Nintendo’s Partner Direct Was WILD - Turok Origins & More!

In this episode of the SMG podcast, hosts D. Thomas and Joshua Plays Games discuss various gaming topics, including Nintendo's recent third-party partner showcase. They highlight upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles, such as "Pragmata," "Monster Hunter Stories 3," and "Turok Origins," while expressing skepticism about the Switch 2's ability to handle graphically demanding games. The hosts also reminisce about the nostalgia of 90s gaming, comparing it to modern gaming experiences. Additionally, they touch on gaming preferences, pre-ordering practices, and the impact of Xbox Game Pass on game purchases. The episode is filled with lively banter and reflections on gaming culture.

• The podcast episode is titled "Season 6, Episode 6" and features hosts D. Thomas and Joshua, also known as Joshua Plays Games.
• The hosts engage in casual banter, acknowledging their audience and channel members, setting a lively and interactive tone for the episode.

"What's happening, Chad? How you doing? It's your boy D. Thomas from Insane."

• The hosts emphasize interaction with the audience and establish a friendly, engaging environment for the podcast.

• The hosts discuss their recent gaming activities, or lack thereof, focusing on Joshua's absence from gaming due to work commitments.
• D. Thomas mentions playing a cyberpunk-style game on Game Pass called "Ano Muttonium."

"I've been on Game Pass as of lately playing this little cyberpunk type game which is pretty cool."

• D. Thomas suggests Joshua might enjoy the game, indicating a focus on sharing gaming experiences and recommendations.

• Discussion on the value of Game Pass and Joshua's consideration of canceling it due to underuse.
• The hosts touch on financial priorities and managing subscriptions in the context of gaming.

"It's getting to be unused. No need to be throwing away money, huh?"

• The conversation highlights the practical considerations of gaming subscriptions and budgeting.

• The hosts express excitement for the upcoming Nintendo movie featuring Yoshi, with a release date mentioned as April.
• Discussion on the strategic timing of game releases, suggesting a missed opportunity for Nintendo to align a game release with Mario Day.

"They should have released the Mario game on Mario day like March the 10th."

• This segment underscores the anticipation and strategic considerations in game and movie releases.

• The podcast covers the recent Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, focusing on third-party games coming to the Nintendo Switch.
• Emphasis on the graphical limitations of the Switch compared to other consoles, yet acknowledging the platform's ability to run various games.

"When it comes to games like Hollow Knight, Scott Pilgrim, the Orbitals games that we showed you, I'm playing it on the best platform available."

• The hosts discuss the pros and cons of playing games on the Nintendo Switch versus other platforms, highlighting performance and graphical quality.

• Various games are mentioned, including "Orbitals," "Paranormal Sight," "Tokyo Scramble," and "Valheim," with mixed reactions from the hosts.
• The hosts express skepticism about the appeal and graphical quality of some games, particularly on the Switch.

"When it comes to the Nintendo Switch 2, I think it's a great console for Nintendo type things. Some third party games, not all of them."

• This section reflects the hosts' critical evaluation of game announcements and their suitability for different platforms.

• The hosts frequently engage with their audience through shout-outs and responses to comments, fostering a sense of community.
• Audience contributions, such as game preferences and purchasing decisions, are acknowledged and discussed.

"Shout out to Philly DC. Type Philly DC in the chat."

• This emphasizes the interactive nature of the podcast and the importance of audience participation.

• The hosts conclude with reflections on the current state of gaming, particularly the Nintendo Switch, and express anticipation for future developments.
• They maintain a light-hearted and humorous tone throughout, ensuring an entertaining experience for listeners.

"Nintendo give Nintendo don't give. This is what first party Nintendo games supposed to have you locked in until you beat it."

• The closing remarks encapsulate the hosts' perspectives on gaming trends and their enthusiasm for upcoming releases.

• The Nintendo Switch 2 is criticized for its performance, particularly for running games at 30 frames per second, which is seen as inferior compared to other consoles like PS5 and high-end PCs.
• Some users express dissatisfaction with the graphical capabilities of the Switch 2, especially for graphically demanding games.

"The Switch 2 is a joke of a console. Have fun playing games at 30 frames per second."

• This quote highlights the criticism of the Switch 2's performance, emphasizing the lower frame rate compared to other gaming platforms.

• Pragmata, a game by Capcom, is mentioned as a title coming to the Switch 2, with discussions on its graphical presentation and potential success.
• The conversation touches on the availability of third-party games on the Switch 2, comparing it to the era of the SNES when Nintendo had strong third-party support.

"This game does look good releasing on the Switch 2. If you are a Switch 2 owner, you're going to get a lot of those third-party games."

• This quote suggests that despite performance criticisms, the Switch 2 still offers a variety of third-party games, which is a positive aspect for some users.

