Best MacStories Podcasts (2025)

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Best Videogames of 2025 24:31

Play Pause

3d ago24:31

24:31

This week, Federico and John share their favorite videogames of 2025. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Sequel – Track Now. Enjoy Later. Links and Show Notes 2025's Best Videogames Federico's Backlog: Ghost of Yōtei Hades II Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Hollow Knight: Silksong Despelote Shinobi: Art of Vengeance FINAL FA…

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Monster Handhelds and Valve's Big Bet on ARM 31:13

6d ago31:13

31:13

This week, AYANEO goes big, very, very big, and we read the tea leaves from Sean Hollister's interview of Valve's Pierre-Loup Griffais. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News ANBERNIC Officially Reveals RG477V Retro Handheld Ayaneo Announces a Monster of a New Gaming Handheld iiSU Alpha Sean Hollister o…

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The Best TV Shows and Movies of 2025 22:16

10d ago22:16

22:16

This week, Federico and John share their favorite TV shows and movies of 2025. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Sequel – Track Now. Enjoy Later. Links and Show Notes 2025's Best Movies and TV Shows John's Movie Pick: Fantastic Four: First Steps Thunderbolts Alien Romulus Federico's Picks: Pre–2025 Shows: Friends The Mar…

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Anbernic Stumbles and SteamOS Dreams 34:07

13d ago34:07

34:07

This week, the Retroid G2 and Anbernic DS look like duds, the Xbox full-screen experience for PCs is out to more users, and John flirts with the idea of a mini PC for SteamOS. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Retroid Pocket G2 - Who's it for? Anbernic DS Performance Issues Full screen experience e…

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Turkey Trots, TV Affiliates, and Holiday Watch Plans 16:06

17d ago16:06

16:06

This week, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Federico is curious about American TV and has a TV pick, while John follows up on a couple of TV shows and other media he's looking forward to in the coming weeks. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes U.S. TV Affiliate System Wikipedia Picks Federico's Pick: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel John's…

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Living on the Emulation Edge with the Odin 3 32:15

20d ago32:15

32:15

This week, Brendon, Federico, and John catch up on a grab bag of news before diving deeper into the Ayn Odin 3's emulation and streaming potential, the possibility that the rumored TrimUI Smart Pro S could become the default budget recommendation for horizontal handhelds, and the 11" 3D Abxylute 3D One. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Sho…

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Tech Nostalgia 16:45

24d ago16:45

16:45

This week, Federico and John explore tech nostalgia and the importance of tech history before picking a new TV series and music artist. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Tech Nostalgia Versus Tech History NPC: Next Portable Console, GameCube To Go Picks John's Pick: Down Cemetery Road on Apple TV Federico's Pick: American Motor S…

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Workflows and TV: Weekend Excursions, Dictation Apps, and Pluribus 21:38

1M ago21:38

21:38

This week, John shares how he plans weekend activities with Instagram and Apple Maps, Federico tests dictation apps, and both share their first impressions of the new Apple TV show Pluribus. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes John's Weekend Excursion Workflow Instagram + Apple Maps Guides and the beta Places You've Been feature Fe…

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SteamOS Goes Wide: From a Cube to the Frame 38:31

1M ago38:31

38:31

This week in a special early release of NPC, the guys dig into Valve's announcement of the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Stream Controller, a trio of SteamOS devices poised to make a big splash in 2026. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Valve's Announcements Valve's Announcement of the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Cont…

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Can RedMagic Shake Up Mobile Gaming with a Liquid-Cooled Phone? 39:32

1M ago39:32

39:32

This week on NPC, Brendon, Federico, and John explore where mobile phone gaming is heading and reflect on what Nintendo's latest earnings report means for the Switch 2, before Brendon shares his first impressions of the Miyoo Mini Flip Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News OneXFly Apex and AYANEO Pocke…

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Reality Obsessions, Rom-Com Returns, and Seafood Comas 13:33

1M ago13:33

13:33

This week, Ticci Ticci jump scare videos, a seafood feast and Federico's latest fixation: X Factor Italy 2025. Plus, the return of a favorite Netflix rom-com series and an Apple TV comedy, and, of course, a special show-notes-only Unwind deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment X-Factor Italy Piercesare Fagioli |…

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Retroid Design Controversy and More on Thor 43:10

