Punching Up: A Nintendo Podcast

Originally released for the Super Nintendo in 1996, Super Mario RPG is back in 2023 with a full remake for the Nintendo Switch. While the graphics are completely remade, along with quality-of-life updates, pre-rendered cutscenes, and newly recorded music, the remake remains faithful to the aesthetic and feel of the original. So, what does the Punching Up crew think? In this episode, we dive deep into the new release and our thoughts so far. As always, we love hearing from you as well, so we've incorporated your questions and comments into the show. What’s next for Mario mixed with RPGs? Are classic RPG elements lost on new players? What are our favorite games to play in a party setting? Will Dustin approach the man with the One Piece car wrap? A new episode of Punching Up is here, so hit play! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Is Dustin. We have created a new episode of Punching Up and it’s ready for you to listen to right now. The Legend of Zelda movie is real, but there are some deep concerns. First, is live action the right approach for the franchise? Second, are the people attached to the project the right choice? Lastly, Nintendo has opted to make the film with Sony instead of their recent partner, Universal. Let’s break down all the details and see what we can glean from the information we currently have. In addition, Nintendo’s recent financial report shows the Switch is still thriving seven years after its release, and the company shows no signs of slowing down. This may be the most jam-packed episode of Punching Up yet. Please enjoy! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nintendo can't seem to resist a gimmick with new hardware, and some recent patents show they may be up to their old tricks. The patents show a device reminiscent of the Nintendo DS, but with an extra screen on the outside shell. Could this be a glimpse into the future of Nintendo's hardware? Maybe not, as Nintendo, along with many other companies, loves to patent any idea for safekeeping. Even without the patent news, Nintendo has been on fire in the last few weeks with the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. So how is it? We dive deep (but spoiler-free) into the latest release. Finally, we dive into your questions: What are our favorite holiday gaming memories? What happened to Nintendo Selects? It's time for Punching Up, so please enjoy! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new Mario game is always a call for celebration, and it appears that Super Mario Wonder is a fantastic game. While we haven't had a chance to play it yet, it seems like it's going to be one of the greats. But Mario isn't alone; Splatoon is getting a Special Halloween-themed Splatfest. As always, we're delighted to include your questions and comments in the show. What is the most underrated Nintendo game? Why are Dagan and Gene excited for a new Sonic game? Who is Kirby's hamster, really? Does Peach resemble a questionable doll? Please hit play and enjoy. To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While we're only getting small crumbs of rumors and leaks about the successor to the Switch, there's always just enough to get our minds going on the possibilities. It's rumored that the device will feature cross-gen games with the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, and even the new Far Cry could be a launch title. Our biggest question is, what are the compromises, and will they be as significant as the current Switch cross-gen games? Outside of that, it's been relatively quiet on the Nintendo front, so we got into your questions! What are the decisions Nintendo has made that bug us the most? Are we interested in clone devices like the Analogue Pocket, or are we original hardware enthusiasts? Did Dustin's youth group take it too far when he was growing up? Please enjoy! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Nintendo Direct makes clear that we are nearing the end of the Switch life cycle, but there's still a lot of meat on the calendar. It's a lot of remakes, rereleases and remasters like Luigi's Mansion 2 HD, Paper Mario A Thousand Year Door, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong, all strong signals that their big teams are working on new projects. But Princess Peach Showtime! shows that Nintendo is still experimenting with new gameplay formats. Also we take a lot of questions and comments from the community, including whether we're a family-friendly show, and our favorite gaming composers of all time. Enjoy the show! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nintendo surprised us all this past week by giving us a deep dive into the highly anticipated new game, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. With details about new characters, game mechanics, and locations, there's a lot to look forward to. Is it possible that Nintendo could have another Game of the Year contender? Also, this week, there's a new NES-style Rugrats game coming, and unfortunately, the Suikoden remasters have been delayed. As always, we love to take your questions and comments as well. Why is Mario considered the king over Zelda? How do we manage playing multiple games at once? Now, please enjoy the Punching Up Podcast! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For 30 years, Charles Martinet has brought Mario to life through his incredible voice. It's the end of an era with Nintendo announcing his departure from the role. It's not all bad news as Charles will step into a brand new role Nintendo is calling the "Mario Ambassador." So, what does this mean for Mario? Could Nintendo be looking to change up the voice of the character after the success of the Mario movie? Or will we simply see new actors voicing our favorite plumber? Also, there are numerous other topics to go over. New Splatoon Amiibo are coming, and Zelda managed to raise Japan's GDP! Could the next Switch simply be called the "Super Switch"? Let's dive in. To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After what feels like years of speculation, we finally have our first substantial leak about Nintendo's next console. Video Game Chronicle has reported that the successor to the Switch is coming next year. While this is clearly exciting, there was also some concerning information in the leak. Nintendo could be reverting back to the LCD screen instead of the premium OLED screen found in the OLED Switch model. Additionally, it appears that backward compatibility is still up in the air. We delve deep into the details we currently have, along with a slew of other news items. Red Dead Redemption is coming to the Switch! Could Animal Crossing Legos be in the works? Also, is an Amiibo restock on the horizon? We have many questions, so naturally, this episode is filled with insightful speculation. Enjoy! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pikmin 4 is finally out in the wild, and the Punching Up crew consists of a bunch of newbies! Despite being new to the IP, Pikmin 4 has really impressed us, and we have a lot to say about our early impressions of the game! Along with that, Nintendo once again is taking a firm stance against emulation by blocking the Dolphin emulator from coming to Steam. Is this a big deal, or was this always going to be the outcome? Additionally, we're excited about Tomba and a slew of other obscure retro games coming to the Switch! As always, we love to bring the listeners into the show for their questions and input. So, is now a good time to buy an OLED Switch? Also, what’s a good place to start with JRPGs? And lastly, is Dagan a man of the woods now? To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to another episode of Punching Up! Nintendo has a spotty history of backwards compatibility. We've seen examples where they went above and beyond, like on the Wii with GameCube backwards compatibility, but also completely left the prior console behind, like NES to SNES. However, the world has changed, and we have a glimmer of hope that Nintendo is changing with it. Recently, during a shareholder's meeting, it seems like Nintendo intends to bring our accounts forward with their "next-generation console." Does this mean our games and purchases are safe, or are we doomed to repurchases and upgrade fees? We have a ton more to cover this week too! Everybody 1-2 Switch is a disaster and a baffling release, and new Sega Genesis games have been added to NSO! We also packed in a ton of write-ins. Should you play the original Super Mario RPG before the remake? What would our ideal Switch accessories be? Did we enjoy the Pikmin 4 demo? Listen now and enjoy. To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Surprise! A Nintendo Direct was announced and aired, so naturally, we knew we had to cover it as soon as possible. So what were the heavy hitters? Nintendo is naturally leaning into the success of Mario with two new releases this year, a remake of the Super Nintendo Classic, Super Mario RPG, and a new 2D Mario called Super Mario Bros. Wonder. In addition, we got a new look at the upcoming Pikmin 4, along with brand new ports of Pikmin 1 and 2 that are out today. Looking ahead to 2024, Nintendo showed off a new Princess Peach game as well. That's just scratching the surface, though. Let's go through all the announcements in this surprise episode! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nintendo is riding high on the massive success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie. Who wouldn't be thrilled after making billions of dollars? But, as with any triumph, the next question on everyone's mind is, what's next? The rumors are already swirling about a potential Legend of Zelda film. Unfortunately, these rumors suggest another collaboration with Illumination, the same team behind the Mario Movie and other popular animated children's films like Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets. Will they be able to handle the serious tone of Zelda, or are we in for a predictable children's film with cheesy jokes and slow-motion gags? The Punching Up team dives into these thoughts, along with a bunch of other Nintendo news and questions from the audience. How excited are we for the upcoming release of Pikmin 4? Why is Nintendo quietly releasing Everybody 1-2 Switch? And what are our fondest memories of Nintendo? It's all here, so hit play and enjoy! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The release of a new Zelda feels like an Olympic-level event. This release feels a little different due to the total domination not only in sales but also in cultural saturation. It feels like everyone is playing Tears of the Kingdom, and it makes sense since it sold 10 million copies in just three days. So, while we dive deep into the game once again, we are also lucky enough to have Gene, who interviewed the man behind the game, Eiji Aonuma, to tell us about the experience of interviewing a legend. In addition, three classic GBA games are being added to Nintendo Switch Online! Of course, with this being a Last Stand show, we filled the episode chock-full of listeners' write-ins. What makes the NES and SNES timeless? Is using the item duplication glitch in Zelda okay? What should fans of the show call themselves? We're just getting started on this show, so get in and hit play! To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Punching Up, a brand new Nintendo podcast from Last Stand Media! I (Dustin) am so excited to be doing this new show with an awesome lineup of co-hosts, including Gene Park, Dagan Moriarty, and Mama Micah! In our inaugural episode, we lay out what this show is all about, along with how it stays true to the Last Stand Media style while charting its own path. So, once all of the celebratory opening is done, we dive right into it. The Switch is dominating, having now become the third-best-selling home console of all time. However, with that success, there are rumors of what's on the horizon. Additionally, Nintendo is doing a totally new type of event for the US with Nintendo Live, taking place in the fall in Seattle. Finally, we dive into the game on everyone's mind right now, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This title has set the world on fire, dominating the conversation both online and off. It's an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan, and that's why we knew we had to do this show. So, join us on this new adventure! We hope you love it. To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/LastStandMediaYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/punchingup If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/punchingup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices