Nintendo has officially been voted gamers' favorite video game developer by Famitsu readers, and we couldn't agree more! We look at Nintendo's response, discuss why they continue to earn the reputation they do, and take a look at some of the other fun categories, including readers' favorite characters and the games fans would most want to experience again if they could erase their memories.

We also revisit the ongoing shakeup at Xbox as more details emerge. This week brings confirmation of widespread layoffs, studios being sold off or going independent, and new information about what's happening at both id Software and Obsidian Entertainment as Microsoft's gaming division undergoes some major changes.

Plus, this week's quick headlines include: Switch 2 hardware with removable batteries coming to Europe, another 40th Anniversary Mario pin set, reports that Final Fantasy VII Revelations could receive nine DLC packs, a Yoshi and the Mysterious Book eShop demo, a retail demo for Splatoon Raiders, a Pokémon × J. League football collaboration, the upcoming end of service for Mario Kart Tour, Wario Land and other Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles joining Nintendo Switch Online, and even more Mario Kart World tracks arriving on Nintendo Music.

Time Codes:

00:00:00 Opening

00:03:21 Famitsu Votes Nintendo "Favorite Developer"

00:21:05 Xbox Confirms Layoffs, Studio Sales/Independence, Changes at id and Obsidian

00:35:58 Switch 2 Revisions, Mario Pins, Pokemon x J. League, Mario Kart Tour, and More

00:56:25 Out This Week

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One year ago, we launched Podcasting With Power with one simple goal: create the kind of Nintendo podcast we wanted to watch ourselves. Fifty-two weeks later, we've covered Nintendo Directs, Switch 2 games and hardware, industry shakeups ,and more while also publishing game reviews, predictions, and countless debates. We've learned a lot along the way, and it's changed the way we look at our favorite hobby.

In this special anniversary episode, we're looking back at our first year of podcasting. We revisit our favorite episodes, the games we loved reviewing, and our ten biggest episodes to explore why we think they connected with so many viewers. We also talk about what we've learned behind the scenes, how podcasting has made us more informed gamers, and where we want to take Podcasting With Power next—including more gameplay videos, livestreams, and community-focused content.

Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or just discovered the channel, thank you for helping make our first year such a memorable one. Here's to Year Two!

Time Codes:

00:00:00 Podcasting With Power Turns 1!

00:07:41 How The Show Has Changed The Way We Play Games

00:12:40 Our Favorite Topics/Episodes of PWP

00:38:04 Mid-Year Predictions Check-In

00:48:17 Our Favorite Games to Review

00:51:32 Why Are These Our Top 10 Videos?

01:24:21 Future Gameplay Content

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Physical games media has been on the decline for some time, but PlayStation announcing the end of production is a major blow for collectors. With Xbox reportedly following suit, we examine what this means for digital ownership, what will happen to video game retail spaces, and how we think Nintendo will proceed when it comes to keeping physical games alive or not.

We also look into a possible leak of a new Metroid title (Metroid Ravenous) and a rumor suggesting it might not be the only Metroid game in the pipeline. Finally, we round up the early reviews for Rhythm Heaven Groove to see whether Nintendo's latest rhythm game lives up to the series' reputation.

Quick Headlines: Switch 2 becomes the second-fastest selling console in U.S. history, First 4 Figures unveils a new Elephant Mario statue, Mario Kart World adds two new Knockout Tours, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie streams on Peacock this month, Kirby Air Riders gets another amiibo, Nintendo's president hints that Nintendo DS games could eventually come to Nintendo Switch Online, and Nintendo Music keeps growing with another wave of additions.

Time Codes:

00:00:00 Opening

00:09:37 PlayStation (and Possibly Xbox) to Stop Producing Physical Game Discs

00:19:11 Metroid Ravenous Title Leak & Rumors of a Second Unannounced Game

00:23:35 Rhythm Heaven Groove Review Roundup

00:25:32 Quick Headlines: Switch 2 Sales, Elephant Mario Statue, DS on NSO, and more

00:32:28 Out This Week

Subscribe to Podcasting With Power for more Nintendo discussions, news, and deep dives!

Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwithpower

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podwithpower.bsky.social

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podwithpower

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podwithpower