• There are mixed opinions about purchasing games for the Switch 2, with some users preferring exclusives and others expressing regret over buying multiple games.
• The discussion includes personal anecdotes about game purchases, unopened games, and preferences for playing on different consoles.

"I find it hard to believe that this is the only only on the go that Philly DC got."

• This quote reflects skepticism about a user's game purchasing decisions, highlighting the debate over the value of buying games for the Switch 2.

• Turok Origins is mentioned as a game available on multiple platforms, with discussions on preferences for playing it on systems like PS5 or PC due to better performance.
• The conversation includes personal preferences for buying games on specific platforms, emphasizing exclusivity as a deciding factor.

"If it ain't exclusive, I don't want it for Nintendo."

• This quote underscores the preference for purchasing Nintendo games that are exclusive to the platform, valuing unique content over cross-platform availability.

• The discussion covers the issue of unopened games, with several users admitting to having games still in their original packaging.
• There is a humorous tone in the conversation about buying games that remain unplayed, reflecting a common issue among gamers.

"I have 12 games I haven't played in a month. Am I crazy?"

• This quote humorously addresses the tendency to purchase games that remain unplayed, highlighting a shared experience among gamers.

• Resident Evil Requiem is discussed as a game available on the Switch 2, with considerations about its performance compared to other platforms.
• The conversation touches on the graphical capabilities of the Switch 2 and the desire for better performance in third-party games.

"The Switch 2 is getting Resident Evil Requiem. I know a lot of people going to pick that game up."

• This quote indicates the anticipation for Resident Evil Requiem on the Switch 2, despite concerns about its performance compared to other consoles.

• The debate between physical and digital game ownership is explored, with users expressing preferences based on convenience and space considerations.
• There is a discussion about the practicality of owning physical games in terms of storage and accessibility.

"When it comes to this Switch generation, would you rather own physical or digital?"

• This quote highlights the ongoing debate among gamers regarding the benefits and drawbacks of physical versus digital game ownership.

• The PlayStation 5's sales figures are mentioned, showcasing its popularity and success in the gaming market.
• There is discussion about personal preferences for playing games on the PS5, particularly for titles that benefit from better graphics and performance.

"As of February 2026, they have sold over 92.2 million units worldwide."

• This quote emphasizes the success and widespread adoption of the PlayStation 5, reflecting its strong presence in the gaming industry.

• The Horizon franchise is mentioned, with discussions about upcoming games and their potential appeal to fans.
• There is a focus on new game announcements and the anticipation for future releases within the franchise.

"The developers of Horizon Forbidden West, Horizons and Zero Dawn have a new game coming out called Hunters Gathering."

• This quote introduces a new game within the Horizon franchise, highlighting the ongoing development and expansion of the series.

• The podcast discusses a new game, "Hunter's Gathering," which is set in the Horizon Forbidden West universe.
• There is a distinction made between cinematic trailers and actual gameplay, with a preference for seeing real gameplay footage.
• The game is described as a multiplayer experience where players can team up to take down beasts, with uncertainty about whether it includes a story or missions.

"Hunter's Gathering. That was the official cinematic, but we don't want to see the cinematic. We want to see official gameplay."

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of gameplay over cinematic trailers for understanding the game's true experience.

"It looks fun though. It does look fun. But how many how long will you want to play this and just kill robots with the homies?"

• There is skepticism about the game's long-term appeal if it lacks a story or missions.

• Discussion on whether the PlayStation 5 is one of the greatest consoles ever, with comparisons to the Super Nintendo and PlayStation 2.
• The DualSense controller is mentioned as a notable feature of the PS5.

"Do you think PlayStation 5 is one of the greatest consoles ever?"

• The speaker questions the legacy of the PS5 compared to other iconic consoles.

"I mean, you got the Super Nintendo. That's one of the greatest."

• The Super Nintendo is highlighted as one of the greatest consoles, setting a high standard for comparison.

• The conversation shifts to the topic of pre-ordering games and the incentives for doing so, such as early access.
• Concerns are raised about the high prices of certain games, particularly sports games like WWE or WWF 2026.

"If the pre-order is not an incentive for me to play it like three or four days earlier, then I'll just wait till the day of."

• The speaker expresses a pragmatic approach to pre-ordering, only doing so if there is a tangible benefit.

"What you're not going to pre-order that WWE or WWF 2026 buddy, have you seen the prices for that junk?"

• There is a critical view of the high prices for some game editions, questioning their value.

• Nostalgia for physical game collecting is expressed, with a preference for receiving tangible items like manuals and maps.
• The modern trend of digital games and day-one patches is contrasted with past practices.

"I enjoy collecting physical. However, it was much more appealing when you got the game on the disc or the cartridge and got a manual or a map or a poster with it compared to nowadays."

• The speaker reflects on the past appeal of physical game collections and the added value they provided.

