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This week on Nintendo Pow Block, Edward and Corey discuss many topics as they begin the new year, including their plans for covering Nintendo in 2025, NieR: Automata reaching another big sales milestone, share the biggest games from Japanese creators in 2024, look back at Nintendo’s highlights from 2024, discuss the latest Switch 2 rumors, look at the 2025 lineup so far, answer questions from listeners and more.
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TIME STAMPS:
0:00 – Welcome Back to Nintendo Pow Block
14:57 – Housekeeping
16:00 – Covering Nintendo in 2025 and Updated Boss Rush Content
37:53 – Content Plugs
41:11 – SNACKTENDO!
52:28 – Playing with POWER!
Edward: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Xbox), Rise of the Tomb Raider (Xbox), The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (NSO)
Corey: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic, Halo Fireteam Raven (Arcade)
1:14:35 – Weekly Pickups
Edward: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (Xbox)
Corey: Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Octopath Traveler II, Sonic Origins Plus, Sonic Superstars, Super Mario Maker 2, Tomb Raider I-II-III Remastered
1:28:25 – FamiNEWS!
1:30:36 – NieR:Automata Hits Another Milestone
In 4Gamer.net’s 2025 end-of-year interviews, Square Enix producer Yosuke Saito hinted at potential developments to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the NieR series. While specifics were not revealed, Saito acknowledged fan expectations and expressed interest in marking the milestone, possibly with news of the next installment or related projects. He also mentioned his shifting role, with less direct involvement as a producer, but asked fans to patiently await upcoming announcements. These remarks suggest exciting possibilities for the NieR franchise in 2025.
Read More: Japanese game creators discuss 2025 ambitions (Gematsu)
1:40:40 – Level-5 2025 Game Updates
In 4Gamer.net’s 2025 end-of-year interviews, Level-5’s CEO Akihiro Hino shared insights into the studio’s plans, revealing that Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is expected to launch in early 2025. Hino highlighted the team’s dedication to refining the game, promising an experience that will delight long-time fans while introducing new gameplay elements. Additionally, he teased other unannounced projects that align with Level-5’s vision of delivering engaging and heartfelt games, signaling an exciting year ahead for the studio.
Read More: Japanese game creators discuss 2025 ambitions [Update] (Gematsu)
1:47:31 – Japanese Creators’ Top 20 Games of 2024
Weekly Famitsu’s final 2024 issue revealed the “Most Popular Games Played in 2024” based on votes from 181 Japanese industry figures and gaming celebrities. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake secured the top spot, while indie title Balatro and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom ranked 12th and 13th, respectively. Here are the top 20 games of the year:
Top 20 Titles:
- Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake
- Astro Bot
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
- Black Myth: WuKong
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Unicorn Overlord
- Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Stellar Blade
- Street Fighter 6
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Balatro
- Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island
- Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story
- Silent Hill 2
- Rise of the Ronin
- Tekken 8
- Zenless Zone Zero
- No Case Should Remain Unsolved
Read More: Japanese Game Creators Reveal Their “Top 20” Video Games Of 2024 (Nintendo Life)
1:51:42 – Game Updates and Wrap-up
1:53:01 – Rumor Mill:
Switch 2 Images Allegedly Leaked:
Recent images allegedly showing the Nintendo Switch 2 and its dock might be authentic, as they feature convincing details like realistic product certifications and Nintendo’s distinctive screw type, despite the AI-generated backgrounds. With the increasing number of leaks, it’s likely the device has entered mass production ahead of its official reveal.
Read More: It Looks Like the Nintendo Switch 2 Console Leaks Are Real (Game Rant)
Switch 2 Power Rumors Heat Up
According to Forbes contributor Paul Tassi, new reports suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 may deliver PS4 Pro-level performance when docked, a notable upgrade from the current Switch’s PS3-era capabilities. However, in handheld mode, its power might align closer to a base PS4. Despite concerns, the Switch’s legacy of prioritizing innovative gameplay and stylized visuals over raw power—making it the third best-selling console of all time—indicates the Switch 2 could still thrive. Tassi emphasizes the importance of Nintendo clearly marketing it as a next-gen console to avoid confusion, as seen with the Wii U’s launch.
Read More: New Reports Claim Nintendo Switch 2 Will Have PS4 Pro Power, With A Catch (Forbes)
2:23:07 – Pak Watch
1/7 – Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana – A fan-favorite entry returns, newly remastered for the Nintendo Switch™ system as Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana. Nearly 15 years after its previous release, longtime fans can look forward to numerous improvements and upgrades, including an all-new voiceover for legendary protagonist, Adol Christin. With remastered high-definition visuals and music, the epic adventure has never looked or sounded better.
1/10 – Freedom Wars Remastered – Set in a nightmarish future where anyone born into this hellscape are deemed “Sinners,” players seek their freedom by volunteering for extremely dangerous combat operations to compete with other Panopticons for what remains of the planet’s dwindling resources.
