Best Pure Nintendo Podcasts (2025)

1
Donkey Kong Bananza preview! 1:11:38

2d ago1:11:38

1:11:38

This week, Jemma and Kirk talk about their hands-on time with Donkey Kong Bananza ahead of this week's launch. We also revisit the Switch 2 one month in - how are we liking the new system? Plus, we address those Nintendo Direct rumors - will there be one this month? We also revisit sports on the Switch 2, along with an Atelier Ryza trilogy heading …

1
Purely Academic #16 - Xbox Layoffs, Switch 2 Adventures, Indiana Jones, Andor & More! 3:05:34

5d ago3:05:34

3:05:34

For the July installment of ‘The Monthly Stuff,’ we break down the news of Xbox’s latest round of devastating layoffs, give fuller impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 after a full month of play, and discuss recent games and TV shows we’ve experienced. Jonathan gives thoughts on Fast Fusion and Raidou Remastered, alongside continued impressions of …

1
Scramble - 1981 - Konami 48:11

7d ago48:11

48:11

Scramble, Konami’s side-scrolling shooter from 1981, was built on forced scrolling, fuel management, and multi-stage progression that gave players a real mission to complete. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a foundational title in arcade history and a launching …

1
LMH Mixtape #259: Pubescent Fangs

7d ago

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It's another classic free play with all the variety you expect. Starting off with Falsion, a Famicom Disk System game, you get a quality third gen style piece. "Main Theme" from Metal Fangs for the Mega Drive is short but builds tension in a fantastic way. "Credits" from the PC Engine game 1943 Kai is a total jam that will stick with you. And that'…

1
Last Call for Venom 15:57

9d ago15:57

15:57

Last Call for Venom - Venom: The Last Dance Venom 3 is a fun popcorn movie to not think about too seriously. Enjoy the action and the humor and don't read too far in-between the lines. I run through parts I liked and disliked, some thoughts that came to me in them and a side quest to talk briefly about a game I've been playing. I'll have to return …

1
Is the latest Mario Kart update really that bad? 1:13:33

9d ago1:13:33

1:13:33

This week we delve into all things Nintendo, including the latest news from Bandai Namco, new Mario-themed tunes on Nintendo Music, the truth behind who developed Donkey Kong Bananza and Welcome Tour, a look at sports titles on the Switch 2, and the controversy around the latest Mario Kart World update. It has some fans fuming, but is it really tha…

1
IGN UK Podcast 807: Squids, Syd, and Sold-Out Strawberry Sandwiches 58:16

12d ago58:16

58:16

Matt and Tom are joined by the IGN UK Podcast’s newest team member, Lauren, who’s here to chat about the ups and downs of Netflix’s Squid Game. There are also thoughts on the latest season of The Bear, plus the usual nonsense waffle about food (this time it’s the viral M&S strawberries and cream sandwich). Remember to send us your thoughts about al…

1
Galaga - 1981 - Namco 44:39

13d ago44:39

44:39

Galaga, Namco’s fixed space shooter from 1981, was built on multi-CPU hardware, dual-fighter mechanics, and precise bullet logic that redefined the genre. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most iconic and widely collected arcade games of all time.…

1
July 2025 Podcast: The episode where we look back at the first half of the year 2:01:36

14d ago2:01:36

2:01:36

2025 has been an exceptional year for releases, almost from the first day of January. Now that we're halfway through the year, we use this podcast to remind you all of some of the big hits of the year - don't forget to check them out if you haven't yet! We also have a chat about games that feel good to play - this is not the same as great games, bu…

1
Episode 286: Interesting Music

14d ago

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The topic of this episode is “interesting” music, whatever that means. It’s kind of open to interpretation, but if you really get down to it, it basically means good tracks in an unusual way. Along with the music, you get a couple nice morse code solos, Rob tries out some Seinfeld-esque stand-up comedy, and there's a listening appreciation session …

1
Frogger - 1981 - Sega-Gremlin 34:22

15d ago34:22

34:22

Frogger, Sega/Gremlin’s traffic-dodging arcade hit from 1981, was built on deceptively simple joystick controls, grid-based gameplay, and one determined frog. This episode covers how it was developed by Konami, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a massive cultural and commercial success in arcades around t…

1
Drag x Drive: Nintendo’s sleeper hit or just hype? 1:03:38

16d ago1:03:38

1:03:38

This week, we delve into the upcoming Drag x Drive from Nintendo. The mouse-centric 3-on-3 basketball title has an August release date and a pricetag for the eShop. Will there be a physical version? What about local players? We discuss the details and what it means for Nintendo's newest IP. We also take a retrospective look at the Nintendo 64, whic…

