Super Switch Headz

Marcus Horn of Siactro (Toree Saturn) & Mark Robinson from Space Lion Studios (Axyz) join this week for an indie developer roundtable discussing the phenomenon of indie games that borrow aesthetic and gameplay from popular games of the past. Why is it so prevalent and when does homage cross the line into plagiarism? We dive deep into the topic and talk about some of our favorite indie spiritual successor games! We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as the newest Pokemon leaks out of Nintendo, Elon Musk making an AI video game, the Pikmin "Close to You" short film from Nintendo Pictures, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:09:22 News and Rumors 0:47:18 Indie Spiritual Successors 1:32:33 Games We're Playing Siactro on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Siactro Axyz on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2850490/Axyz/ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

IT'S GAME TIME!! This week OG Switch Head Patrick Knisely of One Frog Games joins to discuss his long-awaited game Monochrome Heights following its release. David, Jordan, and Patrick look back at over 3 years of development and break down the challenges and surprises of indie solo dev. Now that the game is out on Steam what is next? Listen to find out. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as Xbox raising the price of Game Pass, Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 releasing on the Nintendo Switch 2, Open AI's Sora being a hotbed of IP infringement, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:08:14 News and Rumors 0:41:50 Monochrome Heights 1:37:56 Games We're Playing Buy Monochrome Heights on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2336210/Monochrome_Heights/ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips 

We have a jam-packed episode filled with industry news this week, among them being the fact that we are completely inundated with new game releases. Your hosts get philosophical (and a bit political!) as we cover this new phenomenon and try to map out what this means for the future of video games as a medium. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as Doug Bowser stepping down as the president of Nintendo of America, updates for Mario Kart World, GBA Nintendo Classics, and Drag x Drive, the huge right-wing and Saudi Arabian buyout of EA and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:15:04 News and Rumors 1:05:27 Too Many Games! 1:37:26 Games We're Playing 1:51:11 Special Announcement Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

This week the NINTENDO TRIVIA BATTLE CONTINUES as Jordan Willis steps up to challenge the long-reigning trivia champ David Howe, hosted by none other than Summer Rain. In this very special episode our contestants test their knowledge of Nintendo, gaming, and the Super Switch Headz podcast itself. Who will come out on top? Feel free to play along with us and test your OWN inherent Nintendo acumen!! Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Super Nintendo Trivia Headz - David vs. Summer: https://youtu.be/uFZnLu2dmjs  Super Nintendo Trivia Headz - David vs. Matt: https://youtu.be/ieAWnjS4I6U Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

Nintendo gave us a ONE HOUR LONG Nintendo Direct this past week and we're joined by YouTuber XanaGear & Dialogue Tree's Andrew Valentine (with a special pre-recorded Fire Emblem segment from Summer) to break down the divisive presentation including pricing controversies, Nintendo's odd release schedule, and what we think was missing in this JAM-PACKED episode. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as Nintendo's newest gameplay patent and its effect on PalWorld, the Switch 2 devkit situation, SEGA restarting the console wars and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:06:33 News and Rumors 0:35:18 Nintendo Direct Reaction 2:01:59 Games We're Playing XanaGear: https://www.youtube.com/@XanaGear Dialogue Tree podcast: https://dialoguetree.cc/ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

Comedians Chris McKeever and Garrett Buss return to the show to give our hottest predictions for the HOUR LONG Nintendo Direct scheduled for this Friday. Will we finally get a Metroid Prime release date? Is it time for a new Animal Crossing? Red Dead Redemption and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth?? Listen to hear our thoughts. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as Silksong's enormous release, the Call of Duty movie fumbling Steven Spielberg, Star Wars Outlaws and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:08:36 News and Rumors 0:39:54 Nintendo Direct Predictions 1:27:41 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

