Podcaster Joshua from Nintendo Maniacs joins to chat about Pokemon Legends Z-A! We break down this unorthodox Pokemon game, dig deep into Mega Pokemon, and give the final verdict on the Pokemon franchise in the Switch era. And we look at another Game Freak title, Mario and Wario! And in the feature, I look at the amazing illustrated Pokemon field guide, Pokecology!
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Nintendo Maniacs podcast: https://linktr.ee/NintendoManiacs
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nintendomaniacs.bsky.social
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(0:53) - Pokemon Legends Z-A w/ Nintendo Maniacs
(43:18) - Mario and Wario
Feature
(1:02:08) - Pokecology
News
(1:11:04) - New Switch 2 games, Mister Donut X Pokemon
Social media:
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Game localizer Stephen Meyerink joins as we dive into Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles! We explore this game’s many new additions, the history of FFT’s localization, and talk about this Final Fantasy spinoff’s enduring legacy. Plus, I take you inside the brand new Sega merch shop in Shibuya, Sega Store Tokyo!
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BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjmtaelus.bsky.social
Website: https://sjmtaelus.com/
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(0:49) - Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles w/ Stephen Meyerink
Feature
(0:54:57) - Sega Store Tokyo
News
(1:11:50) - Close To You Pikmin Short, New Tokyo Events
Social media:
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Japan’s biggest gaming event, Tokyo Game Show 2025, just happened and video game PR guru Kyle aka Mr. KN1V3S is back to chat all about it! We dive into some amazing Switch 2 demos, the best booths, and talk about all the great upcoming games we tried out! Plus I look at the hotly anticipated Hades II and the not anticipated at all Fire Emblem Shadows!
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Mr. KN1V3S: https://bsky.app/profile/mrkn1v3s.bsky.social
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:52) - Tokyo Game Show 2025 w/ Mr. Kn1v3s
Games
(1:21:19) - Hades II
(1:31:17) - Fire Emblem Shadows
News
(1:38:56) - New Nintendo of America president, FFIX cafe
Social media:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Scott Popular and Mr. KN1V3S join the podcast to chat about Video Game Prom, the biggest video game related party in Tokyo! We talk about how they’re bringing a party atmosphere to indie dev meetups and strategies to become the prom queen! Plus I look at Hollow Knight: Silksong and the new Donkey Kong DLC! And of course, a big analysis of the Direct!
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Video Game Prom: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-video-game-prom-tickets-1288063345139
Scott: https://bsky.app/profile/scottpopular.bsky.social
Mr. Kn1v3s: https://bsky.app/profile/mrkn1v3s.bsky.social
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:55) - Video Game Prom 2025 w/ Scott Popular and Mr. Kn1v3s
Games
(27:35) - Hollow Knight: Silksong
(38:46) - Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island + Emerald Rush
News
(44:26) - Nintendo Direct September 2025 Analysis
Social media:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
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Type designer Kaihatsu joins to chat about Nintendo fonts! We explore how Nintendo utilizes typography in their games, the surprising NHK/Wii connection, and the joys of Pop Happiness. Plus, I take a look at Kirby Star-Crossed World and Hello, Mario!
Small correction: The Japanese version of Super Mario Galaxy uses the Rodin Maria font.
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Kaihatsu
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kaihat.su
Twitter: https://x.com/KaihatsuYT
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:51) - Nintendo Fonts w/ Kaihatsu
Games
(37:27) - Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World
(45:04) - Hello, Mario!
News
(47:47) - New pop ups, Mega Pokemon, Nintendo Direct soon
Social media:
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Chris from KaniPro Games returns to chat about his new game: Conjunctivitalizer! This indie shoot ‘em up made in Japan is aiming to upend shooter conventions, and we explore the genesis of the project, the new demo on Steam, and how Toshiya Yamanaka of Sin and Punishment fame wrote music for the game! Plus, I roll you inside the Katamari Damacy Collaboration Cafe in Shibuya!
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Conjunctivitalizer on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3343600/Conjunctivitalizer/
KaniPro Games: https://x.com/KaniProGames
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(0:52) - Conjunctivitalizer w/ KaniPro Games
Feature
(27:41) - Katamari Damacy Collaboration Cafe
News
(39:06) - Parco Games, Drag X Drive devs, Kirby Air Riders Direct
Social media:
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Source Gaming’s Joshua Goldie returns as we chat about Dear me, I was… from some of the key staff behind Another Code and Hotel Dusk! We chat about this surprising return to Cing’s roots and how you should eat breakfast. Plus we share more in-depth thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza! In the feature, I take you inside The Shape of Mother exhibit, featuring over 180 clay figurines from Earthbound’s history!