1
Purely Academic #15 - Fantastic Four x Four: Reviewing Every Fantastic Four Movie 2:50:24

19d ago2:50:24

2:50:24

With Marvel’s ‘first family’ finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe next month in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, we thought it would be a good time to look back at the theatrical history of this extremely troubled franchise. There have been three attempts across four movies to make the Fantastic Four work on the silver screen, from the unr…

1
IGN UK Podcast 806: Sam Podcast Bridges 1:09:47

19d ago1:09:47

1:09:47

Cardy, Matt, and Dale are here to talk about Hideo Kojima’s latest delivery odyssey, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. As well as some thoughts on Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming Bond film and a splash of Resident Evil Requiem chat, they’ll also be ranking the Metal Gear Solid creator’s top 5 games. Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new ga…

1
Madame Web 16:15

20d ago16:15

16:15

Mad Web Bruh - Madame Web Looking at the Sony classic Madame Web and admiring it for it's... mediocreness? Not taking the movie too seriously and doing some loose analysis with it. Glad there's only two more Sony Marvel movies left to cover. Hence why I'm starting a new naming convention for some episodes. Next Movie Venom: The Last Dance Send us a…

1
Donkey Kong - 1981 - Nintendo 37:35

20d ago37:35

37:35

Donkey Kong, Nintendo’s genre-defining platformer from 1981, was built on character-driven storytelling, multi-screen level design, and clever hardware limitations. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most influential and successful arcade games of all ti…

1
LMH Mixtape #258: The Price Is Right

20d ago

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OK, LMH user, your showcase is a fully loaded mixtape featuring all your favorites hits. First, we'll be sending you on an all expenses paid vacation to the insect world of Insector X with "Grooving Diver (Round 3: City Area)". After that, you can relax to the calming tones of "Let’s Play!" from Gamble Hourouki. Of course, no showcase would be comp…

1
Rally-X - 1980 - Namco 29:04

21d ago29:04

29:04

Rally-X, Namco’s innovative maze chase game from 1980, was built on dynamic scrolling, a tactical radar, and fuel management. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a foundational influence on future arcade titles.By Retro Rob

1
Wow, Donkey Kong Bananza looks great! 1:15:57

23d ago1:15:57

1:15:57

This week, we break down the latest info on Donkey Kong Bananza. This game looks terrific, and our excitement levels are heightened as we count down to Nintendo's latest 3D platformer. There's so much to this game, from the Pauline reveal to the special moves, not to mention the spectacular-looking graphics. We also talk about the games we're playi…

1
IGN UK Podcast 805: Face Melters 1:14:21

26d ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Cardy, Matt, and Mat have all seen 28 Years Later and give their thoughts on Danny Boyle's return to the world of the infected. There's also time for Top Gun Maverick director Joseph Kosinski's latest, F1, as well as impressions of new sci-fi survival game, The Alters. Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, films you'r…

1
Battlezone - 1980 - Atari 33:23

26d ago33:23

33:23

Battlezone, Atari’s immersive 3D tank combat game from 1980, was built on vector graphics, dual joystick controls, and a pioneering first-person perspective. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most innovative and influential arcade games of the golden ag…

1
Phoenix - 1980 - Amstar Electronics 39:20

28d ago39:20

39:20

By Retro Rob

1
LMH Mixtape #257: Ending Music 4

28d ago

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The puzzles are solved, the villain is slain, and the credits are about to roll. You know what that means...it's time for some ending music! Sometimes triumphant, sometimes melancholic, but always a treat. A good ending track can take you on a journey remembering everything you experienced throughout the game. And though the game may be over, the t…

1
Berzerk - 1980 - Stern Electronics 28:09

29d ago28:09

28:09

Berzerk, Stern Electronics’ talking maze shooter from 1980, was built on randomized level design, relentless enemy pressure, and the unforgettable menace of Evil Otto. This episode covers how it was developed by Alan McNeil, the hardware behind its speech synthesis and fast-paced gameplay, the strategies expert players used to outlast its robotic h…

1
Missile Command - 1980 - Atari 34:13

29d ago34:13

34:13

Missile Command, Atari’s iconic base defense arcade game from 1980, was built on raster graphics, a trackball controller, and a relentless doomsday theme that mirrored Cold War fears. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most emotionally resonant and unfor…

1
Defender - 1980 - Williams Electronics 29:27

30d ago29:27

29:27

Defender, Williams Electronics’ side-scrolling space shooter from 1980, was built on intense rescue mechanics, blistering speed, and a control scheme that challenged even the most seasoned arcade veterans. This episode covers how it was developed by a rookie video game team led by Eugene Jarvis, the hardware and sound innovations that powered its c…

