Starfish or star? Who knows! YouTuber The RPG Mongers joins as we chat about the Starfy series, one of Nintendo’s most underrated platformers! Mostly a Japan only franchise, it’s recently gained new popularity thanks to a worldwide NSO release. We explore its tumultuous development origins, dive into how it’s unique from other platformers, and try …

Nintendo Museum has opened its doors, and returning guest KyotoGamer is here to tell us all about it! We get into every single detail from getting tickets, to umbrella holders, to burger toppings, to prototype controllers, to box quality, to how you should spend your coins… literally EVERYTHING about the Nintendo Museum is covered in-depth! In the …

DJ Tatsujin of Gemubaka joins as we venture to the strange and wonderful world of Red Earth! Why did Capcom make a fantasy boss rush fighting game right before Street Fighter III? How do you actually get good? Who should be in Monster Hunter? We get into everything about one of Capcom’s most obscure fighters. And I take a look at the newly released…

Nintendo superfan Zalman joins as we unravel the mysteries of the Famicom Detective Club series! What was once a niche Japan only franchise now as a worldwide release with Emio - The Smiling Man! We explore Yoshio Sakamoto’s fascination with the series, why adventure games are so appealing to Nintendo, and Ayumi Tachibana’s Smash moveset. In the ga…

Game translator Lone joins the podcast to chat about The Secret of Mother 2 / Earthbound exhibit happening right now in Tokyo! We chat about Earthbound’s 30th anniversary events, the analog nature of game design in the 90s, and if Life Noodles will make us live longer. In the games section I run down the roguelite monster battler Dicefolk! Plus, th…

Joshua ‘Nantenjex’ Goldie AKA The Nintendo Chronicler returns as we explore Eiji Aonuma’s directorial debut: the Japan only Marvelous: Another Treasure Island! We touch on the game’s origins as a CD title, the unique three person gameplay structure, its impact on Zelda and everything else! In the feature, I take you down to Yokohama to experience t…

Author Oscar Bown joins to chat about Club Nintendo, the rewards program that was the predecessor to My Nintendo which featured dozens of amazing, one of a kind items. We explore the history of Club Nintendo, talk about the weirdest rewards, and dig into our guest’s upcoming book featuring every single Club Nintendo item! In the games section, I ai…

Tako no Himitsu developer Christophe Galati returns to talk about the newest octopi related project: Tako no Himitsu: Ocean of Secretss, a GBA inspired JRPG! We explore the game’s origins in Kyoto, what it takes to make your dream game, and how to get Motoi Sakuraba to write a song for your game! In the feature, I take you to Kawasaki to visit Poke…

Author Matt Alt joins as we chat about Nakano Broadway, one of the most iconic geek hotspots in Tokyo! We delve into how a symbol of Asian modernity turned into a haven for retro enthusiasts, our rarest and most exciting finds, and discuss possible futures for this otaku pirate hangout. Plus, I give some final thoughts on the Switch version of Pape…

Ryan from Autumn Pioneer, the developer of Shashingo: Learn Photography With Japanese joins the podcast to talk about his photo-snapping edutainment game with a Tokyo flair! We dig into using video games to learn languages, the joy of photography games, and tons of obscure Japanese oddities. In the feature, I take you to Odaiba’s amazing retro arca…

Wizardry co-creator Robert Woodhead and Digital Eclipse’s Justin Bailey join the pod to talk about Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, the new remaster of the iconic 1981 dungeon crawler. We explore that game’s incredible legacy, how Digital Eclipse is bringing it to modern audiences, and it’s important impact on the Japanese gaming scen…

Danny Bivens from The Famicast returns to chat about the Nintendo 64 in Japan! We unravel the Japanese side of Nintendo’s first 3D console, highlight our favorite Japan-only games, chronicle the 64DD, and of course tell you the greatest N64 color you may have missed! Plus we venture back to Hyrule to chat about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kin…

