Well, folks, that was a weird one! Patrick and Mark break down everything revealed in today’s Switch 1 Nintendo Direct, trying to make sense of it all. From the latest look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to Nintendo’s new Virtual Game Cards system and the debut of Nintendo Today!, the guys dive into all the surprises, oddities, and what it could mean f…

A Switch 2 Nintendo Direct is locked in for next week—but what if Patrick and Mark told you there might be a Switch 1-focused Direct happening first? Rumors are swirling that Nintendo could drop a surprise presentation for the current Switch just days before the big Switch 2 reveal. Does this make sense? What could it mean? The guys break it all do…

In 2023, Patrick declared he was going to buy everything Nintendo released in 2024. Now, Patrick and Mark take stock of the things Nintendo released, what they bought, what they bought twice, and what they bought three times... SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mar…

Patrick and Mark get worked up about analog triggers as new regulatory filings indicate a GameCube controller could be in the works for the Switch 2. Could this signal GameCube games coming to Nintendo Switch Online? Do GameCube games even make sense as part of NSO? Plus, a look at the creative team behind last year's NSO Playtest, the opening date…

This week, Patrick and Mark conclude their ABC's of Nintendo Console Launches. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark throw off their Mario bed sheets, brush their teeth with Mario toothpaste, and dress in their finest blue overalls to celebrate the spoils of MAR10 (Mario) Day, including a new LEGO Mario Kart set, an update for Alarmo, and more. The guys also talk about: Getting started with Okami. Mario Picross and Donkey Kong '94 for the Game Bo…

Patrick and Mark prepare for the Switch 2 by looking back at the systems that came before with Part 1 of the ABCs of Nintendo Console Launches. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick and Mark use "News." It's super effective! The guys round-up all of the announcements from last week's Pokemon Presents, including the reveal of Pokemon Champions and a release window for Pokemon Legends Z-A. The guys also talk about: Patrick's initial impressions of Ninja Five-O. Mark's experience with Thank Goodness You’re Here. A new ove…

Patrick and Mark dive into your questions and comments about last week’s episode on Nintendo’s original IPs. From franchises they overlooked to fresh perspectives on Nintendo’s creative history, it’s a full episode of fan-fueled discussion—plus a few surprises along the way. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FR…

Patrick and Mark—who absolutely always knew Nintendo's rewards program is called "Gold Points" (and not "Gold Coins")—break down the latest updates and clarifications to Nintendo's loyalty programs. Plus, a Pokémon Presents is on the horizon, Pokémon GO developer Niantic shifts focus away from gaming, and more! The guys also talk about: Mark takes …

By listener suggestion, Patrick and Mark take a deep dive into the new worlds and characters Nintendo has introduced with each console generation. From breakout successes to forgotten experiments, they explore the legacy of Nintendo’s original creations and what they mean for the future—especially with the Switch 2 on the horizon. SUPPORT US ON PAT…

Patrick and Mark team up with Garrett Morlang and the Super Gamer Boys podcast for an epic crossover episode! They break down the latest Nintendo news, including rumors of two Final Fantasy remakes in development, share what they’ve been playing, and even tackle 4:33—all with a Super Gamer Boys twist. Check out the Super Gamer Boys at https://super…

This Valentine's Day, Patrick and Mark play Cupid by casting Nintendo characters in classic Disney love stories. Tune in as they reimagine The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin with a fun, Nintendo twist. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8…

Patrick is joined by special guest Conner McCabe to try to make sense of all these new Nintendo patent filings, speculate about what "mouse support" could bring to the Switch 2, and bring as many things full-circle as they can. The guys also talk about: The Wario Land series The GBA's weird sound chip Whether they're going to play Donkey Kong Count…

Patrick and Mark explore the colorful rogues' gallery of Donkey Kong villains, tracing their evolution through the years. Then, after reviewing the contenders, they deliver a definitive ranking to crown the greatest Donkey Kong villain of all time. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: …

After an unexpected sick day last week, Patrick and Mark are back—fever-free and (mostly) decongested—to catch up on all the latest Nintendo news! This week, they dive into an Animal Crossing Valentine’s Day event exclusive to Japan, trading in Pokemon TCG Pocket, leaked Switch 2 box dimensions, and more. The guys also talk about: Metroid Dread's h…

