Kinda Funny Gamescast: Grading Nintendo's 2024

Release Date: December 2, 2024

In the episode titled "Grading Nintendo's 2024" from the Kinda Funny Gamescast, hosts Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., and Andy Cortez delve deep into Nintendo's performance throughout the year. The discussion spans game releases, hardware innovations, third-party support, and overall strategic direction as the Nintendo Switch approaches the end of its lifecycle.

1. Introduction to Nintendo's 2024

Tim Gettys kicks off the episode by setting the stage for evaluating Nintendo's endeavors in 2024. He emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive review as the Switch nears the end of its lifecycle.

"[00:07] Tim Gettys: What's up? And welcome back to the Kind of Funny Games Cast live for Monday, December 2, 2024."

2. Hardware Innovations: OLED Switch Lite Upgrade

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Tim's personal project of upgrading his Nintendo Switch Lite to an OLED version. This modification includes a brighter screen and enhanced connectivity options, showcasing the community-driven innovations around Nintendo hardware.

"[05:37] Tim Gettys: [...] I did a perfect job getting it all done, except for this top part."
"[06:06] Tim Gettys: Yeah, dude, burn your fucking retinas, man. This thing's even brighter than the Switch OLED."

Andy Cortez expresses amazement at the upgraded hardware's capabilities, particularly praising the new HDMI Turbo Max 5, which allows direct TV connectivity without compromising charging.

"[07:08] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: What do you mean? USB C into your tv?"
"[07:09] Andy Cortez: This is crazy. So the switch, obviously the switch live was like, oh, you can't dock it into your thing or whatever. But the Newer HDMI Turbo Max 5 [...] it works. It just works."

3. Game Releases and Remasters

The hosts systematically evaluate Nintendo's game lineup for the year, highlighting both original titles and remasters.

a. Standout Titles

• Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: Praised as one of the best Zelda games, Blessing Adeoye Jr. lauds its design and how it stands out in the franchise.

  "[17:14] Andy Cortez: [...] it's like, this was one of my most played games this year."

• Mario Party Jamboree: Hailed as the best Mario Party since the N64 era, the game receives commendations for its engaging gameplay and nostalgic appeal.

  "[17:24] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: [...] Mario Party Jamboree is probably like one of the best Nintendo games of the year for me."

• Paper Mario Thousand Year Door Remaster: Tim emphasizes the impeccable remake, maintaining the original's spirit while enhancing visuals and gameplay mechanics.

  "[15:26] Tim Gettys: [...] Thousand Year Door took those steps further and this game is gorgeous."

b. Remakes and Remasters

• Mario Golf and Mario Tennis: These titles are noted for their solid performance, though Andy Cortez remarks on their visual quality compared to earlier iterations.

  "[34:22] Tim Gettys: [...] they put out a lot of that. We're hitting that. That vibe."

• Metroid Prime Remastered: Discussed as a successful remaster that modernizes the classic without losing its essence.

  "[35:38] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: [...] Greg way today. And you'll be able to watch the live recording of the Kind of Funny podcast with Kevin Coelho making his return."

4. Third-Party Support and Indie Titles

The episode highlights Nintendo's strengthened third-party support, with titles like Pentiment, Grounded, and Marvel vs. Capcom Collection making their way onto the Switch. This influx is seen as a positive move towards aligning Nintendo with mainstream console capabilities.

"[26:12] Tim Gettys: [...] third-party love. I think a very important thing that was a first this year for all intents and purposes is PlayStation and Xbox support."

Blessing Adeoye Jr. reflects on the significance of third-party titles in expanding the Switch's library, expressing hope for continued diversity in future releases.

"[34:47] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: [...] these games would translate well to the platform. I. Right now my expectation is set that like that'll still continue to happen."

5. Nintendo Switch Online Enhancements

Nintendo continued to bolster its online services by regularly adding new game soundtracks and classic titles. The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto and the "Soundclock Alarmo" product are also notable mentions.

"[54:20] Tim Gettys: [...] they really are at the point where."
"[54:21] Tim Gettys: [...] we're just not getting Assassin's Creed Shadows, I guess nobody did."