This week we sit down with Alex Kanaris-Sotiriou from Polygon Treehouse (developers of Röki and Mythwrecked) to discuss the process of making a game destined for Switch, PC, Playstation, and Xbox. What considerations do you need to keep in mind while developing for games for multiple platforms? We break down the creative process in this informative interview. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as Nate the Hare corroborating Nintendo Direct rumors, Atari pulling an Embracer Group, the release of Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed Worlds and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:07:23 News and Rumors 0:40:34 Multi-Platform Releases 1:26:08 Games We're Playing Polygon Treehouse: https://www.polygon-treehouse.com/ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

We're joined by Legend of Zelda archivist Melora Hart (History of Hyrule) this week to discuss the importance of games media preservation. For over 20 years, Melora has been painstakingly scanning and preserving both official and unofficial art of the Zelda franchise. We go into the ways she helps keep video game history alive. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as the Kirby Air Riders Direct, Gamescom 2025, Nintendo Direct rumors, Sony raising the price of the PS5 and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:09:25 News and Rumors 0:40:53 History of Hyrule Interview 1:26:57 Games We're Playing History of Hyrule on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyofhyrule.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

This week comedians JP Bremer and Chadwick Smith join David to discuss Nintendo's latest controversial first-party sports game Drag x Drive. Why is everyone so upset about this game? In what ways is the game being mischaracterized in coverage? We break it down and also give our thoughts on the current state of motion controls on Switch 2. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as the Kirby Air Riders Direct, Gamescom 2025, Pokemon World Championships, Roblox being sued by the State of Louisiana and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:07:54 News and Rumors 0:45:12 Drag x Drive Impressions 1:29:03 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

THE END? We're joined by artist Rory Blank and filmmaker Tommy Green this week to dive down to the core of Donkey Kong Bananza's ending and postgame in a FULL SPOILER main topic (timecodes below for non-spoiler sections). Does the game stick the landing for long-time DK fans? How did we react to [REDACTED]? Tune in to find out! We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as the Drag x Drive Global Jam demo, Microsoft cancelling Contraband, Sony ending exclusivity, Nintendo bringing Silksong to Gamescom and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts.  0:00:00 Introduction 0:09:59 News and Rumors 0:40:23 Donkey Kong Bananza SPOILERS 1:28:46 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

This week David and Summer discuss the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase and what it portends for the rest of Nintendo's 2025. Was it a strong enough showing for this point in the Switch 2's life cycle? We give our grade of the presentation and predict what comes next. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as the massive price increases on Switch 1 hardware and Switch 2 accessories due to the Trump tariffs, the release of Mario Paint on Nintendo Classics, Pokemon TCG controversy, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:07:45 News and Rumors 0:41:22 Nintendo Direct Reactions 1:23:51 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

We talk Animal Crossing this week as Molly Phoenix (AKA Weast/Numbra) joins to discuss where we see the future of the series heading on the Switch 2. Is it finally time for Nintendo to dive head first into the realm of MMOs? What quality of life updates could a sequel to the massively popular New Horizons have in store? Listen to hear all of our thoughts. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as the itch.io's new NSFW policies, a better breakdown of the Pokemon Presents, the new LEGO Game Boy set, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:05:21 News and Rumors 0:34:57 The Future of Animal Crossing 1:04:39 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

HE'S FINALLY BACK TO KICK SOME TAIL!! Donkey Kong Bananza released this past week and we discuss our time with this new Nintendo masterpiece with special guest Kyle Romero. Can it possibly live up to the hype? We break down everything we love about the game and some things we'd still love to see. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as the Pokemon Presents, Nintendo employee turnover rates, the return of the Nintendo Switch Online Playtest, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts.  0:00:00 Introduction 0:10:09 News and Rumors 0:41:35 Donkey Kong Bananza 1:38:12 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

This week we're joined by Daniel Alba from GVG (Good Vibes Gaming) to discuss what Nintendo possibly has in store for Mario's 40th anniversary this year. Will we see a new Mario Paint? Is it finally time for Super Mario Maker 3? We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as Nintendo Direct rumors, Game Key Card surveys going out in Japan, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:07:20 News and Rumors 0:42:23 Mario's 40th Anniversary 1:27:49 Games We're Playing Good Vibes Gaming: https://www.youtube.com/@GVG Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

