Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast Episode: Where Are The Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders?!
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, and Blessing Adeoye Jr.

1. Opening Banter and Personal Stories

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their trademark lighthearted banter. Greg shares a nostalgic and humorous story about their pet hedgehog's first birthday during the pandemic, highlighting the unexpected challenges they faced. As Bless commends Greg's seamless segues into the show, the camaraderie among the hosts sets an engaging tone for the day's discussions.

2. Mario Kart World Direct: New Features and Lack of Switch 2 Pre-Order Information

Timestamp: [05:14 - 16:04]

The primary focus of the episode revolves around the latest Nintendo Direct centered on Mario Kart World. Greg and Tim delve into the new features unveiled, including:

• New Courses: Retro-themed Mario Brothers Circuit, Urban Crown City, canal-based Salty Salty Speedway, snowy Starview Peak, and the haunted Boo Cinema.

• New Items: Introduction of the Coin Shop Shell, Ice Flower, Hammer, and Kamek items, each adding fresh dynamics to the gameplay.

• Gameplay Enhancements: An increased emphasis on coins, now allowing up to 20 per race, and more coin-related items influence competitive strategies.

Greg remarks, “The focus on coins seems to be much higher in this game than in previous games” (06:30), indicating a shift in gameplay mechanics that might require players to adapt their strategies.

Despite the excitement around Mario Kart World, the hosts express disappointment over the absence of pre-order information for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Greg states, “I did not expect the preorder information here. I think that's a different beat and I do think that that's a disappointing beat” (15:06). This omission has sparked confusion and frustration among the gaming community, as fans eagerly await details on the next-generation console.

3. Xbox’s Continued Support for Nintendo: Phil Spencer’s Endorsement

Timestamp: [34:09 - 38:18]

In a surprising development, Phil Spencer, Xbox's head of gaming, reiterated Microsoft's ongoing support for Nintendo platforms, emphasizing the strategic partnership. Spencer stated, “Nintendo's been a great partner. We think it's a unique way for us to reach players who aren't on PC, players who aren't Xbox” (34:27).

Greg and Tim discuss the lack of new Xbox game announcements for the Switch 2, noting the absence of titles they expected. Greg muses, “What was surprising is no Xbox games at all in that Switch to direction” (35:52). This raises questions about the extent of Microsoft's investment in the Switch 2 ecosystem, despite their verbal support.

4. Nintendo Switch 2 VRR Mentions Removed: Potential Implications

Timestamp: [40:19 - 43:22]

A concerning development surfaced when mentions of Variable Refresh Rates (VRR) were removed from several regional Nintendo websites following the Switch 2 reveal. Greg explains, “Nintendo seemingly removed mentions of VRR from several websites... Variable refresh rates allow supported TVs to display unconventional frame rates in order to provide a smoother experience” (40:19).

This retraction has led to speculation about potential hardware or compatibility issues with the new console. While VGC’s Oliver McKenzie notes that VRR was still present on the European site at the time, the inconsistency across regions suggests possible last-minute changes or oversights by Nintendo.

5. Final Fantasy XV Director on Release Delay: Acknowledging the Misstep

Timestamp: [45:36 - 48:10]

Switching gears, the podcast addresses comments from Hajime Tama, Final Fantasy XV’s director, who admitted that choosing an initial release date that was too ambitious led to significant delays. Tim highlights the gravity of the situation, “Final Fantasy 15 director... says that choosing an initial release date for Final Fantasy 15 that was too early leading to them delay the game was a massive mess up” (46:17).

Greg reflects nostalgically on the delay's impact, recalling their involvement in the initial announcement and the subsequent fallout when the game was postponed from September to November 2016. He muses, “I often think about how Final Fantasy 15 was so close to being amazing” (47:41), underscoring the delicate balance between project timelines and development quality.

6. PlayStation Plus Price Hikes in Canada: Subscriber Concerns

Timestamp: [48:09 - 49:36]

The hosts discuss the recent announcement of PlayStation Plus price increases in Canada. Subscribers have been informed that starting June 24th, the 12-month PlayStation Plus Essential subscription will rise from $95 to $110, and other tiers like PS Plus Extra and Premium see similar hikes. Greg expresses frustration, “I really hate it. I get it, it's not that complicated” (48:44).

This marks the second price increase since 2023, causing concern among Canadian gamers about the affordability and value of the subscription service amidst an already volatile economic landscape. Tim adds, “We're on the ride. Everything's going on the ride” (49:36), highlighting broader economic pressures influencing such decisions.

7. Ubisoft’s New Battle Royale Inspired by Apex Legends: Scout Project

Timestamp: [50:00 - 55:35]

In a noteworthy revelation, Ubisoft is developing a new Battle Royale game, codenamed Scout, heavily inspired by Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends. Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming reports, “the game, which is currently under the project name of Scout, is so heavily inspired by Respawn Entertainment's highly successful Apex Legends” (50:10).

Despite internal research teams questioning the longevity of the Battle Royale genre, Ubisoft seems determined to capture the remaining market share by mimicking the successful elements of Apex Legends. Greg humorously critiques the strategy, “They figured it out. Let's copy Apex Legends” (51:02), pondering whether this move will differentiate Ubisoft in a saturated market.

8. Listener Interactions and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listeners through Super Chats, addressing questions and comments. Notably, they discuss potential price ceilings for the Switch 2, with Greg speculating, “I don't think they changed the price for launch and I do think that gives them the wiggle room later” (24:28), while Bless shares his personal pricing boundaries, anticipating a $600 rollout.

Listeners also share their concerns and curiosities about game features and upcoming releases, fostering a sense of community and active participation in the podcast’s discourse.

9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease upcoming reactions to the Fantastic Four trailer and their WrestleMania predictions. Greg mentions plans for a Schedule 1 stream with Joey and the team, ensuring listeners have continuous content to look forward to.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Greg Miller: “I just didn't expect to see those three words.” (00:00)
• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: “It's always impressive that you're able to, like, sneak it in right before I hit the intro.” (02:17)
• Tim Gettys: “I want to tell you I haven't been on a show with you, I think, since it became part of your rigamarole.” (00:33)
• Phil Spencer (Quoted): “Nintendo's been a great partner. We think it's a unique way for us to reach players who aren't on PC, players who aren't Xbox.” (34:27)
• Hajime Tama (Quoted): “When you delay the release of a game, of a major game like Final Fantasy 15, it really does cause trouble in a lot of places.” (46:14)
• Greg Miller: “I don't think they changed the price for launch and I do think that gives them the wiggle room later.” (24:28)
• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: “I, I believe that yes, they want to put their best foot forward.” (25:04)
• Tim Gettys: “They could have sword fight and even draw your firearms against others. Cool.” (54:23)

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily provides an in-depth exploration of the latest developments in the gaming industry, from exciting updates on Mario Kart World and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 to strategic moves by major players like Xbox and Ubisoft. The hosts navigate through the complexities of console partnerships, pricing strategies, and game development challenges with their characteristic humor and insightful commentary. Whether discussing the frustrations surrounding pre-order information or the implications of price hikes, Greg, Tim, and Bless deliver a comprehensive and engaging summary of the current gaming landscape.