Podcast Summary: The Besties - Episode on The Switch 2 and "Vampire Survivors+RPG"

Release Date: January 24, 2025

Hosts:

• Griffin McElroy
• Justin McElroy
• Chris Plante
• Russ Frushtick

1. Opening Banter: Neopets and Cheat Engines

The episode kicks off with playful banter among the hosts about using cheat engines in Neopets. Griffin McElroy humorously shares his experience with an infinite breeding cheat, leading to laughs and lighthearted teasing.

• Griffin McElroy [00:00]: "I downloaded a Neopets cheat engine. And when that's running, which it is around the clock because I'm always grinding it out."
• Justin McElroy [00:24]: "I turned on that cheat in college. High five."

This segment sets a relaxed and humorous tone for the episode, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts.

2. Introduction of Hosts and Episode Overview

The hosts introduce themselves and outline the episode's main topics: the Nintendo Switch 2 and the game "Heroes of Hammer Watch 2."

• Justin McElroy [01:26]: "My name is Justin McElroy and I know the best game of the week."
• Griffin McElroy [01:29]: "My name is Griffin McElroy. I know the best video game console of 2025."

They briefly mention upcoming discussions, including an honorable mention segment featuring "Donkey Kong Country Returns HD."

3. Main Topic 1: Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement

The bulk of the episode centers around the recently announced Nintendo Switch 2. The hosts delve into the specifications, design changes, and their personal opinions on the announcement.

a. Specifications and Design Changes

Russ Fresh provides a rundown of the rumored specs, although he admits they are largely speculative.

• Russ Fresh [05:52]: "The Switch 2 is a 6.4-inch screen with a 7700Hz processor."

Griffin questions the accuracy of these specs, leading to a playful disagreement.

• Griffin McElroy [05:23]: "Are these official specs or are these what's been... Totally making numbers up."

The discussion touches on design elements like an optical sensor and the potential inclusion of mouse functionality, which the hosts find both intriguing and unconfirmed.

b. Hosts' Opinions on Switch 2

Justin expresses disappointment with the Switch 2's reveal, feeling it lacks the excitement of previous Nintendo announcements.

• Justin McElroy [08:15]: "For me this just feels a little bit disappointing."

Griffin echoes these sentiments, hoping the Switch 2 will focus on enhancing the user experience rather than merely iterating on the original Switch's design.

• Griffin McElroy [09:30]: "I find it very uninspiring."

c. Nintendo's Strategy and Market Position

The conversation shifts to Nintendo's strategic position in the gaming market, with Christopher Plant highlighting Nintendo's ability to stay ahead of market trends.

• Christopher Thomas Plant [18:29]: "Nintendo makes money off hardware where nobody else can. People design their games down to be on their hardware."

Russ emphasizes the financial success of the Switch, predicting the Switch 2 will become one of the best-selling consoles of all time.

• Russ Fresh [19:57]: "They sold 146 million switches. That was as of September of last year."

d. Critique and Future Expectations

Justin critiques Nintendo's focus on hardware over innovative software, expressing concern that the Switch 2 may not offer groundbreaking features.

• Justin McElroy [17:35]: "If you don't have any fun functionality, it's just another Switch."

Griffin counters by pointing out potential surprises in the Switch 2's functionality, though he remains cautiously optimistic.

• Griffin McElroy [23:53]: "Perhaps there's a Joy Con Street Pass functionality."

4. Main Topic 2: Heroes of Hammer Watch 2

The hosts transition to discussing "Heroes of Hammer Watch 2," exploring its gameplay mechanics, improvements over its predecessor, and overall reception.

a. Gameplay and Features

Griffin provides an in-depth look at the game's class system and progression mechanics.

• Griffin McElroy [33:03]: "Each class has a mastery bonus that applies to every character... Sorcerer increases your mana regeneration."

Russ praises the game's satisfying combat and multiplayer experience.

• Russ Fresh [34:19]: "It's like a Diablo-like ARPG with the juice from Vampire Survivors."

b. Hosts' Personal Experiences

The hosts share their personal experiences, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement.

• Justin McElroy [38:29]: "There is an insane issue where after you play a certain number of levels, the load times become exponentially longer."

Griffin expresses enthusiasm for the game's ongoing development and patches, signaling strong community support.

• Griffin McElroy [40:15]: "It's really exceptionally fun and good and I can't stop playing it."

c. Future Prospects

Russ speculates on future updates and the potential for console releases, emphasizing the game's stability and multiplayer design.

• Russ Fresh [43:34]: "It's very stable. It doesn't feel laggy at all."

5. Honorable Mentions: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

In the honorable mentions segment, the hosts discuss the upcoming re-release of "Donkey Kong Country Returns HD."

a. Game Overview and Critique

Griffin describes the game's design and differences from previous entries, noting a more straightforward platforming experience compared to "Tropical Freeze."

• Griffin McElroy [44:20]: "It's a relatively basic platforming game in the style of Donkey Kong Country."

Russ shares his frustrations with the multiplayer mechanics, particularly the mechanics surrounding player deaths.

• Russ Fresh [46:50]: "If one of your players dies...the barrel's gone as is that life. So like there was a level we were trying to get through... then lose and have to restart the entire level."

b. Comparison to Previous Titles

The hosts compare "Donkey Kong Country Returns HD" to "Tropical Freeze," highlighting differences in design philosophy and player experience.

• Griffin McElroy [45:14]: "Tropical Freeze feels like a much more developed, thoughtful game."

6. Additional Mentions and Announcements

Beyond the main topics, the hosts briefly touch on other games and media, including "Final Fantasy IX," "Shenmue," the movie "Night Bitch," and the "SNL 50 Beyond" documentary series.

a. Justin McElroy Prize for Success in Innovation

Justin announces a humorous and unconventional prize for successfully emulating the Philips CDI digital video cartridge on his Retro Pocket 5.

• Justin McElroy [53:31]: "If you can get the Philips CDI digital video cartridge, emulate it in a way where I can play it on my retro pocket five. I will give the recipient of that award $1,000 in Olive Garden gift certificate."

The announcement is met with playful skepticism and laughter from the hosts.

7. Patreon Shoutout and Closing Remarks

Russ takes a moment to thank Patreon supporters, highlighting exclusive content available to patrons, including special episodes and bracket discussions.

• Russ Fresh [62:27]: "Thank you so much to all y'all for supporting us. I also wanted to mention that the readers, specifically Bastoad, wanted to applaud us..."

a. Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with a preview of the next week's topic: "Citizen Sleeper 2."

• Justin McElroy [63:51]: "Next week we're going to be talking about Citizen Sleeper 2... Find out next time on the Besties."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Griffin McElroy [44:20]: "It's a relatively basic platforming game in the style of Donkey Kong Country."
• Russ Fresh [34:19]: "It's like a Diablo-like ARPG with the juice from Vampire Survivors."
• Justin McElroy [17:35]: "If you don't have any fun functionality, it's just another Switch."
• Griffin McElroy [40:15]: "It's really exceptionally fun and good and I can't stop playing it."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Besties, the hosts provide a comprehensive and engaging discussion on the Nintendo Switch 2, expressing a mix of anticipation and disappointment over its announced features. They delve deep into the mechanics and community reception of "Heroes of Hammer Watch 2," offering insights into its gameplay and future potential. The honorable mentions segment critiques the re-release of "Donkey Kong Country Returns HD," comparing it to previous entries and highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the episode, the camaraderie and playful banter among Griffin, Justin, Chris, and Russ create an entertaining and informative listening experience for both regular fans and newcomers alike.