NSO Games Added
NES – Tetris – The NES version of Tetris is a puzzle game where players stack falling blocks to clear lines and score points. As the game speeds up, it becomes more challenging. Its simple gameplay and catchy music made it a classic.
Game Boy – Donkey Kong Land III – Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong have gone to seek their fortune by finding the fabled Lost World, leaving Dixie Kong literally holding the baby. However, Dixie decides to find the Lost World before anyone else, bringing cousin Kiddy Kong along for the ride. Play as Dixie or Kiddy across 36 Kong-sized levels of platforming action and adventure. Get a little help from your animal friends Squitter the spider, Squawks the parrot, Ellie the elephant and Enguarde the swordfish, as you seek out secrets to uncover the truth behind the Lost World!
Game Boy Color – Tetris DX – Experience the addictive puzzle gameplay of Tetris like never before! In Tetris DX, you’ll arrange falling blocks to form complete lines, which then disappear, earning you points. The game includes a new color palette for enhanced visuals, multiple modes such as Marathon, Ultra, and 2-player multiplayer support via Game Link Cable, making it perfect for solo or competitive play.
Nintendo Music Tracks Added
Nintendo Music – Splatoon 2 – 105 Tracks – Game Description: Squad up and dive into the ink-splatting action in Splatoon 2! Team up in 4v4 Turf War battles, where you’ll cover the battlefield in ink to claim territory for your team. With new weapons, gear, and stages, as well as the exciting Salmon Run co-op mode, Splatoon 2 brings a fresh, fun take on the competitive multiplayer genre, all in vibrant, fast-paced style!
Nintendo Music – Super Mario 64 – 36 Tracks – Game Description: Join Mario in his first fully 3D adventure as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser in Super Mario 64! Explore the magical world of Princess Peach’s castle, navigate challenging courses, and collect Power Stars to unlock new areas. With groundbreaking 3D gameplay, innovative controls, and iconic platforming action, Super Mario 64 sets the stage for a new era in gaming.
Nintendo Music – The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword – 186 Tracks – Game Description: Embark on an unforgettable adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, a high-definition version of the critically acclaimed game. Join Link as he journeys from the sky-bound land of Skyloft to the mysterious surface below, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and uncovering the secrets of the legendary Master Sword. With improved controls and enhanced visuals, this remastered edition brings the beloved action-adventure game to the Nintendo Switch, offering a fresh experience for both new and returning players.
Nintendo Music – Wave Race 64 – 32 Tracks – Game Description: Ride the waves in Wave Race 64, the thrilling water racing game for the Nintendo 64! Navigate through dynamic water courses, using skillful handling and strategy to race against opponents and master challenging environments. With realistic water physics, stunning graphics, and a variety of race modes, Wave Race 64 delivers an exciting aquatic experience that will keep you coming back for more
2:31:35 – Nintendo’s 2024 First Party Highlights
1/19 – Another Code: Recollection – Discover the mystery behind a tragic past in Another Code: Recollection, a remastered edition of the beloved adventure game. Follow the story of Ashley, a young girl who embarks on a journey to uncover secrets hidden on a mysterious island, using her wits to solve puzzles and connect the pieces of a complex narrative. Featuring enhanced visuals, updated controls, and all-new content, Another Code: Recollection offers a captivating adventure for both newcomers and fans of the original game.
2/16 – Mario vs. Donkey Kong – In Mario vs. Donkey Kong for Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong has stolen all the Mini-Mario toys from the factory, and it’s up to Mario to get them back. Players navigate over 130 levels across eight distinct worlds, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles like spikes, moving platforms, and falling bricks. The game features newly added co-op play, brand-new worlds, updated music and visuals, and other new ways to play.
3/22 – Princess Peach Showtime! – In Princess Peach: Showtime!, players join Princess Peach as she takes center stage to save Sparkle Theater from the clutches of the villainous Grape and her Sour Bunch. With the help of Stella, the theater’s guardian, Peach can transform into various roles, each with unique abilities, to thwart Grape’s plans and restore the theater’s performances. The game offers a variety of transformations, including Swordfighter Peach and Patissiere Peach, each providing distinct gameplay experiences.
5/2 – Endless Ocean: Luminous – Endless Ocean: Luminous is an adventure simulation game for the Nintendo Switch that invites players to explore the Veiled Sea, an uncharted underwater realm teeming with over 500 species of marine life, including some considered mythical or extinct. Players can embark on solo expeditions or join online dives with up to 30 participants, sharing discoveries and communicating through gestures.
5/23 – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a turn-based role-playing game that follows Mario’s quest to rescue Princess Peach and thwart the plans of the evil X-Nauts. Players traverse whimsical worlds, engage in strategic battles, and interact with a colorful cast of characters. The game features a unique paper aesthetic, combining humor and adventure in a richly detailed environment.
