Dear Negative World forum folks,

The past few days I've been listening to Nintendo World Report's latest podcast in their "Radio Free Nintendo" line. It's Episode 200 this past week and the guys wanted to do a big discussion. While they often do have thoughtful discussions, this week's about the DS is not only epic in size but epic in nature. I just really needed to remind people of why they are so great.

This week's episode is over two and a half hours long, which shows you the scope of their love for Nintendo and the scope of their discussion. It's so long I've been listening to it for multiple days. A little while mowing the lawn. Then more on my way to and from work. And I'm gonna finish it up today.

These guys have something that not all podcasts can handle... insight. It's great fun listening to these guys talk about Nintendo and the history of the DS. They touch upon the launch, the transition from GBA to DS, the games that really made the system become a must have, etc. It's so fascinating (considering I wasn't paying this kind of attention to the situation at the time) how the PSP was really a scare for Nintendo initially. The guys explain how Nintendo kept their share of the market and continued to grow it. There's some excellent insight and really, there's no fanboyism either. This is what I would consider a "mature" podcast because these are grown adults having adult conversations about Nintendo and it's interesting. Hell, this is NPR material but for the gaming world.

One of my favorite things too about this episode and the podcast in general is how much these guys get along and have genuine fun in their discussions. They tell jokes and enjoy each other's stories. I don't have a lot of gaming friends, less so as I get older even, but my Mario Kart Wiifing lately and listening to podcasts like these, it just keeps me around a small group of great gamers I can share my grandest hobby with.

I really urge you all to listen to this podcast if you like the DS, or Nintendo in general. They will not disappoint. I feel like I learn a lot every time I listen to a podcast and that makes it not just ambient noise like some podcasts, but it makes it media worth consuming.

That is all. There are 200 episodes to listen to, so get started somewhere!

Nintendo World Report
NWR Podcasts
Episode 200's Page (with download links)

Edit: Just got to the end of the epic podcast and the music they lead out on makes me so happy. It's probably my favorite 'credits' song in Nintendo history. I was always so affected by it in 1996 and through till today.

URL to share (right click and copy)

I just finished listening to the podcast. Nice work, Gui!

I kinda laughed at the part where you mention that you would kill for a PSN Plus-like service for Nintendo systems, where you could get downloadable games for free. And after saying that, Metts was like, "You already have that! You just got Snowpack Park!" or something like that. He was alluding to the Club Nintendo awards, where you get free downloadables simply for being a Nintendo fan. You don't have to pay for a "plus" service, and you get to keep the games forever. (unlike PSN Plus where you lose the games if you cancel your subscription)

Which is something I'm pretty sure I've brought up before to you. That Jonny Metts... he's knows what's up!

So E3 plans are forming and stuff.

We'll be posting an e3pisode every day, and in addition to recording Jonny's, my and other NWR staffers' opinions and impressions, we'll be interviewing developers. We'll be making it up as we go along, though we do have some solid stuff, for instance we'll be having lunch with Jools Watsham (Renegade Kid).

So check RFN every day, or better yet, subscribe!


@GameDadGrant

Ha!

@Guillaume, your appearance on RFN is what got me to this site, which has led to me checking NWR less often! I will be there very often this week, though. I'm really looking forward to all the coverage.

Oh, and great job on RFN! Greg is tough act to follow, but I really like what you've brought to the show.

Thanks!

Have fun at E3, Gui! Make sure to tell us whether Jools Watsham orders fries or a baked potato.

Actually, you could question him about his loyalty to Nintendo platforms.

Dare I ask, will there be a drunk cast?

@PogueSquadron

Doubt it. The e-mail of tips, stuff to bring, stuff to do and not do at E3 said "don't get drunk". We're there to work.

Please plead with Jools to make Dementium 3!!! If he says no start crying so he feels guilty for crushing my (err I mean your) dreams.

@Guillaume
Sweet!

Don't know if you guys have been keeping up, but we posted 4 podcasts yesterday! Haha.

I talk more than usual in this one about the game demos at Nintendo's booth.

And check out the ones you've missed.

@Guillaume

This is what I've been waiting for. Thanks Guillaume!

@Guillaume

I just started listening to RFN a week ago, but I like it so far. I've been listening to the short E3 episodes, and looking forward to listening to your impressions.

I just posted some Game & Wario impressions.

@Guillaume
You did talk a lot!

Good impressions. Those are the games that I wanted to hear about.

Because I don't know where else to promote this: Scribblenauts Unlimited Impressions.

@Guillaume

I gave you some clicks/hits Gui! Enjoy 'em!

I should probably register over at Nintendo World Report.