Alola Pixie returns to chat about Poké Lids, unique Pokemon themed utility lids all over Japan! We chat about how these lids are promoting local culture, give our recommendations on which ones to check out, and debate whether or not you should take a week-long trip to find Mew. In the games section, I dive into Endless Ocean Luminous! Plus, a bit o…

Kelsey Lewin joins the pod to chat about WonderSwan turning 25 years old! We examine the unique legacy of the handheld, recommend what games to put on your radar, and chronicle the saga of getting a pregnancy peripheral. In the games, I look at the first western release ever of Wrecking Crew ‘98 and the Japanese indie horror hit The Exit 8! Follow …

Vincent from Gamer Travels Japan joins the podcast to chat about the interactive augmented reality exhibit Pokemon Colors! Bicycling to chase Charizard, shaking trees to lure Snorlax… we give you the details on everything to do and see at this unique event! In the games section, I bite into the wagashi themed board game KASHIDO and give the final v…

Josh from the Still Loading Podcast returns as we explore Akira Toriyama’s incredible legacy in gaming. From Dragon Quest to Chrono Trigger to Tobal, we delve into his one-of-a-kind art and amazing contribution to video games. In the games section, I give early impressions on Princess Peach Showtime and post-game thoughts on Splatoon 3 Side Order! …

Chris from KaniPro Games returns to chat about porting games to the Switch! We chronicle the journey to get his game, Violet Wisteria, from Steam to consoles and dive into what’s it like to develop for a Nintendo console! Also, I share some early thoughts on Unicorn Overlord and tell you what Pokemon Z-A is going to be about! Follow our guest! Viol…

Vincent from Gamer Travels Japan returns to take us to the official Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo! We run down every detail about this chill cafe including what Charmander tastes like and what you need to know before your visit! Plus I look at a trio of exciting Switch releases: Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Splatoon 3 Side Order, and Balatro! Follow our guest! I…

David from Project Goemon takes us on a trip to a wild version of Edo era Japan as we chat about the Ganbare Goemon series, aka Mystical Ninja starring Goemon! We explore the series’ unique blend of Japanese culture with comedy, recommend some Japan only Goemon games, and of course tell you Goemon’s ultimate Smash move set. In the games section, I …

Joshua ‘Nantenjex’ Goldie aka The Nintendo Chronicler joins the podcast as we take a thorough look at Another Code Recollection! We explore the franchise’s unique place in Nintendo history, discuss the surprising changes of the remake, and finalize Ashley’s Smash move set. And I take you to Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku, one of the coolest game stores …

Official Hard Off ambassador Alex Kraus returns to chat about Book Off, the biggest chain of used bookstores in Japan. A hotbed for retro games, we chat about the history of the store, amazing finds, and how you can get retro games for cheaper. In the game section I chat about Konami’s arcade run and gun Mystic Warriors and the physics platformer G…

Tokyo resident Dale from Dale Plays Games returns to dish out some predictions for Nintendo in 2024! What big games do they have on the horizon? What’s the next step in Nintendo’s expansion to other media? Will the Switch 2 logo still be red? We look at our crystal ball to answer all. Plus we also chat about the final piece of Pokemon Scarlet and V…

Josh from the gaming history podcast Still Loading returns to chat about Game of the Year 2023! We share our favorite games we played this year, both old and new! And this year includes the bonus Omake Awards! Plus, a feature on Japanese gaming pamphlets you can pick up at game stores, and some news including Pokemon theme parks taking over the wor…

Archivist MrTalida of Keshi Corner joins the podcast to talk about keshi toys, unique retro figures with a strong Nintendo connection! We explore the history of these Japanese erasers, dig into the amazing Nintendo collaborations, and reveal how a dental scanner is preserving video game history! Plus, I give some final thoughts on the wonderful Sup…

Photographer and modder Christopher Graves joins to discuss the Game Boy Camera! Formerly the world’s smallest digital camera, it’s a unique piece of Nintendo history that still inspires people today. We dig into the history of the device, how to take good photos, and dig into the custom built Game Boy Mini Camera from our guest! Plus, some early t…

