Best MacStories Podcasts (2025)

1
The Big Update You Probably Didn't Even Notice 17:18

Play Pause

1d ago17:18

17:18

This week, Federico and John dig into MacStories’ big infrastructure update, John tours Wilmington, NC TV locations, and they both have TV, movie, and music picks, plus two movie deals. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment MacStories gets an under-the-hood makeover Wilmington, NC TV Dawson’s Creek One Tree Hill The…

1
What's That Smell? The RG Slide 36:27

5d ago36:27

36:27

This week, we have RG Slide pricing and penguins, along with new AYANEO news, and a cool aluminum TrimUI Brick. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Switch 2 Pro Controller issues? dbrand Killswitch for the Nintendo Switch 2 RG Slide First Impressions, Pricing, and Penguins Anbernic RG Slide First Imp…

1
Beta Season and Crime Dramas 18:09

9d ago18:09

18:09

This week, John installs macOS Tahoe, he and Federico each recommend a recent crime drama, and we have a Daredevil Unwind deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment macOS Tahoe macOS Tahoe Press Release macOS Tahoe: The MacStories Overview Apple’s upcoming transcription API Hands-On How Apple’s New Speech APIs Outp…

1
From Italy to Japan: Brendon Goes Hands‑On With the Switch 2 42:54

12d ago42:54

42:54

This week on NPC, Brendon shares his first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 after UPS Japan comes knocking, and all three hosts cover a chaotic week of handheld news—from the RG Slide to a surprise ASUS/Xbox handheld. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review New…

1
Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions 36:17

23d ago36:17

36:17

This week, Federico and John walk listeners through their first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2, including the hardware, the setup process, Super Mario Kart World, the Zelda upgrades, the new Pro Controller, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Our Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions Nintendo Switch 2 Beginners Guide …

1
The Year of Weird Handhelds: RG Slide Edition 31:39

26d ago31:39

31:39

This week, with the Switch 2 launch just around the corner, Federico and John round up the latest Switch 2 news, get excited for a bunch of weird and wonderful upcoming handhelds, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Ninetendo Switch 2 N64 Games Are Getting An Upgrade Thanks To The Nintendo …

1
Dropping Dropbox 20:37

30d ago20:37

20:37

This week, John quits Dropbox, Federico wraps up Friends, and John recommends a pair of movies and a Quentin Tarantino movie deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes John Quits Dropbox for Google Drive Picks Federico’s Picks: Friends Streaming on Max Box Set on Apple TV Friends: The Reunion John’s Double Feature Pick: The Order Fo…

1
A Very Ticci Surprise 33:04

1M ago33:04

33:04

This week, Federico drops a big gaming surprise on John after the two of them cover the latest Switch 2, MSI, and Anbernic handheld news. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Samsung making its chips at potentially higher volumes than expected Nintendo Turns to Samsung to Make Chips, Ramp Up …

1
Pretty Much as You Remember Me: A French-Inspired RPG and 70s-Era Crime Drama 17:56

1M ago17:56

17:56

This week Federico and John, share the news that they’ll be at WWDC together for the first time since 2023. Then, Federico recommends Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an RPG that has taken a lot of gamers by surprise, and John is into Duster, a new JJ Abrams TV show set in the 70s. All that, plus a Raiders of the Lost Ark deal. Also available Fridays o…

1
Flip, Slide, and Brick: Handheld Rumors and Nintendo Surprises 32:09

1M ago32:09

32:09

This week, Federico and John round up the many new Switch 2 details that have emerged as launch day draws near. Plus, they share two new and interesting handheld rumors from Anbernic and Miyoo and more. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Inoreader – Boost Productivity and Gain Insights with AI-Powered Intelligence Tools L…

1
Beverley Hills Blogger: Behind the Scenes at Airbnb's Media Event and More 20:54

1M ago20:54

20:54

This week, Federico quizzes John about Airbnb’s media event and how it compares to an Apple event, and John shares a superhero TV show and TV deal. Also available Fridays on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes John Enters the Influencer Ring at the Airbnb Media Event Airbnb’s Redesigned App Combines Stays with Services and Unique Experiences Stay tu…

1
Nintendo Sues Genki, ROG Ally 2 Leaks, and Backbone Pro Debuts 32:30

2M ago32:30

32:30

This week, Nintendo is back to its litigous ways, Backbone has a new controller, the Anbernic RG34XXSP is real, and not one but two ASUS Rog Ally 2s leak in FCC filings. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Brendon spots an NPC parking lot. The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Nintendo began working on Switch 2 shortly after the…

1
Voze and Iticci: The AI Spelling Challenge 17:05

2M ago17:05

17:05

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…

1
Anbernic and Ayaneo Keep Launching and a JIT Twist on iOS 40:38

2M ago40:38

40:38

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…

1
A Return to the Animal Kingdom and Outdoor Spaces 20:57

2M ago20:57

20:57

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…

1
Midnight Chaos: Switch 2 Pre-Order Demand Outstrips Supply 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

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…

1
He's Acting Like a Bird 18:58

2M ago18:58

18:58

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…

1
Handheld Gaming's Bright Summer: Mario Kart World, Playdate Season 2, and More 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

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…

1
You Look Great in OLED 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

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…

1
The Switch 2: New Discoveries and Marketing Stumbles 41:35

2M ago41:35

41:35

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 …

1
Bio Grifters and Side Quests 22:20

3M ago22:20

22:20

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…

1
Nintendo Switch 2: Unpacking the Direct 46:50

3M ago46:50

46:50

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…

1
Switch 2 Tech, Games, and Cutting-Edge Battery Packs 18:34

3M ago18:34

18:34

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…

1
Bridging to Switch 2: Rumors, Virtual Game Card Questions, and Nintendo's Today App 39:33

3M ago39:33

39:33

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…

1
Summertime Drinks, A Tech Gear Update, Media Picks, and More 20:34

3M ago20:34

20:34

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 …

1
A Portal Surprise, ONEXSUGAR Chaos, and A Steam Deck Miracle 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

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…

1
Vibe Coding in Another Life, a Live Album, and an Emo Tribute 16:53

3M ago16:53

16:53

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…

1
Retroid's Rocky Road and Microsoft's Portable Plans 54:01

3M ago54:01

54:01

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…

1
Escape From the Echo Chamber 20:26

4M ago20:26

20:26

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…

1
Holey Controller Batman: Samsung's Prototype Handheld 47:39

4M ago47:39

47:39

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…

1
From Red Beans and NPC's Expansion to British Spies 20:08

4M ago20:08

20:08

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…

1
AYANEO Cancels Then Resurrects the Flip 46:07

4M ago46:07

46:07

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…

1
A Question of Character 17:03

4M ago17:03

17:03

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…

1
Brick Gang 53:17

4M ago53:17

53:17

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…

1
A Food Extremist 20:06

4M ago20:06

20:06

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…

1
Not Cuddly at All 14:17

4M ago14:17

14:17

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…

1
SteamOS on Windows with Bazzite 44:51

5M ago44:51

44:51

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…

1
Never Bored 20:59

5M ago20:59

20:59

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…

1
Pursuing Pasta Perfection 19:53

5M ago19:53

19:53

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…

1
Peas, a Rubber Band, and an iPad 1:21:27

5M ago1:21:27

1:21:27

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 …

1
Uncooked 21:00

5M ago21:00

21:00

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…

1
Trying to Reach All the Senses 17:11

5M ago17:11

17:11

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…

1
Nintendo Switch 2: Reactions and First Theories 26:55

5M ago26:55

26:55

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…

1
Unpacking CES 2025 58:04

6M ago58:04

58:04

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 …

1
Weird CES 19:05

6M ago19:05

19:05

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…

1
The 2024 Handhelds of the Year Awards 1:06:19

6M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

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 …

1
The Best Videogames of 2024 23:37

6M ago23:37

23:37

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 …

1
Worst Cable, Favorite Handheld 1:09:44

6M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

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…

1
The Best TV Shows and Movies of 2024 28:45

7M ago28:45

28:45

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…

1
The Best Music of 2024 22:42

7M ago22:42

22:42

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…