David’s away, but that doesn’t stop us talking about everything announced in last week’s Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, Xbox Game Pass hitting almost $5bn in annual revenue, Itch.io "re-indexes" free adult NSFW content, BioShock 4 failing to impress at internal 2K review, and Sony suing Tencent over Light of Motiram. Also: online abuse, shaving beards, siblings, movie tie-in games, game show games, interviewing celebs, and more. Games discussed: and Roger, Time Flies; Dear Me I was, Fortnite, Death Stranding 2, FUMES, Donkey Kong Bananza.   Support Patreon   Contact Website Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook   Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky   Watch Twitch YouTube   Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts   Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

Mastercard and Visa face backlash after hundreds of adult games removed from online stores Steam and Itch.io, Microsoft starts rolling out Xbox age verification in the UK (and reversed plans to charge $80 for The Outer Worlds 2) Switch 2 has become the fastest selling video game hardware device in US history, Sony’s new Power Saver mode will ‘scale back performance’ of supported PlayStation 5 titles, and Wolfenstein is the next game series to get an adaptation for TV. Also: burned food, save files, biscuits, billionaires, and more. Games discussed: Death Stranding 2, Wheel World, Donkey Kong Bananza.   Support Patreon Store   Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook   Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky   Watch Twitch YouTube   Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts   Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

Microsoft kills its movies and TV store on Xbox and Windows, Nintendo is doing another mysterious ‘online playtest’, Steam games disclosing generative AI use ‘are up 800%’ this year, FromSoftware is working on an unannounced project alongside The Duskbloods, and Zelda and Link’s movie actors have been revealed. Also: Internet black-outs, bank notes, money taboos, 90s game news, Fantastic Four, fun friend-meeting stories. Games discussed: Donkey Kong Bananza, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

Forza Horizon 5 sold 2 million units in a month on PS5, there’s a whole Subnautica 2 saga, the Donkey Kong Bananza director says he’s aware of occasional performance issues, and Nintendo and Universal are planning a Donkey Kong movie. Also: video podcasts, politics, tattoo updates, slippers and more. Games discussed: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Two Point Museum, The Ascent. Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

Job losses, studio closures, cancelled games at Xbox, Phil Spencer isn’t leaving any time soon, Helldivers 2 is coming to Xbox Series X/S in August, port studio says any 60fps Xbox Series S game will ‘easily port’ to Nintendo Switch 2, and Neil Druckmann is stepping away from The Last of Us TV show to focus on game development Also: Good facts, Chinese takeaways, stickers and more! Games discussed: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, PEAK, Another Code: Recollection, Two Point Museum, Zenless Zone Zero, Rematch, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Walkabout Mini Golf VR. Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

This week, a totally normal show. Lost Records developer Don't Nod cuts a "non-insignificant chunk" of jobs; turns out The Alters has undisclosed gen AI use of in images, text, and translation; Sony sued in Netherlands over "Sony Tax" and its perceived monopoly on digital sales, PlayStation maintains that it still won’t release first-party games on PS Plus on day one, and Dbrand is sending improved Switch 2 grips to all customers after ‘spectacularly terrible response’ to detaching claims. Also: Mr. Resetti, Star Wars nerds, feeling old, and so much more. Games discussed: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, PEAK, 9 Kings, Cast n Chill, Rematch, Lumines Remastered.   Support Patreon Store   Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook   Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky   Watch Twitch YouTube   Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts   Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

Microsoft says it's working on next-gen Xbox "consoles", third-party Switch 2 game sales are reportedly “below estimates” (but Nintendo is banning people for pirating games on Switch 2), a Metroid Prime 4 ad on London Underground claimed the game is ‘out now’, support for Beat Saber on PS4 and PS5 ends, and Bungie delays Marathon. Also: Prison time, good boys, Sonic’s birthday, masculine film idols, and more. Games discussed: Rematch, The Alters, Mario Kart World, Fortnite, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.   Support Patreon Store   Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook   Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky   Watch Twitch YouTube   Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts   Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

This week we’re joined by the amazing Ellie Gibson! Switch 2 sells 3.5m units in four days, SAG-AFTRA reaches tentative agreement with major games companies to end strike, SGF viewing figures up by 89%, John Marston’s actor teases “big announcement” coming “before Friday”, and Splatoon Raiders is announced for Switch 2. Also: being sell-outs, catchphrases, could we host the BAFTA Games Awards, and more! Games discussed: The Alters, Trash Goblin, Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Absolum, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

We discuss everything announced at Summer Game Fest and Sony State of Play, and we give our first impressions of Nintendo Switch 2, its games and accessories. That’s it. That’s the show. Games discussed: Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and more.   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

