and Brendon react to Nintendo’s video announcement about the Switch 2, dig through every detail of the video for clues, and consider how things are likely to play out in the coming months. Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Reactions Nintendo Switch 2 – First Look Trailer Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Nint…

In the first NPC episode of 2025, Brendon and John recap their CES experience with Federico, highlighting AMD’s new Z2 chips, the SteamOS-powered Legion Go S, and more. Together, they explore the technologies and trends poised to define the next generation of portable consoles. Sponsored By: Pika – Sign up today to start telling your story and use …

This week, John fills in Federico about pod people, creepy robots, light masks, AI BBQ, and other weird and wonderful sights from CES 2025. Links and Show Notes Weird CES Cute and Creepy Robots Mirumi Ropet Mirokaï Pod People Infrared saunas Full-body massage chairs Light Mask and Facial Recognition Mask Light Mask Facial Recognition Mask AI BBQ Ho…

To close out 2024, Federico, John, and Brendon present the first-ever HOTYs: the 2024 Handhelds of the Year awards, celebrating the best handheld gaming devices, custom firmware, and, of course, the Handheld of the Year. Links and Show Notes The 2024 Handhelds of the Year Awards Best Handheld under 4" Winner: Anbernic RG35XXSP Runners-Up: Anbernic …

This week, Federico and John share their favorite videogames of 2024. Links and Show Notes The NPC: Next Portable Console Videogame News list on Bluesky NPC on Bluesky Picks Federico’s Picks: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Learn More Buy Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Learn More Buy Dragon’s Dogma II Learn More Buy Astro Bot Learn More Buy Game of the Other …

As the year comes to a close, handheld makers haven’t slowed down. We have new devices in hand and on the horizon, plus Legion Go S and Switch 2 rumors, Brendon’s first impressions of the TrimUI Brick, Federico’s latest NDI streaming experiments, new AR glasses and more. Sponsored By: Pika – Sign up today to start telling your story and use code NP…

This week, John shares a trio of his favorite movies of 2024 and he and Federico share several favorite TV shows from 2024. Links and Show Notes The Best Movies and TV Shows of 2024 John’s Pick: Movies Furiosa Civil War Godzilla Minus One Minus Color TV Shows Loot, Apple TV+ Fallout, Amazon Prime Slow Horses, Apple TV+ Dan Da Dan, Netflix The Gentl…

This week on MacStories Unwind, kick off the first of our annual ‘best of’ Unwind recaps with the best music releases of 2024. Links and Show Notes Songs from our picks and more: The MacStories Unwind 2024 Apple Music Playlist Picks Federico’s Pick 2024 Music Picks: Album of the Year: All Hell by Los Campesinos Top 5: All Hell by Los Campesinos For…

Tencent and Intel announce a huge handheld, Sony is taking its time, reviewers share early hands-on testing of the Ayn Odin Portal, the Miyoo Mini Flip is spotted across the Internet, Samsung files an intriguing portable gaming patent, and a new eGPU is on the way. Plus, Brendon revisits the Anbernic RG35XXSP, Federico has a mini-surprise, and John…

This week, a Thanksgiving guessing game, neighborly pies, NotebookLM, the Infamous Cousin Dave’s emoji habits, and getting started with retro gaming. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment A traditional Thanksgiving dinner guessing game Do neighbors really welcome you with baked goods? Picks Federico’s Pick: NotebookLM featuring the Infamous Cousin…

This week, Netflix is making sexy holiday movies, Federico is warming himself with GaN chargers and batteries, and John checks out the latest Deadpool movie in the Vision Pro, shares a new Apple Music playlist, and has a movie deal for listeners. Links and Show Notes Unplugged In _Hot Frosty_ and _The Merry Gentlemen,_ Netflix Makes Nice by Getting…

For the latest episode, Brendon explains the cronut, the AYANEO 3 Windows handheld has been announced, we consider Anbernic burnout, Federico shares his PS5 Pro first impressions, we speculate about Microsoft’s handheld future, and on the heels of Brendon’s trip to France, we have thoughts on traveling with handhelds and downsizing our handheld set…

Links and Show Notes Picks John’s Pick: Tetris Forever Bonus Pick: Tetris, the movie Trailer the movie on Apple TV+ Federico’s Pick: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 MacStories Unwind Movie Bargain Top Gun Maverick - $4.99 to buy and $3.99 to rent Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viti…

This week, Federico attempts to make audio unboxings a trend, plus he recommends a TV show and videogame, while John encourages listeners to try a decade-old cartoon. Links and Show Notes An Audio Unboxing PlayStation 5 Pro Picks Federico’s Picks: How to Die Alone on Hulu Dragon Age: The Veilguard John’s Pick: Over the Garden Wall Over the Garden W…

This week, we have lots of smartphone gaming news, console mods, a first peek at the future of Windows handheld gaming, and more. Plus, John shares his first impressions of the Ayaneo Pocket Micro, while Brendon digs into OG hardware with the Nintendo DSi and Sony PSP. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News iOS Gaming News: Pokémon TC…

This week, the differences between U.S. and Italian Halloween, plus game, app, and TV recommendations. We also share a spooky season movie bundle deal. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Happy Halloween FAQs About Halloween In Italy National Park of Abruzzo Interested in Falconry? Picks John’s Pick: Pokémon TCG Pocket Nintendo Music Federico’s Picks: M…

This week, Federico and John share how they use their iPad minis along with a couple of TV shows. Links and Show Notes How We’re Using Our iPad minis Apps Discussed Play GoodLinks Readwise Reader Lire TV Picks John Dan Da Dan Federico Hijack Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Vit…

This week, Federico and John carry on without Brendon and profess their love of all things OLED. Plus, Federico shares a shopping confession, Anbernic is back to its bi-weekly ways, we explore inventive controllers and answer a listener question about the Ayn Odin 2, before Federico tells the origin story of his Wii, which he modded to offload his …

This week, Federico suspects his new vacuum cleaner is the victim of corporate foul play, and John is denied a donut and apple cider slushie thanks to his reliance on technology. Links and Show Notes A Vacuum Dilemma Dyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum cleaner Dyson Gen5detect Accessories sold out John’s solution for Federico’s balcony Paying in the B…

This week, John shares a spooky story, Federico and he both have TV show picks, and they update listeners on their progress in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Links and Show Notes A Spooky Story Brightwurks Debuts ‘Here’s to the Crazy Ones’ Letterpress Poster for Charity [Update: Pulled] Picks John’s Pick: Slow Horses on Apple TV Trailer The…