Podcast Summary: The Besties – Episode: "Don’t Miss the Switch 2’s Hidden Gem"

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Hosts: Chris Plant, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
Title: Don’t Miss the Switch 2’s Hidden Gem

1. Episode Overview

In this episode of The Besties, the hosts delve deep into the latest release on the Switch 2 platform—Fast Fusion. They explore the game's mechanics, its place in the racing genre, and its comparison to established titles like Wipeout and Mario Kart. Additionally, the conversation expands to discuss the Switch 2 console's reception, ergonomics, and its competitive standing against other gaming systems.

2. Fast Fusion: An In-Depth Review

a. Introduction to Fast Fusion

The episode kicks off with an engaging banter about the potential chaos surrounding Russ Frushtick’s apartment, setting a humorous tone before transitioning to the main topic.

Justin McElroy introduces Fast Fusion as a standout title for the Switch 2:

"Chris, what is this game?"
Christopher Plant [03:48]: "...a futuristic racing game in which you zip around these gravity-defying racetracks doing loop after loop."

b. Game Mechanics and Features

The hosts dissect the unique elements that Fast Fusion brings to the racing genre:

• Graphics and Technology:
  Chris Plant [06:27]: "It looks fucking great. It is using all of the new like whiz bang technology that allows you to turn low-resolution graphics into high resolution."

• Jump Mechanics:
  Plant [06:38]: "It's cool as hell to be able to jump in your racing games."

• Boost Pads and Color Matching:
  Plant [07:12]: "You shift your vehicle's color to match the boost pads. If you are the right color, you're zipping through the course. But if you’re wrong, it drains you."
  Griffin McElroy [16:09]: "Managing that bar is really important."

c. Comparisons to Other Racing Games

The discussion highlights how Fast Fusion stands apart from titles like Mario Kart:

Russ Frushtick [09:34]: "There's no randomness... feels fair. When I win, it feels like I deserved to win."

Griffin McElroy [05:26]:
"It's just Switch two right now. So we're going to be talking about Fast Fusion and it's a cool one."

d. Pricing and Value Proposition

At a price point of $14.99, Fast Fusion is lauded for its value:

Plant [12:43]: "I absolutely adore that game, but this is the opposite... feels fair."
Griffin McElroy [17:11]: "At 15 bucks it's a steal."

e. Gameplay Experience

The hosts share personal experiences, emphasizing the game's balance between speed and control:

Justin McElroy [09:05]:
"There's something about the view range and the angle where your ship is so close to the camera that even when it's going really fast, you feel like you've got a ton of control."

Griffin McElroy [16:09]:
"It becomes like croquet, because you have to hit this guy in front of me so I can steal his boost."

3. Switch 2 Console: User Experiences and Comparisons

a. General Reception

The hosts express positive sentiments about the Switch 2, noting its improved performance and game library:

Griffin McElroy [19:21]:
"I've been playing the Switch 2 quite a bit... it's been getting a lot of play over here."

b. Hardware and Ergonomics

Discussions revolve around the console's physical aspects and user interface:

Justin McElroy [25:26]:
"The virtual game cards... It's a neat system that allows for smoother gameplay across devices."

Griffin McElroy [36:07]:
"The lack of ergonomic options right now for the Switch 2 is troubling."

c. Competitive Standing Against Other Consoles

The conversation compares the Switch 2 to heavyweights like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5:

Chris Plant [30:10]:
"The Switch 2 is a direct expansion and continuation of that whole thing."

Griffin McElroy [31:50]:
"I think the Switch 2 is a big enough bump in quality and power enough that that has, I don't know, settled in as the gimmick."

d. Future Accessories and Enhancements

The hosts speculate about upcoming accessories and modifications to enhance the Switch 2 experience:

Chris Plant [37:18]:
"They would definitely release more ergonomic options. Hori is ready to sell more stuff."

4. Additional Discussions

a. Sponsored Segment: Ritual's Synbiotic Plus

A brief advertisement segment promotes Ritual’s gut health supplement:

Russ Frushtick [03:32]:
"Ritual Symbiotic Plus is designed with a delayed release capsule to help reach the colon, not the stomach."

b. New Reality Show: "Destination X with Jeffrey Dean Morgan"

Justin introduces a new reality show blending geography and mystery:

Justin McElroy [44:10]:
"Players are driven to a remote location wearing blindfolds and must figure out where they are through a series of challenges."

c. Book Recommendations: Robert Jackson Bennett

Griffin shares his enthusiasm for Robert Jackson Bennett’s works:

Griffin McElroy [50:48]:
"The Divine Cities Trilogy is absolutely essential if you enjoy fantasy novels."

d. Movie Recommendation: "Meta Wanders"

Chris advocates for a lesser-known movie that resonates with LGBTQ+ themes:

Chris Plant [53:03]:
"It's like a friendlier John Waters movie, full of great performances and a delightful storyline."

5. Community Interaction and Listener Emails

The hosts respond to listener emails, discussing topics like the Hitman team’s potential Bond game and amusing confusions in subscriber messages. This segment adds a personal touch, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts and their engagement with the audience.

6. Upcoming Content and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with teasers for future discussions and promotions for their Patreon:

Griffin McElroy [54:13]:
"You can support us at patreon.com/thebesties for exclusive content and battle brackets every month."

Notable Quotes:

• Griffin McElroy [06:27]:
  "It's 4K HDR at 60 frames per second. Fucking looks pretty wild."

• Russ Frushtick [09:34]:
  "There's no randomness... feels fair. When I win, it feels like I deserved to win."

• Justin McElroy [16:09]:
  "It becomes like croquet, because you have to hit this guy in front of me so I can steal his boost."

• Griffin McElroy [17:11]:
  "At 15 bucks it's a steal."

Conclusion

In this episode, The Besties shine a spotlight on Fast Fusion, positioning it as a must-play title for Switch 2 enthusiasts. Through lively discussions, personal anecdotes, and expert analysis, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the game’s strengths and its value proposition in the current gaming landscape. Additionally, the conversation around the Switch 2 console underscores its growing impact and the hosts' positive reception of its features and game library.

Join The Besties next week as they explore "To the Fucking Beach," diving into the best aspects of stranding and beach-themed gaming adventures.