EA cancels Black Panther and shuts down Cliffhanger Games, Xbox’s handheld has been reportedly "sidelined", GAME cancelling Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, and Summer Game Fest 2025 is almost here. Also: games in space, nuisance gaming, school screw ups, non-tech upgrades, murders, and more. Games discussed: To a T, Rematch, Ghost Town   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

This week: Borderlands 4 might actually cost $80, Molyneux talks about Project Milo, Alex Garland is directing the Elden Ring movie, and Sony ends its PlayStation Stars loyalty programme. Also: best kissers, own brand lifestyles, spoilers, TCGS Trump Cars, bunkers, and more. Games discussed: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Doom: The Dark Ages, Monster Train 2, Helldivers 2, Split Fiction. Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

Sean’s away, so this week we’re joined by none other than star of stage and screen, Blake Harrison! This week: Bungie morale reportedly in "free fall" as it grapples with stolen Marathon assets fallout, Fortnite now lets you chat with Darth Vader using generative AI speech, Jade Raymond has left Haven Studios, Red Dead Redemption 2 reportedly coming to Switch 2, analysts say that Nintendo is likely to become "primary partner for third-party game publishers" over next gen, and the PS5 might be able to go up in price again. Also: the next generation of TCGS, Worcestershire Sauce, gaming dreams, the rising cost of gaming, sleep strats and more. Games discussed: Doom: The Dark Ages, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, WWE 2K25, Rock Band 2 Deluxe, The Midnight Walk.   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

The second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI is here, Giant Bomb has been sold by Fandom and will continue independently, Xbox handheld photos leak, and Nintendo reserves the right to brick your console following "unauthorised use" in bid to prevent piracy. Fun! Also: Chip butties, Goomba deaths, ice-cream vs sandwiches and more! Games discussed: Revenge of the Savage Planet, Skin Deep, The Midnight Walk, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

This week: GTA 6 delayed to 2026; Xbox games, accessories and consoles rise in price worldwide; Giant Bomb website in doubt following prominent staff departures, Polygon sold to Valnet with the majority of staff laid off, more layoffs at EA, and Half-Life 3 is not just in development - it's now "playable, end-to-end" (leaker suggests). Also: handhelds on holiday, Farley’s Low Effort Moments, Halo 3, football, quiz shows, and more! Games discussed: Despelote, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Promise Mascot Agency   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

Our long national nightmare is over; Mat got the tattoo. That plus Nintendo Switch 2 may be the biggest console launch in history, Switch 2 upgrade costs revealed, IGN and Eurogamer owner Ziff Davis is suing OpenAI for content theft, Meta lays off more people, and Indiana Jones sold really well on PS5. Also: GTA Hamlet, first celebrity crushes, pampering, and more! Games discussed: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 South of Midnight, Blue Prince, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Promise Mascot Agency.   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

This week: Nintendo confirms new US pre-order date for Switch 2 and price, Mario Kart World Direct, Mario might be on Switch 2???, Game Pass isn’t for everyone, and Oblivion Remastered has been announced by the time you see this. Also: spoiler etiquette, sugar intakes, cut-scenes as movies, and more! Games discussed: Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - Tape 2, Shanghai Summer, Blue Prince, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Promise Mascot Agency, Hearthstone.   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

This week: Trump's tariffs, Microsoft boycotts, more Switch 2 cartridge updates, and Bungie fully shows off Marathon. Also: favourite British games, console launches, crisp flavours, video game soundtracks, and more. Games discussed: Blue Prince, Haste, Dragon Tycoon 4   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

We discuss everything announced at last week’s Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, including the hardware, games, features and price, plus everything we’ve learned since, and our pre-orders. Also: To celebrate our 9th birthday last week, we have more than an hour of listener questions!   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

Sean is away, so this week we’re joined by Iain Lee! This week: We discuss what was announced at last week’s Nintendo Direct, The Legend of Zelda movie release date has been revealed, Netflix games boss says consoles not the future, and Game Informer is back from the dead. Also: new Carry On movies, fake phone calls, games that are too close to home, takeaways, Mastermind, and more! Games discussed: Atomfall, Split Fiction, Ico, Donkey Kong 2 (Game and Watch), Kingdom Come: Deliverance II   Support Patreon Store Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong

This week: Microsoft accidently leaks Xbox UI mockup that includes Steam games label, a new God of War ‘side-story project’ set in Greece is coming this year, and Phil Spencer says more movies and TV shows based on Xbox games are on the way. Also: Fortnite skins, paying extra to play GTA 6 early, Bully, hunting monsters, HD remasters and so much more. Games discussed: Wanderstop, Split Fiction, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Fortnite.   Contact Website Contact form Discord Bluesky Threads Instagram Facebook Follow TCGS on Bluesky David on Bluesky Sean on Bluesky Mat on Bluesky James on Bluesky Watch Twitch YouTube Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts Credits Music by Nick Parton Art by Dave Chong