1
After a week of Switch 2, how do we feel? 1:20:08

30d ago1:20:08

1:20:08

This week we revisit the Switch 2 after one week - now that we've had more time with the newest Nintendo console, how are we feeling about it? And .. did Trev get one, too? We talk controls, camera, games, and more as we delve into the excitement. We also discuss Switch 2 sales along with a surprise Splatoon announcement that came during the week. …

1
Tail Gunner - 1979 - Vectorbeam 50:40

1M ago50:40

50:40

Tail Gunner, Vectorbeam’s defensive space shooter from 1979, was built on monochrome vector graphics, a reversed starfield effect, and first-person turret gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed in the final days of Vectorbeam, the unique hardware it ran on, the gameplay mechanics that challenged players, and how it earned a cult followi…

1
Lunar Lander - 1979 - Atari 24:50

1M ago24:50

24:50

Lunar Lander, Atari’s gravity simulation arcade game from 1979, was built on precision vector graphics, realistic physics, and immersive analog controls. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a foundational title in arcade history—even as its successor stole the spotl…

1
Fire Truck - 1978 - Atari 30:34

1M ago30:34

30:34

Fire Truck, Atari’s cooperative driving game from 1978, was built on dual steering controls, analog sound, and black-and-white top-down visuals. This episode covers how it was developed by Wendi Allen and John Ray, the custom cabinet hardware behind it, the teamwork-driven gameplay, expert scoring strategies, and how it became one of the earliest c…

1
IGN UK Podcast 804: MindsEye Sure Is One of the Games of All Time 1:18:05

1M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

After a week of having it in our hands, Dale, Matt P, and Jesse finally get to share their thoughts about the Switch 2, Mario Kart World ,and Welcome Tour. Jesse has also been playing Mindseye and has some less-than-positive thoughts (he still keeps playing it though!). We also dive into our favourite trailers from Geoff's Big Night Out and the Xbo…

1
Purely Academic #14 - Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions + Doctor Who Season 2 Review 3:55:23

1M ago3:55:23

3:55:23

It’s a jam-packed ‘Monthly Stuff’ episode for June as we give our first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch and react to the latest season of Doctor Who. First, Sean gives us his review of Doom: The Dark Ages, while Jonathan talks about watching the classic Takahata Isao anime Heidi, Girl of the Alps. Then we go through some not-E3 2025 …

1
LMH Mixtape #256: Beyond 16-Bit 9

1M ago

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On the rare occasion the Legacy Music Hour goes beyond the fourth generation for an episode. But on this rarest of occasions, they did back-to-back Beyond 16-Bit episodes. Somehow, even in an episode with relaxed rules for what tracks are legal to play, an illegal track slipped though, as "Jewelry (Prize Cue 1989)" from Wheel of Fortune on Sega CD …

1
Morbius 23:53

1M ago23:53

23:53

It's Morbin' Time Starting a new naming convention. At the release of an episode I'll have a fun name that will later be "renamed" to just the movie title for those looking through my history. Talk Nintendo Switch 2, Zelda Movie, Breath of the Wild briefly before we dive into my rough impressions of Morbius. I kind of wanted to like it but the blan…

1
Our thoughts on Switch 2 so far! 1:15:47

1M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

This week on the Pure Nintendo Podcast, Jemma and Kirk relay their time with Nintendo's brand-new console, the Switch 2. We go through our pre-order and pick-up successes, along with the accessories and games we've tested and recommend. There's a lot to go through, and we're just scratching the surface! Let us know whether you picked up the Switch …

1
IGN UK Podcast 803: There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow 1:00:06

1M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Coming to you live from an Orlando hotel room, it's the IGN UK Podcast featuring Simon Cardy, Matt Purslow, and Jesse Gomez. It's time to talk about that new Witcher 4 tech demo, what it's like to pilot the Millennium Falcon, and the most eye-catching trailers from this week's State of Play, including 007 First Light. Learn more about your ad choic…

1
Wizard of Wor - 1981 - Midway 10:07

1M ago10:07

10:07

Wizard of Wor, Midway’s monster-filled maze shooter from 1981, was built on early voice synthesis, intense two-player action, and clever dungeon design. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite in arcades with a lasting legacy in cooperative gaming.…