1M ago43:10

43:10

This week on NPC: Next Portable Console, the big story is Retroid's dual announcement of the Pocket 6 alongside the Pocket G2 and the ensuing drama. Then guys return to the Ayn Thor for Brendon and Federico's first impressions. Also available on YouTube here. --- Sponsored By: JSAUX – Your destination for Switch 2 and other handheld gaming accessor…

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From the Wilds of Alaska to Lumiose City 16:48

2M ago16:48

16:48

This week, John explains why Notion is finally working for him, after which he and Federico share new Apple TV series and videogame picks. Plus, two Unwind deal picks. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico's Pick: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Available from: Nintendo Amazon John's Pick: The Last Frontier on A…

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Hands-On with the Ayn Thor 30:53

2M ago30:53

30:53

This week, a Retroid tease, the Miyoo Mini Flip goes on sale, and John is the first of the gang to get the Ayn Thor. On NPC XL, the crew shares their experiences using GameHub Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Retroid Teases New Handheld Reveal for October 27 Miyoo Mini Flip first impressions Anber…

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Notion Daily Notes and AI Browsers 22:06

2M ago22:06

22:06

Links and Show Notes Notion Daily Notes Notion AI Browsers OpenAI Atlas Perplexity Comet Dia Deta Surf Microsoft Edge Strawberry Also mentioned Helium Vivaldi Picks No picks this week. We'll have a couple for everyone next week. Unwind Deal Blair Witch Project is $4.99 in the TV app 20 Days Later is $7.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and F…

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Budget Android Handhelds Rise as the Xbox Ally X Stumbles 35:18

2M ago35:18

35:18

This week, Steam Deck, Switch 2, and Vision Pro accessory follow up, Thunderbolt 5 eGPUs, Android handhelds break into the budget category, and the ROG Xbox Ally X is a bust. On NPC XL, Apple's M5 chip promise gaming advances on the iPad, but can it deliver? NPC is also available on YouTube here. Subscribe to NPC XL on Patreon here. Links and Show …

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Dishwasher Dreams and Gritty Crime Scenes 16:39

2M ago16:39

16:39

This week, weekend outings and the chores we wish robots could do for us, plus Federico shares an anti-pick, and John is hooked on a gritty crime drama. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Greenville, South Carolina Fall Festival Narwhal Freo X10 Pro robot mop and vaccuum Picks Federico's Anti-Pick: The Residence …

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Does the AYN Thor Have Handheld of the Year Potential? 45:15

2M ago45:15

45:15

The Latest Portable Gaming News Federico weighs in on the Xiaomi Pad Mini GameHub Lenovo Legion Go 2 Retro Game Corps review AYN Thor reviews and first impressions Joey's Retro Handhelds review Retro Game Corps impressions video Using the Epilogue GB Operator with the Steam Deck Digital Foundry tests iPhone 17 Pro gaming Mini PCs leap forward GMKte…

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Unwinding Delayed But Not Denied 14:06

2M ago14:06

14:06

This week, John stumbles upon a restaurant with a thing for the Italian navy, Federico explores the Final Fantasy Tactics remake, and John has a movie pick. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment John visits Florence, which is decorated with the Picks Federico's Pick: Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Joh…

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Anbernic DS and Nose-Bleed Windows Handheld Prices 45:24

2M ago45:24

45:24

This week, John and Brendon get excited about the rumors of an Anbernic DS clone, dig into weird and interesting news from Xiaomi, debate the merits of computer coasters, and update listeners on more pricey Windows handhelds and Lego's Game Boy set. On NPC XL, John shares his first impressions of GeForce Now's NVIDIA 5080 performance and he and Bre…

1
Nights, Weekends, and Holidays 21:11

2M ago21:11

21:11

This week, Federico tries to recover from a rough week, John brings some Southern cooking to the show, Federico has a long backlog of videogames to attend to, and John has an Apple TV+ show and an album to share. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Southern Cooking Pecan Pie Pimento Cheese Dip Fried Okra Picks Federico's …

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Budget or Power Play: AYANEO and GPD Move in Opposite Directions 36:54

3M ago36:54

36:54

This week, AYANEO introduces it's most affordable handheld yet, but it's not part of its budget line of devices. Plus, Qualcomm's new chips pack a punch and the GDP Win 5 pack a punch, while Sony expands its Pulse line with desktop speakers. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News AYANEO Pocket Air Mini …