Patrick and Mark dive into Phil Spencer’s remarks on Xbox’s plans to support the Switch 2, speculating on what the future could hold. Plus, the challenges indie developers face with follow-ups to breakout hits, Donkey Kong’s charming redesign, and more. The guys also talk about: Patrick's Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania impressions. Extremely…

With the Switch 2 set to launch later this year, Patrick and Mark take a look back at Nintendo’s past hardware transition years. From the highs of smooth successes to the lows of infamous missteps, they reflect on what Nintendo got right—and where things went horribly wrong. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FR…

With the Switch 2 officially unveiled, Patrick and Mark unpack reports that Nintendo is setting its sights on selling up to 20 million units in the console's first year. Can the Switch 2 match the success of its predecessor—or is that an impossible bar to clear? Plus, Shigeru Miyamoto reflects on his time developing the Wii, a (tiny) update on Holl…

The Nintendo Switch 2 is revealed! Patrick and Mark convene an emergency meeting of the Nintendo Cartridge Society to discuss the Nintendo Switch 2 First-Look trailer. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050…

Patrick and Mark celebrate the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD by ranking their top 10 favorite Nintendo revivals. From long-dormant franchises to unexpected character comebacks, they debate which moments will make the cut and what makes a revival truly unforgettable. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety…

The internet is running hot with rumors that the Switch 2 will be revealed this week, and Patrick and Mark discuss what they expect when Nintendo finally pulls back the curtain. Plus, Nintendo's original plans for classic games on Switch, an update on Alarmo availability, and more. The guys also talk about: How great Shovel Knight is. Mario Kart To…

It's a post-holiday news round-up! Patrick and Mark catch-up on the recent Switch 2 leaks, and debate if Nintendo has hardware secrets that have yet to be revealed. Plus, a new report sheds light on what Retro Studios was working on for the decade after Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, AGDQ 2025, and more. The guys also talk about: What they pl…

Patrick and Mark reflect on an eventful—and weird—2024 for Nintendo, sharing their top "Wow" moments and biggest "Whiffs." From standout game releases to surprising announcements (and a few letdowns along the way), they break down the year's highlights and low points. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US…

Patrick and Mark conclude their holiday celebration by wrapping up their Nintendo-themed rewrite of "The 12 Days of Christmas." In this episode, they unveil the gifts for days 7 through 12, completing the festive countdown. If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out for days 1 through 6! SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocar…

Patrick and Mark get into the holiday spirit by reimagining the classic carol "The 12 Days of Christmas"—Nintendo-style! In this festive episode, they reveal the gifts for days 1 through 6. Don’t miss next week’s Part 2, where they’ll complete the list with days 7 through 12. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety F…

Patrick and Mark discuss some Nintendo-adjacent (and non-Nintendo-adjacent) game reveals from last week's The Game Awards. Plus, Pokemon and Aardman team up for...something, Nintendo takes complete ownership of Monolith Soft, and more. The guys also talk about: Tetris (NES) and Tetris DX on Nintendo Switch Online. The Nintendo Music app adds the so…

Gaming's biggest night returns as Patrick and Mark host the fifth annual Cartridge Awards. Categories include: Best Map, Best Goomba, and more. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

It's rumor time! Patrick and Mark discuss rumors of Kirby: Planet Robobot being ported to Switch and the latest Switch 2 leaks. Plus, insights into the development of Mario & Luigi: Brothership, an update on Alarmo, and more. The guys also talk about: The Tetris (NES) themed Tetris 99 Maximus Cup. Donkey Kong Land 2. Splatoon 2 and Wave Race 64 on …

Patrick and Mark delve into the branching paths of the Zelda Timeline to definitively determine once and for all which is the best. Where does Echoes of Wisdom fit in the timeline? Do any branches do justice to the themes established in Ocarina of Time? Can you consider Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom part of any one branch? And what ex…

Patrick and Mark discuss the latest Nintendo news of the week including... Sony (and Microsoft) entering the handheld gaming space? Plus, Echoes of Wisdom gets an official place in the Zelda series timeline, a new Metroid Prime series retrospective is announced, and more. The guys also talk about: The state of third party and indie game releases fo…

Patrick and Mark sharpen their pencils and dive into the history of the Nintendo Switch, assigning letter grades to each year since its 2017 debut. Find out which years earned an "A," which ones barely passed, and see if your favorite moments made the grade. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH…

Patrick and Mark celebrate the 10th anniversary of Nintendo's unique toys-to-life initiative by sharing their favorite amiibo (Wows) and their biggest disappointments (Whiffs). SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050…