YouTuber AustinSV joins the podcast to chat about the Pokemon Card GB series! Pokemon Trading Card Game came to Game Boy in the west in 2000, but did you know there is a Japan only sequel? We dive into this amazing yet short-lived Nintendo franchise. Plus we’re tripling up on the games section: early impressions on WarioWare: Move It, the viral sen…

Returning guest KyotoGamer joins the podcast to take us to Nintendo Kyoto, Nintendo’s third huge merch store in Japan! Its incredible design and exclusive merch sets it apart from the rest, so we get into all the details and give some important tips for your visit! In the games, I give some early impressions on the ambitious Super Mario Bros. Wonde…

Danny from Retro Wars joins me to celebrate the ten year anniversary of Pokemon X and Y! We return to Kalos to explore the game’s innovation, it’s legacy, and the coolest Mega Pokemon. I also venture out to Saitama to check out Suzume Publishing Antique Books, a shop dedicated to video game books! Plus I run down all the fun Nintendo collaborations…

Tokyo resident and game industry interviewer Mr. KN1V3S joins the podcast to talk about Tokyo Game Show 2023! The games, the booths, the statues, the swag, we break down everything about the biggest TGS ever! I also share the details on the awesome Splatoon 3 X ZOZOTOWN pop up shop. In the games section, I look at Nintendo’s September offerings: Po…

Jan from Gamer Travels Japan takes us inside Hunter’s Bar, Tokyo’s Monster Hunter themed bar. Big meat, big beer, big swords, we dive into everything it has to offer plus break down what makes a great themed restaurant. Plus I visit two fun pop up shops in Tokyo: Pokemon Mosaic and Tamagotchi Study Club! In the games section, I highlight the awesom…

Japan resident and Pokemon superfan Alola Pixie joins the podcast to chat about the Pokemon World Championships in Yokohama! Drone shows, festivals, luxury cruise ships, we dive into literally everything Pokemon Worlds has to offer and give some great tips for the next event in Hawaii! Plus the details on two amazing art exhibits in Tokyo with a st…

Nanaki of the Tamagotchi Wiki joins the pod to chat about the world’s favorite virtual pet: Tamagotchi! We explore the history of this iconic piece of Japanese pop culture in the midst of the launch of Tamagotchi Uni, the most advanced virtual pet ever! Plus I share my final thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Is it really the be…

Josh from the Still Loading Podcast returns in this special Pikmin themed episode! We explore the fantastic Pikmin 4, travel back to the early 2000s to look at Pikmin 1+2, detail the Pikmin mania that has swept Tokyo, and analyze Pikmin 4’s record breaking sales! Follow our guest! Podcast: https://www.stillloadingpodcast.com/ Twitter: https://twitt…

Dean from The Video Game Library joins the pod to talk about video game books! More than just strategy guides, thousands of books exist covering every niche in the video game world. We explore the vast world of gaming books and Dean’s effort to categorize every single one! I also highlight two under the radar Switch titles: Super UFO Fighter and Mo…

Mike of the Quest 64 Official Twitter account joins me to chat about the 25th anniversary of Quest 64! Does Nintendo 64’s first RPG need to be re-evaluated? We dig into this misunderstood title. And I take you inside 84 Hashi, Tokyo’s hidden Nintendo cafe run by a former Nintendo employee! I run down the cafe’s many treasures and go behind the scen…

Tokyo based fighting game fan Doc Fugu joins me to chat all about Street Fighter 6 and the fighting game scene in Tokyo. We examine how Capcom evolved the franchise, and recommend some fighting game hotspots around Tokyo. This episode’s feature is all about the tasty Pikachu Afternoon Tea event happening right now. Plus, five recently announced gam…

Danny Bivens from The Famicast joins me to chat about Power Pros, Konami’s popular long-running baseball gaming franchise from Japan! We explore this deceptively cute baseball sim and its surprising contributions to sports games. I also share my five favorite moments from Tears of the Kingdom so far, and debate whether Everybody 1 2 Switch will be …