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nantenjex.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NantenJex
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(0:55) - Dear me, I was… with Joshua Goldie
(19:53) - More Donkey Kong Bananza
Feature
(37:29) - The Shape of Mother
News
(47:18) - Big DK, Partner Showcase and Indie World
Social media:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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The world’s most renowned Donkey Kong journalist, Hyle of DK Vine, joins the podcast to chat about Donkey Kong Bananza! We explore the game’s development history, how it reimagines Nintendo’s iconic ape, and analyze Kong name lore. In the feature, I take you inside the newly opened toy store, Kiddy Land Shinjuku!
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Website: https://www.dkvine.com/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dkvine.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DKVine
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(0:50) - Donkey Kong Bananza w/ DK Vine
Feature
(53:34) - Kiddy Land Shinjuku
News
(1:00:53) - GiGO No.1 closing, Pokemon Presents
Social media:
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Video essayist IdolismJ joins to look at Buriki One, SNK’s under the radar attempt at making an MMA fighting game! We dig deep into this obscure fighter, the Hyper Neo Geo 64, orange hair, and how it’s a perfect time capsule for a moment in Japanese pop culture history. In the feature, I take you inside Capcom Osaka, the company’s biggest merch store in Japan!
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IdolismJ
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/idolismj.yase.world
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(0:48) - Buriki One w/ IdolismJ
Feature
(39:57) - Capcom Store Osaka
News
(49:25) - New stores and events at Shibuya Parco
Social media:
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Pro Mario Kart player Vantox joins as we chat about the competitive scene and mastering Mario Kart! How can you go from 24th place all the way to the top? Plus I share more details on the Switch 2 launch games I’ve been playing, and share my demo impressions on Donkey Kong Bananza!
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Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/vantox_
Twitter: https://x.com/vnt__x
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:50) - Mastering Mario Kart w/ Vantox
Games
(21:45) - More Switch 2 launch games
News
(41:15) - Donkey Kong Bananza impressions, new events in Tokyo
Social media:
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YouTuber Dale Clayton is back as we delve into the Switch 2 launch in Japan! We chronicle our journey to getting one in Japan and chat about the hardware’s record-breaking launch in the country! Plus we look at Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and a smattering of other games we’re playing on Nintendo’s newest console!
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dale_dpg
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/daledpg.bsky.social
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:50) - Switch 2 launch in Japan w/ Dale Clayton
Games
(29:08) - Mario Kart World
(57:45) - Welcome Tour
(1:14:32) - Other Switch 2 launch titles
News
(1:28:26) - Switch 2 sales, five upcoming games to care about
Social media:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Game preservationist Caitlyn Pascal joins to chat about electro-mechanical games, the machines that dominated Japanese arcades before video games! We explore the fascinating history on how some of the biggest arcade titans got their start making these one-of-a-kind devices that showcased amazing technology, and talk about Caitlyn’s effort to preserve this important chapter of gaming history! And I look at some classic titles in Capcom Fighting Collection 2!
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Early Arcades Japan: https://earlyarcadesjapan.blogspot.com/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cpi.bsky.social
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:53) - Electro-mechanical games w/ Caitlyn Pascal
Games
(37:31) - Capcom Fighting Collection 2
News
(54:03) - NSO games, new Pokemon merch, Death Stranding 2 in Tokyo
Social media:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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YouTuber Dale Clayton is back as we dive into a Nintendo Switch retrospective! We go year by year exploring the highs, lows, and weirds of Nintendo’s greatest console. In the feature section, I talk about one of Nintendo’s best merch partners, EDITMODE!
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dale_dpg
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/daledpg.bsky.social
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(0:50) - Switch Retrospective w/ Dale Clayton
Feature
(1:33:05) - EDITMODE: Nintendo Apparel
News
(1:39:57) - Switch 2 in Japan updates
Social media:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com
YouTuber 4amLaundry joins as we chat about retro game shopping in Tokyo! We recommend our favorite shops, games, and analyze the state of retro game hunting in Japan! And I take a look at Kairosoft’s Heian City Story!
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@4amLaundry
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/4amlaundry
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:55) - Retro Game Shopping in Tokyo w/ 4amLaundry
Games
(39:34) - Heian City Story
News
(46:14) - Switch 2 preorder updates, new game merch
Social media:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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What’s up with moai in video games? You’re gonna find out as game developer and creator of moai.games joins as we chat about moai in Japanese games! We explore Japan’s fascination with these mysterious statues, why Konami loves them so much, and reveal our favorite moai! Plus I take a look at Koei’s ambitious strategy game Uncharted Waters: New Horizons before closing out with some Japan-focused Switch 2 news!
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Website: https://www.gingerbeardman.com/
Moai website: https://moai.games/
Itch.io: https://gingerbeardman.itch.io/
YOYOZO: https://blog.gingerbeardman.com/2023/11/21/yoyozo-how-i-made-a-playdate-game-in-39kb/
Emoji history: https://blog.gingerbeardman.com/2024/05/10/emoji-history-the-missing-years/
(
0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:54) - Moai in Japanese games w/ Matt Sephton
Games
(30:50) - Uncharted Waters: New Horizons
News
(36:45) - Mario Kart World Direct, Switch 2 preorders in Japan
Social media:
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Japanese mascots, yakuza, kei trucks, and more can be found as you explore the Japanese countryside in Promise Mascot Agency from Kaizen Game Works! Game director Oli Clarke Smith joins to talk about how this unique amalgamation of ideas came together to make the game, working with legendary game dev Ikumi Nakamura, assembling an all-star voice cast, and more! Also I give all the details on my trip to Nintendo Osaka, and dive deep into the surprising Switch 2 Direct!
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chopemon.bsky.social
Kaizen Game Works: https://bsky.app/profile/kaizengameworks.com
Promise Mascot Agency store links: https://kaizengameworks.com/portfolio-items/promise-mascot-agency/
eShop link: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/promise-mascot-agency-switch/
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(1:01) - Promise Mascot Agency w/ Oli Clarke Smith
Feature
(33:59) - Nintendo Osaka
News
(41:58) - Nintendo Switch 2 Direct
Social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLifeBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife
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Tokyo resident and returning guest Genki is back as we explore Square Enix’s new store in Shibuya, Square Enix Garden! How many plushies are there? Which music box is the best? Should there be a Heartless statue? What’s up with the Square Enix Cafe? We answer all these questions and more! Plus I do a backflip and rave about Donkey Kong 94, now on NSO!
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Twitter: https://x.com/Genki_JPN
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GenkiGamer
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:53) - Square Enix Garden w/ Genki
Games
(26:03) - Donkey Kong 94
News
(35:31) - Playtest credit info, Pokemon Center Hiroshima moving
Social media:
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Suikoden is back, and author Aidan Moher is here to dig into Suikoden I & II HD Remaster from Konami! We explore Suikoden’s impact on the JRPG landscape, if this new version delivers, and reveal some shocking Super Bomberman R2 lore. And I give all the details on my latest trip to Donkey Kong Country in Universal Studios Japan!
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/aidanis.fun
Newsletter: https://astrolabe.aidanmoher.com/
Upcoming book about Suikoden: https://astrolabe.aidanmoher.com/suikoden-1-2-history-boss-fight-books-2026/
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(0:50) - Suikoden I & II HD Remaster w/ Aidan Moher
Feature
(46:20) - Return to Donkey Kong Country in Universal Studios Japan
News
(1:07:27) - Pokemon Presents 2025
Social media:
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Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Brad from Game Vecanti joins to chat about retro Japanese games that finally got an English localization! From Princess Maker to Trails to Mr. Driller, we explore over a hundred Japanese classics that you can finally play in English! Plus I rave about the samurai roguelite Shogun Showdown and share the deets on Nintendo’s latest hanafuda merch!
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Retro game list: https://sites.google.com/view/retro-games-with-new-locs
Twitter: https://x.com/Baust528Site: https://sites.google.com/view/game-vecanti-index
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:52) - Retro Japanese Games Finally in English w/ Brad of Game Vecanti
Games
(24:50) - Shogun Showdown
News
(32:45) - Hanafuda merch, My Nintendo Gold Coins update
Social media:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
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Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com
Author Lewis Packwood returns to chat about video game consoles you’ve never heard of, all which are housed in his amazing book Curious Video Game Machines! Consoles for girls, barcode gaming, machines you strap to your body… we dive into the wonderfully weird world of obscure consoles and how some of them had a major impact on Nintendo! Plus I take a look at the Y2K era inspired puzzle game Vividlope!
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Site:https://lewispackwood.com/
Curious Video Game Machines (US Amazon):https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Video-Game-Machines-Compendium/dp/139907377X/
Curious Video Game Machines (UK Amazon):https://amzn.eu/d/iIRcDTG
Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/lewispackwood.bsky.social
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(0:59) - Video Game Consoles You’ve Never Heard Of w/ Lewis Packwood
Games
(33:10) - Vividlope
News
(38:19) - Nintendo financials, mouse patents, Capcom Showcase
Social media:
Twitter:https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@tokyogamelife
Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social
Website:https://tokyogamelife.com/
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