1
Episode 285: Sega Versus Nintendo

1M ago

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For Episode 285, Rob purposely picked all Sega console tracks, but by coincidence and by accident, Brent picked all Nintendo console tracks, so it ended up being an accidental Sega versus Nintendo showcase. Other than, Brent and Rob look at some suggestive artwork and then try to recreate it for the episode photo. Full track listing below.Download …

1
June 2025 Podcast: We've played the Nintendo Switch 2 and WOW 1:46:40

1M ago1:46:40

1:46:40

It's finally here! The sequel to the best console of all time! In this podcast, Trent and Matt chat through the Switch 2, and why we think it's a more than adequate follow-up to an amazing console. We also chat through the games of June (and thanks to a console launch, there are a lot of those!), before taking a look at the ongoing role of AI in ga…

1
It's Switch 2 launch week! 1:13:37

1M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

It's a big week on the Pure Nintendo Podcast as we finish our countdown to the Switch 2, which finally releases THIS WEEK. It's an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan, and we can't wait to try this new system for ourselves. We get into the games we'll be playing and our launch-day plans for June 5. We also delve into the latest Super Mario Party Jam…

1
IGN UK Podcast 802: What is Nintendo’s Biggest Series? 1:21:47

2M ago1:21:47

1:21:47

Cardy, Matt, and Wes have come together ahead of the Switch 2 launch to take a look at some of Nintendo’s biggest game series and decide which should be ranked highest. Before that, though, there’s a bit of crisps and chocolate chat, so don’t worry too much if you aren’t into Mario and Zelda and all that stuff. Remember to send us your thoughts abo…

1
Galaxian - 1979 - Namco 28:42

2M ago28:42

28:42

Galaxian, Namco’s groundbreaking space shooter from 1979, was built on true RGB color graphics, a scrolling starfield, and aggressive enemy dive attacks that pushed arcade visuals and gameplay to the next level. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a massive global h…

1
Space Invaders - 1978 - Taito 46:44

2M ago46:44

46:44

Space Invaders, Taito’s pioneering fixed shooter from nineteen seventy-eight, was built on relentless enemy waves, innovative sound design, and a steadily increasing difficulty curve that created the blueprint for modern arcade gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it…

1
720 – 1986 – Atari Games 28:22

2M ago28:22

28:22

720 (720° in the arcade), Atari Games’ innovative skateboarding arcade game from 1986, was built on open-ended level design, distinctive joystick controls, and a high-energy soundtrack. This episode covers how it was developed, the custom hardware that powered it, the techniques top players used to master the challenges, and how it became a cult fa…

1
Pac-Man - 1980 - Namco 37:07

2M ago37:07

37:07

Pac-Man, Namco’s genre-defining maze chase game from 1980, was built on colorful character design, simple yet challenging mechanics, and a unique enemy AI system. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most iconic and influential video games in arcade histor…

1
Asteroids - 1979 - Atari 44:01

2M ago44:01

44:01

Asteroids, Atari’s breakout space shooter from 1979, was built on vector graphics, tight physics, and addictive gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most successful arcade games of all time.By Rob O

1
LMH Mixtape #255: Beyond 16-Bit 8

2M ago

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While some of the tracks in this mixtape may *sound* like they're from the third or fourth generation, this is in fact a Beyond 16-Bit episode (the eighth one to be precise). These episodes are a way for the boizz to share modern VGM finds that wouldn't normally be LMH legal. As you'll see from tracks like "Saved the Moon (Alt. Ending/Credits)" fro…

1
How did Cow become part of Mario Kart World? 1:10:55

2M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

This week on the Pure Nintendo Podcast, Jemma, Kirk, and Trev break down the latest intel on the upcoming Mario Kart World, delving into aspects such as how the game came into development, how Cow became a character, and how food become part of the gameplay. It's an interesting look at one of the year's biggest games, and it only amplifies our exci…

1
IGN UK Podcast 801: Death Row Meal Deal 1:29:49

2M ago1:29:49

1:29:49

Cardy and Wes are here to welcome another new voice to the IGN UK Podcast as Tom Phillips joins us to share his very own crisp and gravedigging-adjacent stories. Oh, and we also took about a ton of new games and film stuff, like the Elden Ring movie, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, and FBC: Firebreak. But it is mainly a food-based episode.…

1
Purely Academic #13 - The DOOM Episode! Classic DOOM Retrospective! 2:00:59

2M ago2:00:59

2:00:59

Purely Academic continues its new format, with our second episode for May focusing on the month’s topic: In this case, we’re celebrating the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages with a retrospective on the original PC DOOM games from the 1990s. Over 30 years later, we still find the original DOOM and DOOM II utterly captivating, and we wanted to finally …

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