A Tears of the Kingdom super episode! Dale Plays Games, Genki, and KyotoGamer all join me to chat about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. We also share our experiences scavenging Lawson for banana milk, and whether or not you should go to Nintendo Tokyo on launch day. Follow our guests! Dale Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dale_DPG Open World…

Zelda art preservationist History of Hyrule joins the pod to talk all about old school Zelda art. Magazines, strategy guides, board games, there’s a ton of hidden Zelda art out there and we get into finding it and making it available in the 21st century. I also dish out the best strategies for Advance Wars 1 + 2 Reboot Camp, report on The Super Mar…

YouTuber Dale from Dale Plays Games and Open World Japan joins me to chat about our predictions for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom! Will Zelda be playable? Is there time travel? Where is Tingle? All the answers will be revealed. I also explore the newly opened Namco Tokyo which may be the future of Japanese arcades! Follow our guest: Dal…

Game collector OngakuGamer returns to chat about the long-running JRPG franchise, Atelier! Having recently broken out into the mainstream, we talk about the history of the series, its unique premise, and whether or not we actually understand the alchemy system. And thoughts on the puzzle/action titles Kuru Kuru Kururin and Amazing Bomberman, plus m…

Indie game developer Ahmin Hafidi joins the podcast to chat about his newest title, Grappin! We explore the origins of this Metroid Prime inspired first person adventure title, how artists James Turner and Takaya Imamura got involved, plus why those grappling hooks are just so fun. I also share some closing thoughts on Kirby’s Return to Dream Land …

Game preservationist Naoya Shinota joins the pod to talk about the Final Fantasy VII Feature Phone games! A significant part of the FFVII mythos is locked to these unique Japanese mobile titles, and we explore their importance and how people are trying to preserve them. Plus, I dive into the e-Reader levels for Super Mario Bros. 3 and final thought…

Chris from KaniPro Games joins the podcast to chat about the launch of the retro action/platformer, Violet Wisteria! We talk about the experience of launching a game and what’s next. I also check out Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and run down all the cool gaming related activities at Tokyo Skytree! Check out Violet Wisteria here: Steam: http…

Nintendo Life contributor Andrew J. Rue joins the podcast again to chat about the Marufukuro Hotel, Nintendo’s old HQ turned into a stylish lodging. Get the details on what to see, do, and eat before you book your room. I also check out the craftapalooza that is Atelier Ryza, race some horses in Pocket Card Jockey Ride On, and analyze the latest Ni…

Game preservationist RockmanCosmo joins the pod to chat about the Rockman Feature Phone Preservation Project. We chat about the history of Japan’s unique feature phone gaming era, why some games from big franchises like Mega Man can be lost forever, and what people are doing to preserve these titles for future generations. And get ready to dye your…

Tokyo resident and YouTuber Kid Shoryuken joins me to chat about Japanese arcades. What are the best arcades in Tokyo? What are some underrated games? How can they adjust to the changing market? We get into all that and more. In the games, I chat about the amazing Pikmin 3 Deluxe and return yet again to Tactics Ogre Reborn. Plus quick thoughts on t…

Josh from the Still Loading Podcast joins me to chat about Game of the Year 2022. What game(s) will take the top prize? We rave about our favorite games of the year, both new and retro titles! In the feature, I flip through the Perfect Catalogue series of gaming encyclopedias. Plus, news about Slowpoke parks and what plushie you need to buy next. F…

Localization director Jennifer O’Donnell joins me to chat about game localization, the process of bringing a game from one region to another. What makes a great localization? What other skills do you need besides translation? We take a deep dive into this important industry. I also chat about a trio of big new updates: Splatoon 3’s Chill Season, Go…

Pokemon card expert Graceon joins me again on the podcast to chat about the myriad of Pokemon shops in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City. Whether it be the games, cards, Go, or just snacks, it has something for everyone! I also share my final thoughts on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, plus reactions to the latest happenings in Japan. Follow our guest on socia…