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Big Mike and the Extended Shower Lifestyle 15:32

3M ago15:32

15:32

This week, John visits Mike the shipping guy, Federico's philosophy on hardware takes a turn, John declares Apple Watch charging in the shower a myth, and we share videogame and TV picks, plus a deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Big Mike's Shipping Shoppe Charging the Apple Watch While Showering Picks Federico's P…

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Virtual Boy's Cardboard Comeback 52:23

3M ago52:23

52:23

This week, gamers bring Xbox mode to the MSI Claw and other Windows handhelds, the DualSense controller gets multi-pairing, AYN shows off the Thor in action, and Nintendo gets even weirder with a Virtual Boy comeback, plus John reviews the Steam Deck Folio cover and the crew discusses the gaming updates to Apple's Vision Pro. Also available on YouT…

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The Aftermath of Review Season: Recovery and Reflection 20:18

3M ago20:18

20:18

This week Federico and John reflect on the toll of the review process and the annual recovery process before Federico follows up on a TV series and John recommends a pair of albums. Plus, we have a great Marvel movie bundle deal for listeners. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Aftermath of Review Season iOS and iPadOS 26: The…

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Steam Emulation on Android Gets Real 41:38

3M ago41:38

41:38

This week, Brendon emerges from a Silksong fog, Genki settles a lawsuit and sends Federico accessories for the Switch, and Federico and John try emulating Windows on Android handhelds. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Switch 2 Genki Lawsuit Settlement Genki Attack Vector Genki Energy Pack…

1
Two Beady Eyes Staring At Me 20:00

3M ago20:00

20:00

This week, John explains the art of the Southern storytelling with an example, reminding Federico to touch grass before sharing a classic movie deal and previewing some of the perks coming next week with his iOS and iPadOS 26 review. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Two Beady Eyes Staring At Me Skunks Unwind Deal The Prestige fo…

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New Handhelds, Old Problems: Legion Go 2 and Odin 3 Arrive 49:29

3M ago49:29

49:29

This week, Brendon and John examine the latest handheld announcements Lenovo and AYN that both come with impressive specs and some age-old frustrations. Plus, a new chip is coming to Anbernic's lineup, and Brendon shares his first impressions of Dbrand's Nintendo Switch 2 killswitch case. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Lat…

1
Coyote Fall 19:08

3M ago19:08

19:08

This week, the weather has begun to change, coyotes are on the loose, and John shares his running tech. Plus Federico has a TV comedy for listeners, and John has a superhero movie pick. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes John's Running Kit Apple Watch Ultra 1 Beats Fit Pro Picks Federico's Pick: Hacks Stream on HBO Max Buy John's …

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Microsoft's Stepping Stone: Xbox Comes to the Ally X 48:13

3M ago48:13

48:13

Returning from summer break, the NPC crew discusses Microsoft and ASUS's Xbox handheld announcement at Gamescom. They also cover the upcoming release of Silk Song, Nintendo Direct rumors, and growing concerns about Switch 2's strategy, particularly the lack of third-party dev kits and exclusive titles. The episode closes with an exploration of wild…

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Sports Comedies and the Return of MacStories Deals 14:17

4M ago14:17

14:17

This week, John and Federico return from break to chat about how they spent their time off, the new MacStories Deals social accounts, two sports-related comedies, and a great deal on a favorite TV series. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Summer Break and MacStories Deals MacStories Deals returns after seven years Follow it on Ma…

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Nintendo Faces Tariffs, But Keeps Switch 2 Pricing Steady 34:11

4M ago34:11

34:11

This week, Brendon and John mind the show while Federico is on vacation, covering Nintendo's pricing changes, the latest on Retroid's second screen accessory, the TrinketOS Android front end, Manic EMU for iOS, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Wavelengths 2.0 A Podcast and a Patreon Swit…

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Workout Buddies, Comedies, Videogame Podcasts, and Godzilla 21:48

4M ago21:48

21:48

This week, John is joined by Jonathan Reed to recap the watchOS 26 public beta, and share a trio of comedies old an new, along with Brendon Bigley's new project and a classic monster movie deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes A watchOS 26 Preview watchOS 26 The MacStories Public Beta Preview Picks Jonathan's Picks: The Naked G…

