Episode 145: Switched On

It's a Switch launch blowout as we share our hardware and game impressions, try out upcoming titles like ARMS and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and yes, lick cartridges. Plus, enter to win a $20 eShop code!

Welcome to the Switch era. Nintendo’s hybrid system has officially launched, and we’re celebrating with an absolutely jam-packed episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast. It all starts with the Switch’s day-one offerings as we share in-depth impressions of the hardware and launch titles 1-2-Switch, Snipperclips, and Super Bomberman R (don’t worry, Zelda impressions are coming next episode). We then look at what’s ahead for all those new Switches out there, from our most anticipated indie titles from last week’s Nindies Showcase to hands-on time at the Switch Preview Tour with ARMS, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Sonic Mania. Plus, we lick Switch cartridges on air and immediately regret it.



The launch celebration doesn’t stop there, though. We’re also giving you chance to win a $20 eShop code! Simply leave a comment below telling us your favorite thing about the Switch (no, Zelda doesn’t count), and one commenter will be chosen at random to receive the code. We’ll announce the winner in our next episode, as well as share some of our favorite comments. To make sure you don’t miss it, be sure to subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcasting app and follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo.

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp so you can easily find the segments that most interest you. Enjoy and Happy Switching!

News

[0:01] Nintendo admits it has made Switch cartridges taste unbearably bitter (The Guardian)
[0:06] Impressions: Nintendo Switch itself
[0:15] Kickstand Fail: Watch the Nintendo Switch fall flat (CNET)
[0:32] Nintendo Advises Switch Owners With Joy-Con Connectivity Issues To Avoid Bundles Of Wires, Aquariums (Kotaku)
[0:37] You’re Going to Want a Screen Protector for Your Nintendo Switch (Glixel)
[0:43] The Nintendo Switch has a secret browser, but you can’t use it for much (The Verge)
[0:49] Nintendo adding new friending methods for the Switch, post launch (Polygon)
[1:00] Impressions: Three key Switch launch titles that aren’t Zelda
[1:27] Nintendo reveals new partnerships and first indie games coming to Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch (Nintendo.com)
[1:31] SteamWorld Dig 2 Will Be Much, Much More of the Same (IGN)
[1:34] Runner3 to ‘Launch Exclusively’ on Nintendo Switch (Nintendo Life)
[1:37] Stick It to the Man spiritual successor Flipping Death slicing onto Switch in 2017 (Nintendo Wire)
[1:39] Starbound developer’s Advance Wars-like Wargroove headed to Nintendo Switch (Eurogamer)
[1:44] Old Time Hockey Confirmed For Nintendo Switch (GameInformer.com)
[1:46] Neo Geo Pocket inspired Pocket Rumble brings the beat down to Switch in March (Vooks)
[1:48] Towerfall developer’s next game, Celeste, heading to the Nintendo Switch (Polygon)
[1:50] Ultra Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers Switch Release Date, Price Announced (IGN)
[1:56] Impressions: ARMS, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Sonic Mania at the Switch Preview Tour

Games

[1:00] 1-2-Switch (Official Site)
[1:11] Snipperclips (Nintendo.com Game Page)
[1:18] Super Bomberman R (Official Site)
[1:31] SteamWorld Dig 2 (Nintendo.com Game Page)
[1:34] Runner3 (Official Site)
[1:37] Flipping Death (Official Site)
[1:39] Wargroove (Official Site)
[1:44] Old Time Hockey (Official Site)
[1:46] Pocket Rumble (Nintendo.com Game Page)
[1:48] Towerfall (Official Site)
[1:48] Celeste (Official Site)
[1:50] Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers (Nintendo.com Game Page)
[2:00] ARMS (Nintendo.com Game Page)
[2:06] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Official Site)
[2:12] Sonic Mania (Official Site)

Official Contest Rules: All registrants must be a resident of the United States of America and age 13 or older. The contest begins on March 6, 2017 at 12:00 AM PST and ends on March 16, 2016 at 11:59 PM PST. Visitors may only enter the contest once by leaving a comment below. Any additional entries that a given visitor makes will be disqualified. One (1) commenter will be chosen at the discretion of the Random Nintendo team and receive the following prize: one (1) digital code redeemable for $20 in credit on the US Nintendo eShop. Random Nintendo staff members may not participate in this contest. Random Nintendo reserves the right to disqualify any entry for any reason. The winner will be chosen at random on March 18, 2017, announced in Episode 146 of the Random Nintendo Podcast, and then notified via email.