This week we talk all about Super Nintendo World with fan favorite Chris McKeever joining on the pod to discuss the gamification of theme parks. Summer recounts us with stories of their trip to the new Epic Universe in Orlando with thoughts on the new Donkey Kong Country section of the park alongside its Mario counterpart. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as mass layoffs at Xbox, secret N64 games coming to Nintendo Switch Online, revelations from the recent investor Q&A, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts.  0:00:00 Introduction 0:08:08 News and Rumors 0:40:17 Super Nintendo World 1:37:24 Games We're Playing Central Texas Flood Relief Donation Link: https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201  Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

SWITCH 2 vs. STEAM DECK! This week we're joined by Patrick Knisely and Brian Bonnet to discuss the myriad features Nintendo borrowed from Valve's own hybrid console for the Switch 2, and the features they could still lift from the Steam Deck for a better user experience. While both systems stand on their own, there's a lot both companies could learn from each other. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as a controversial update to Mario Kart World, price increases on Switch games in Canada, Street Fighter movie casting news, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:06:37 News and Rumors 0:37:31 Switch 2 & Steam Deck 1:36:44 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips 

We're joined by Alex Von Kurkendall (AVK) this week to discuss in greater detail the $80 launch title Mario Kart World and the updates we'd like to see added to the game going forward. Can we get a single player campaign? A Donkey Kong island? How about we simply fix the online partying system? We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as our glowing review of the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, Sakurai's comments about Generative AI, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts.  0:00:00 Introduction 0:09:59 News and Rumors 0:30:36 Donkey Kong Bananza Direct 0:42:32 Updates to Mario Kart World 1:23:10 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

This week we're joined by developer Chris Wade from Luckshot Games to discuss his upcoming 3D platformer Big Hops! This game currently has a Kickstarter campaign and demo on Steam that has completely captivated us so we sat down with Chris to discuss what makes a 3D platformer so good, and why fluidity of movement, player expression, and free climbing are so important to the genre. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as the announcement of Splatoon Raiders, Disney and Universal suing Midjourney, the return of David's Steam Next Fest Corner, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts.  0:00:00 Introduction 0:07:15 News and Rumors 0:39:09 Big Hops Developer Interview 1:21:31 Games We're Playing Big Hops Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chriswade/big-hops  Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

HOLY MOTORS! The Switch 2 has been out for nearly one whole week and we give you our unabashed thoughts: the good, the bad, and the Welcome Tour. We also give our initial impressions on Mario Kart World, and discuss how magically it evolves the series. We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as our highlights from Summer Game Fest, record-breaking Switch 2 day one sales numbers, The Legend of Zelda movie getting delayed, and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts.  0:00:00 Introduction 0:07:42 News and Rumors 0:40:44 Switch 2 First Impressions 1:28:32 Mario Kart World Impressions 1:51:20 Games We're Playing Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips

Our old friend Patrick Knisely (Pdyx) joins the podcast this week to discuss the Switch 2's imminent release and also to look back on 8 years of the original model of Nintendo's hybrid console. Come ride the hype train with us one last time before launch!! We also cover all the Nintendo and gaming news such as video game industry unionization efforts coming to a head, updates to N64 games on Nintendo Classics, a new mobile app and much more. As always, we close with the games we’ve been playing. Listen to Super Switch Headz on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy podcasts.  0:00:00 Introduction 0:08:43 News and Rumors 0:37:51 The Night Before Switch-mas.... 1:24:21 Games We're Playing Pursuing Pixels Game Jam: https://itch.io/jam/pursuing-pixels-james-jam-game-gam-4/entries Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWbF4gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/switchheadz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SuperSwitchHeadz/ Website: https://www.switchheadz.com/ Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchHeadzClips