Nintendo Cartridge Society

It’s all the news that’s fit to print! Patrick and Mark try out a new format, so this one’s all about what's new in Nintendo this week. Yes, that includes the surprise announcement of the Super NES Classic Edition (and yes, also light patch notes for ARMS).   Let ‘em know what you think of the new format at NintendoCartridgeSociety@gmail.com  

They did it! Patrick and Mark rolled credits on Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, and come away from it with a more positive view on the game. Plus, a bunch of convoluted theories: one about the Kong family tree (maybe “Donkey Kong” is a title; like Cesar), and another about this series being a stealth alt-right propaganda game (Kong KLAN? Dixie? OPEN YOUR EYES).

E3 2017 is in captivity. The galaxy is at peace. First, though - the elephant in the room: why aren’t the guys playing ARMS (7:40)? Plus, there’s still some news, leading them to discuss how the 3DS will outlive us all (16:40). Finally, with Metroid back in the zeitgeist, it’s time for another definitive ranking, this time of the mainline Metroid games (45:58).   This episode is brought to you by MackWeldon.com. Enter promo code NINTENDO for 20% off.

Hold on to your butts: Nintendo brought the goods to E3 2017 and Patrick and Mark’s bodies are oh so ready. Pokemon confirmed for Switch! Two Metroid games! Champion Amiibo! It was a stacked presentation and an awesome year for Nintendo at E3. This episode is brought to you by MackWeldon.com. Enter promo code NINTENDO for 20% off.

THEY’RE NOT LOVING THIS GAME. Patrick drops his bombshell theory: Donkey Kong Country 2 is a stealth sequel Battletoads. A compelling theory with very little evidence! It’s tough, but your hosts eventually memorize their way through the next two worlds - but still hate the beehive levels.

E3 is next week, which means it’s time for Patrick and Mark to lay down their traditional $1 million bet and definitively predict Nintendo’s presentation with 99% accuracy (45:25). But first, they talk about what to expect from Tuesday’s Pokemon Direct (6:50) and Nintendo’s online service (17:05).

Patrick and Mark kick off the week’s news with the worst kept secret in video games: Mario + Rabbits Kingdom Battle (6:40). Then it’s a fighting game / don’t-call-it-a-fighting-game extravaganza as your hosts bemoan Switch’s Ultra Street Fighter II (43:30) before getting a handle on the ARMS Global Testpunch (56:00).

Patrick and Mark punch their way through the recent ARMS Direct, and in so doing have to redefine “waifu.” Everyone’s going nuts for Twintelle! Plus there’s a new Fire Emblem game out (yes: again; no: it’s not on Switch) - is it a welcome throwback or a creaky antique? This episode is brought to you by MackWeldon.com. Enter promo code NINTENDO for 20% off.

Patrick and Mark have soured on the experience! Your hosts lament the challenge DKC2 insists on presenting in every level. Plus, no one knows how to use coins or farm for lives. That’s okay: a helpful angler fish uses his bioluminescent powers for good and helps these monkeys find their monkey friend!

Patrick and Mark have both defeated Ganon in Breath of the Wild, and you know what that means: time to definitively rank all of the Legend of Zelda console games! Which ones rule and which ones drool? Plus, Nintendo’s E3 plans, Mark freestyle raps new Switch announcements, and rumors of Zelda on mobile. This episode is brought to you by MackWeldon.com. Visit MackWeldon.com and enter promo code NINTENDO to receive 20% off your order.

This week Patrick and Mark shine a spotlight on one of Nintendo’s lesser known development partners: Good-Feel, makers of Wario Land: Shake It!, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, and Yoshi’s Woolly World. Plus, Retro rumors, Fire Emblem DLC, and a Reader Listener question has them debating what is (and isn't) Mario canon.

Patrick and Mark are fussin’ about names and stressin’ about collectables as they begin their discussion of Donkey Kong Country 2 in earnest. So far, it’s fun, but your hosts are already worried about difficulty… Plus probably too many comparisons to the original DKC!

Patrick and Mark get into gear and auto-accelerate into a discussion of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! Plus, new 2DS hardware? Puyo Puyo Tetris?? A room full of sweaty football players??? Finally, a Listener Reader™ question prompts a discussion on the hardware benefits of a hypothetical Nintendo 64 Classic.

This week, Patrick and Mark are joined by Emmy nominated writer, actor, comedian, and gamer Heather Anne Campbell for a free-wheeling discussion of all things Nintendo. Plus, rumors of an SNES Classic Edition, a limited time Mario Kart 8 Deluxe promotion at Target, and how Over Top is not, in fact, “Over the Top” starring Sylvester Stallone. (Subscribe to AOK on YouTube!)

Your hosts are big Donkey Kong Country fans, but are they persistent enough to actually make it through one of the classic titles they never played as kids? Plus, they’ve got problems with Dixie Kong’s curly blonde hair (she’s like a frog with a mustache!) and debate how to play this game with two-people.

Holy cow, there were a lot of announcements in last week’s Nintendo Direct and Patrick and Mark carry the yoke of breaking it all down! Plus, the untimely demise of the NES Classic Edition and the outrageous Breath of the Wild attach rate. And can anyone explain to these losers what Tumbleseed is and why they should care about it? That’s an honest question, btw, they genuinely can’t wrap their heads around it.

In their ongoing quest to play Wii U games orphaned on the system, Patrick and Mark take a shot at Star Fox Zero (and point a gun-camera at Star Fox Guard). With sales of the franchise flagging, they ponder the future for Fox McCloud and his merry band of animal friends. Plus, a round-up of this week’s news and -- of course -- some Breath of the Wild talk.

Lick your enemies’ blood of your hands and rip the triforce out of Ganon’s guts: we just beat The Legend of Zelda! Also: what would drive Patrick to yell at Mark? (Hint: The recorder is involved.) Get all the answers at 1-800-Nintendo.com… or in the podcast.

Patrick and Mark reflect on the first month of the Nintendo Switch’s life, and -- surprise -- they’re still mostly telling stories about Breath of the Wild. Plus, an in-depth discussion of the cute but punishing kinda-platformer Snake Pass. Live by the snake, die by the snake.

Is that wind or a ghost? It’s the Splatoon 2 Testfire! Patrick and Mark discuss the news of the day, including some frustrating delays, before turning their attention to Nintendo’s unique method of demoing Splatoon 2. Is it a stress-test or just an excuse to get excited? (‘Cause we're excited.)