Andy Cortez shares his experience with the Soundclock Alarmo, appreciating the serene night sounds despite criticizing its aesthetics.

"[57:30] Andy Cortez: [...] the night sounds are real nice to him."

6. Events and Major Announcements

The hosts recapitulate significant events from 2024, including:

• Discontinuation of Services: The end of online services for the 3DS and Wii U.
• Termination of Mario & Sonic Partnership: Ending a 17-year collaboration with the International Olympic Committee.
• Patent Infringement Lawsuit: Nintendo and Pokémon Company file against Pocket Pair.
• Launch of Nintendo Museum: Opening in Kyoto, Japan.
• Expansion of Super Nintendo World: Scheduled for December 11th.

"[56:07] Tim Gettys: [...] on April 9, Nintendo went through puberty, had a divorce, discontinued the online services for the 3Ds and Wii U."

7. Community Feedback and Ratings

Listener feedback via super chats provides a spectrum of opinions:

• Positive Feedback: Many appreciate the consistent game releases and specific titles like Zelda Echoes of Wisdom.

  "[62:10] Tim Gettys: [...] echoing that was [Zelda] is a huge release."

• Constructive Criticism: Some listeners feel that many releases were forgettable or simply remakes without innovation.

  "[57:30] Greg Miller: [...] These are all games that we know are going to sell very well on a Nintendo console."

• Overall Ratings: The collective sentiment from the hosts and listeners ranges from 6.5 to 8 out of 10, acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement.

  "[66:02] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: [...] I think this was a bad year for them with the exception of Zelda."

8. Expectations for Nintendo Switch 2

Looking forward, the hosts express cautious optimism for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. They anticipate enhanced hardware capabilities, broader third-party support, and potential flagship titles that could reinvigorate Nintendo's standing in the console market.

"[37:48] Tim Gettys: [...] If Nintendo continues the success they have, which I expect them to."
"[38:52] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: Yeah, I wonder how they think about it, right?"

Andy Cortez envisions major titles like Elden Ring running seamlessly on the new hardware, setting a high benchmark for performance.

"[39:51] Andy Cortez: [...] I like, I'm in a place where I don't expect that though."

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Tim Gettys commends Nintendo for maintaining consistency in game releases and fostering third-party partnerships. While acknowledging that 2024 wasn't Nintendo's strongest year, the hosts are optimistic about the groundwork laid for future successes with the Switch 2.

"[63:52] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: [...] This was a bad year for them with the exception of Zelda."
"[64:37] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: Yeah."

The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their thoughts on Nintendo's 2024 performance and anticipation for the next year's developments.

"[61:27] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: [...] Let us know in the comments below what your thoughts of this year for Nintendo."

Notable Quotes:

• "It's all love, though, you know?" — Tim Gettys ([00:33])
• "This thing's even brighter than the Switch OLED." — Tim Gettys ([06:06])
• "Mario Party Jamboree is probably like one of the best Nintendo games of the year for me." — Blessing Adeoye Jr. ([17:24])
• "They were like, yeah, make it for the console and like, you know, the people that play are going to play it." — Blessing Adeoye Jr. ([34:01])
• "If Nintendo continues the success they have, which I expect them to." — Tim Gettys ([37:48])
• "This was a bad year for them with the exception of Zelda." — Blessing Adeoye Jr. ([63:52])
• "Let us know in the comments below what your thoughts of this year for Nintendo." — Tim Gettys ([61:27])

Key Takeaways:

• Nintendo's 2024 was marked by a mix of solid remasters, standout titles like Zelda Echoes of Wisdom, and consistent third-party support.
• Hardware Modifications, such as the OLED Switch Lite upgrade, showcase the community's dedication and innovation.
• Third-Party Partnerships have improved, bringing a diverse range of titles to the Switch ecosystem.
• While some releases were praised, others were deemed forgettable, leading to an overall rating between 6.5 and 8 out of 10.
• Future Prospects: Optimism surrounds the upcoming Switch 2, with expectations of enhanced capabilities and major game releases.

This comprehensive review from the Kinda Funny Gamescast provides valuable insights for Nintendo enthusiasts and gamers alike, offering a balanced perspective on the company's performance and future trajectory.