"Marvel Cosmic Invasion. It dropped day one. They didn't have no physical copies, but you got to wait six months to get the physical version."

• Frustration is voiced over the delayed availability of physical versions of games.

• The discussion touches on consumer decisions regarding game pricing, with hypothetical scenarios about high-priced games like GTA 6.
• There is a debate about the maximum price consumers are willing to pay for a game.

"If GTA 6 is $150 out the gate, will you buy it?"

• The speaker challenges listeners to consider their spending limits for anticipated games.

"I can wait another six years until it's free on PlayStation Network."

• A willingness to wait for price reductions or free availability is expressed.

• The 90s gaming era, particularly the SNES, is fondly remembered as a more impactful time for gaming.
• Personal anecdotes highlight the excitement and joy associated with receiving and playing games during that era.

"Comparing these SNES games to these modern-day games, which do you think in your humble opinion was a more impactful and great generation?"

• The speaker prompts a comparison between the SNES era and current gaming, with a bias towards the former.

"The feeling of playing back then. You got that right. Oh, yeah."

• The emotional connection and nostalgia for past gaming experiences are emphasized.

• Game Pass is discussed as a service that changes how consumers play and purchase games, offering access to a wide range of titles.
• The impact on developers and consumer purchasing habits is considered.

"Has Game Pass changed how you buy games?"

• The speaker questions how subscription services like Game Pass influence gaming habits.

"There are a lot of games on Game Pass that if it were not on Game Pass, you never would have played it."

• Game Pass is credited with broadening the range of games players are willing to try.

• The conversation begins with reminiscing about childhood video game purchases, specifically the choice between WWF Royal Rumble and Populace.
• The speakers reflect on the pressure of making a quick decision in a store and the resulting regret over choosing a game that was less enjoyable.
• The dialogue highlights the importance of game reviews and previews, which were less accessible in the past compared to today.

"I still got it in there right now. The worst game I have ever purchased in my life."

• This quote reflects the lasting impact of a poor purchasing decision and the disappointment associated with it.

• The discussion also touches on other regrettable game purchases, such as Mighty Max, and the shared experiences of buying games that did not meet expectations.

"Worst purchase ever. And then when I got home, I'm trying to play it. The little dudes on screen doing stuff. I don't know what they're doing."

• This highlights the confusion and dissatisfaction that can come with a game that doesn't deliver on its promise.

• The speakers discuss the evolution of gaming from the 1990s to today, noting the differences in game development and consumer experiences.
• There is a sense of nostalgia for the completeness of older games, which did not require day-one patches or additional purchases for full content.
• The conversation touches on the increased costs and complexities of modern game development, including the pressure to release games before they are fully ready.

"Back then though they weren't spending tens of millions and 50s and 60s of millions of dollars developing these games."

• This quote underscores the financial and developmental changes in the gaming industry over the years.

• The speakers also mention the challenges and risks developers face today, including the demand for returns on investment and the impact on game quality.

"Put the game out and we'll just patch it later."

• This reflects a common industry practice that affects the player experience and contrasts with past gaming eras.

• The conversation includes a debate about the launch and reception of Cyberpunk 2077, with differing opinions on its initial quality and subsequent improvements.
• The speakers discuss the impact of launch issues on consumer trust and the importance of post-launch support and updates.

"I played the PS4 version on a PS5 and it was not horrible at all at launch."

• This quote highlights the subjective nature of gaming experiences and the variance in performance across different platforms.

• The dialogue also touches on the broader context of modern gaming, including the role of cloud gaming and the anticipation for upcoming game releases.

"We do have a lot of good games on the horizon to look forward to."

• This reflects optimism about future gaming experiences despite past disappointments.

• The speakers express a strong sense of nostalgia for retro gaming, emphasizing the unique experiences and memories associated with older games.
• There is a discussion about the appeal of collecting retro consoles and games, as well as the challenges of maintaining a collection.

"I was emulating on everything."

• This quote indicates the speaker's dedication to preserving and experiencing retro games through emulation.

• The conversation also touches on the community aspect of gaming, including shared experiences and the joy of revisiting classic games.

"It's just something about the nostalgia back in the days."

• This captures the emotional connection many gamers have with the past and the desire to relive those experiences.

• The speakers discuss the challenges faced by modern game developers, including the pressure to meet deadlines and the impact on game quality.
• There is a recognition of the opportunities and innovations in the current gaming landscape, including new technologies and game genres.

"I don't think the developers take as many risks nowadays as they used to do back in the day."

• This quote highlights the perceived conservatism in modern game development compared to earlier, more experimental eras.

• The dialogue also explores the balance between nostalgia and modern gaming, with a focus on finding joy in both old and new experiences.

"When it comes to gaming, I like what we got nowadays, but it's just something about the nostalgia back in the days."

• This reflects the ongoing tension between appreciating the past and embracing the present in the gaming world.