For Your Consideration: Patrick and Mark review The Game Awards nominations and how Nintendo's weird year fits into the larger industry picture. Plus, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet break records in Japan, Donkey Kong Country turns 30, and more. The guys also talk about: The personality quiz at the beginning of Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake. A surprise …

To commemorate the release of Mario & Luigi: Brothership, Patrick and Mark host a BYOB (Build Your Own Brothership) party and discuss other Nintendo pairs—classic and otherwise—that they'd like to see in a game together. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8…

Patrick and Mark slather their hot dogs in avocado sauce as they discuss all of the details of the Donkey Kong Country expansion at Universal Studios Japan. Plus, Nintendo confirms the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible, the latest Switch sales numbers, and more. The guys also talk about: The similarities between the opening of the Super Mario B…

Patrick and Mark talk about their Nintendo "comfort foods"—those familiar Nintendo games, moments, and experiences they turn to whenever they’re in need of a pick-me-up. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050…

Patrick and Mark discuss last week's two surprise Nintendo announcements— a Nintendo Music streaming app for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and a port of Xenoblade Chronicles X for Switch. Plus, the online game of rumor telephone that led up to the announcements, the texture of a Goomba, and more. The guys also talk about: How Ecco the Dolphin …

Submitted for the approval of the Nintendo Cartridge Society... Patrick and Mark share stories of spooky moments from Nintendo games. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050

Patrick is joined by special guest cohost Michael C. Hearn to catch up on The Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom, get excited for Castlevania DLC coming to Vampire Survivor, and share Miyamoto's praises for Banjo-Kazooie. The guys also talk about: Leatherhead's chainsaw in Fortnight Tim Walz playing Crazy Taxi Leaks and rumors about the Switch succes…

This week, Patrick and Mark are diving into a mash-up you didn't know you needed. With the release of Super Mario Party Jamboree, the guys have got board games on the brain and are deciding which Nintendo characters embody which classic games. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-14…

Patrick and Mark dive into the potential future of Nintendo Switch Online as leaks swirl around the invite-only Nintendo Switch Online Playtest Program. Plus, the development team behind Mario & Luigi: Brothership is revealed, digging into canceled projects at Bandai Namco, and more. The guys also talk about: Patrick's continued experience with The…

Inspired by the recent announcement of Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, Patrick and Mark explore the other toys and gadgets Nintendo has released over the past decade — from amiibo to Mario Kart Live, and everything in between. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: …

What a week! What an alarm clock! Patrick and Mark discuss all of the Nintendo news from the week, including the reveal of Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo. Plus, Game Freak got hacked, a Nintendo Switch Online Playtest Program, and more. The guys also talk about: Patrick's experience playing Pokemon Blue as part of his COVID recovery. Mark's thoughts …

To celebrate 8 years of Nintendo Cartridge Society, Patrick and Mark compile a list of the 8 biggest news stories to rock the gaming industry during the lifetime of the show. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050…

Patrick and Mark discuss the Nintendo news of the week, including tantalizing descriptions of hardware prototypes on display at the Nintendo Museum and if any unused features from the past could make its way to the Switch 2. Plus, Pikmin x San Diego Zoo, the return of Professor Layton, and more. The guys also talk about: Mark's initial impressions …

With F-Zero in the news this week thanks to an update for F-Zero 99 and some new releases on Nintendo Switch Online, Patrick and Mark educate themselves on the series and its vast cast of characters. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick: SW-1401-2882-4137 Mark: SW-8112-0583-0050…

Patrick is joined by special guest Conner McCabe to discuss the all the enticing little news nuggets surrounding the opening of the Nintendo Museum, including how Miyamoto hopes people view Nintendo, and the fact that they have Virtual Boy games running on Switch. Plus, early impressions of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Broken Age and point…

In celebration of the release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Patrick and Mark take a journey back through the entire Zelda series to explore how magic has shaped each adventure and ultimately decide which game wields it the best (for now). SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/nintendocartridgesociety FRIEND US ON SWITCH Patrick…

Patrick is joined by special guest host Jeremy Schmidt (Video Games: A Comedy Show) to give their expert legal opinions on Nintendo's case against the developer of Palworld. Is the lawsuit a righteous defense against an IP thief or a crass show of power from a titan in the industry? And more imporantly: is it possible to even imply morality when it…