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Brendon's Bad Fur Day 29:39

4M ago29:39

29:39

This week, Brendon KONKRs AYANEO's two-day announcement-fest and is joined by John and Federico for diversions into 3DS repairs, the GPD Win 5, Gamescom, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News US Tariff Exemptions are Ending All of your international packages are about to get more expensive Th…

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Oasis and Superheroes 22:06

5M ago22:06

22:06

This week, Federico recounts his trip to London to see Oasis play Wembley Stadium, and John recommends the new Fantastic Four movie plus a great deal on a classic comedy. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico's Pick: Oasis Live at Wembley Stadium John's Pick: Fantastic Four: First Steps Unwind Deal Wa…

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The Multitool of Handhelds 43:47

5M ago43:47

43:47

This week, Brendon and John cover the ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1 dual-screen handheld, Sony's power-saving and controller updates, and the latest ES-DE update for Android. Then John reports back on the MagicX Zero 40 homework that Brendon gave him last week. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News ONEXSUGAR Sugar…

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Banana! 22:47

5M ago22:47

22:47

This week, John struggles to update an old Apple TV and two HomePod minis, Federico sets up OTA TV, and they both go bananas over Donkey Kong Bananza. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Hello Weather: The Exceptionally Useful Weather App for iOS, Totally Redesigned for 2025 Links and Show Notes Unplugged Topics John strug…

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Hello from 1998: Revisiting Past Handhelds 45:33

5M ago45:33

45:33

This week, John kicks off NPC with a return to 1998, before the crew digs into 8BitDo's new Pro 3 controller, Thunderbolt 5 eGPU enclosures and docks, TrimUI's ponderous Smart Pro Mini, and Federico and John's first impressions of the MagicX Zero 40. Then, Brendon, John, and Federico bring a handheld they haven't used in a while back to the show, a…

1
Shifting Workflows and a Dark Comedy 21:57

5M ago21:57

21:57

This week, Federico's return to Apple system apps has ended and new workflow experiments have begun. Plus, John shares a dark comedy, and Federico has an anti-pick. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Federico's Evolving Workflow: MCP and More Mentioned: HyperContext Longplay Longplay for Mac Launches with Powerful AI and Shortcuts…

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Joy-Lock™: Dbrand Trademarks Its Do-Over 44:55

5M ago44:55

44:55

This week on NPC, lots of follow up about microSD Express cards, the Switch 2 Dock, XR glasses and the dbrand Killswitch, plus Retroid's second screen accessory, Windows handhelds, a new eGPU, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Follow Up Follow up on microSD Express cards 1TB microSD Expre…

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Our Updated Gear Setups 18:47

5M ago18:47

18:47

This week, Federico and John discuss the updates to their work and play tech gear setups. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Our Gear Setups Federico's Pick: ASUS ROG PG27UCDM monitor with built-in KVM Nintendo Switch 2 Mac Studio Coiled USB-C to USB-C Cable Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Controller Viture Pro XR glasses Viture Mobile doc…

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Switch 2 Dock Mysteries 45:09

5M ago45:09

45:09

This week, Federico, John, and Brendon cover REDMAGIC's Android tablet, rumors of an Ayn Odin 3, and other news before digging into the mysteries surrounding Nintendo's Switch 2 dock. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Here's a 1TB MicroSD Express card for Switch 2 REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet has a…

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Tending Your HomeKit Garden 21:24

5M ago21:24

21:24

This week, automation crimes, HomeKit Gardens, tattoo crime shows, and videogames. It's a packed episode, just in time for the long holiday weekend in the U.S. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Automation and HomeKit Crimes HomeKit-Compatible Kasa Smart Plugs HDHomeRun Love Island (USA and Italy) 'Montoya, por favor!' the viral S…

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You're Holding It Wrong: Dbrand and the Joy-Con Gap 37:00

6M ago37:00

37:00

This week on NPC, John and Brendon cover Hori webcam woes, a creative new Game Boy Camera app for iOS, and dbrand's Killswitch case troubles for the Switch 2. They also dig into the ambitious but flawed MagicX DS-style handheld, Brendon's ongoing Tokyo Pro Controller hunt, and more. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News The Nintendo …

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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

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Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions 36:17

6M 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 …

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

7M 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 …