6/27 – Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD – In Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD for Nintendo Switch, players join Luigi on a spooky quest through the eerie Evershade Valley, exploring haunted mansions filled with mischievous ghosts and challenging puzzles. Utilizing the Poltergust 5000, Luigi can vacuum up ghosts, solve environmental puzzles, and uncover hidden treasures. This enhanced version features improved HD visuals, updated controls, and additional enhancements, providing a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
7/18 – Nintendo World Championship: NES Edition – Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is a Nintendo Switch game that challenges players to complete over 150 speedrun challenges across 13 classic NES titles, including Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Metroid. Players can compete online, challenge friends locally, or aim to improve their personal bests. The game offers various modes, such as Speedrun Mode, World Championships, Survival Mode, and Party Mode, providing diverse ways to test and enhance your skills.
8/29 – Emio – The Smiling Man – Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is a dark, suspenseful adventure game for the Nintendo Switch, released on August 29, 2024. Players assume the role of an assistant private investigator at the Utsugi Detective Agency, tasked with solving the murder of a junior high school student found with a smiley-faced paper bag over his head. This chilling clue mirrors unsolved murders from 18 years ago and ties into the urban legend of Emio, a serial killer known for granting victims “a smile that will last forever.”
9/26 – The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is an action-adventure game for the Nintendo Switch that offers a fresh perspective on the Zelda universe by allowing players to control Princess Zelda herself. Armed with the magical Tri Rod, Zelda can create “echoes”—imitations of objects and creatures—to solve puzzles and combat enemies. This innovative mechanic introduces new gameplay dynamics, enabling players to approach challenges in creative ways. The game features a rich, expansive world filled with diverse environments, from lush forests to desolate deserts, each offering unique challenges and secrets. Players can traverse these areas on foot, horseback, or by utilizing the echoes they’ve created. The narrative delves into themes of wisdom and courage, with Princess Zelda taking center stage as the hero of Hyrule.
10/17 – Super Mario Party Jamboree – The Mario Party series is back and more jam-packed than ever! With over 110 minigames, new online and offline modes, and plenty of customization choices, there’s something for every kind of partygoer!
11/7 – Mario & Luigi: Brothership – The brothers return for a new adventure on the high seas! Set sail with Mario and Luigi, exploring islands, enjoying action-packed encounters, and tackling turn-based combat in Mario & Luigi: Brothership on Nintendo Switch.
12/5 – Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – Punch and dodge* to the beat in the next entry of the Fitness Boxing series! Pair up with your choice of six fully voiced virtual instructors with customizable outfits and hairstyles—and then get your groove on in 30 new instrumental songs.
2:40:26 – Top Five Games of the Year
Edward:
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Tekken 8
- Neva
- Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
- Emio – The Smiling Man
Corey:
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
- Destiny 2: The Final Shape
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
3:13:36 – Nintendo’s 2025 Lineup So Far
3:30:57 – Community Write-ins
3:31:31 – Top Nintendo Game in our Backlog
3:31:56 – Indie Games We’d Like to See on Switch
3:35:38 – Super Nintendo World
3:40:32 – Switch after Switch 2
3:52:01 – Are We Ready for Switch 2?
3:53:57 – Nintendo Gospel Choir
4:00:05 – Final Thoughts
4:07:13 – Thanks for Watching!
FOLLOW OUR HOSTS:
Edward Varnell is the Cofounder of Boss Rush Media, the host of Nintendo Pow Block, and the Director of Nintendo Content for The Boss Rush Network. You can connect with Edward on Bluesky, on X/Twitter and on Instagram.
Corey Dirrig is the Founder and President of Boss Rush Media. He is the host of The Boss Rush Podcast, Nintendo Pow Block, Tower Casuals: The Destiny Podcast, and cohosts a variety of other podcasts and content. You can follow Corey on Bluesky, on X/Twitter, and on Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn for Business Inquiries.
Nintendo Pow Block – A Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush
Nintendo Pow Block is a weekly Nintendo podcast hosted by Edward Varnell, Corey Dirrig, and their friends from around the internet. Each week, they dive into the latest Nintendo news and rumors for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, new and upcoming releases, updates to Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Music app, and discuss what they’ve been playing in the Playing with Power segment.
Nintendo Pow Block Podcast – Now your Podcasting with Power!
Nintendo Indie World, Switch 2 Jailbreak & The Duskbloods Delay – Nintendo Pow Block Podcast – Now Your Podcasting with Power!
- Nintendo Indie World, Switch 2 Jailbreak & The Duskbloods Delay
- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Expansion Pass, Zelda: Ocarina of Time Updates, & More
- Nintendo's Physical Future, Final Fantasy VII Cast Tearful Farewell
- Bayonetta’s Future, & Monster Hunter Wilds, & Capcom's AI Dev Tools
- Ubisoft’s Rejected Ganondorf Zelda Game Revealed
Listen to Nintendo Pow Block on Podcast Services
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Follow and Connect with Nintendo Pow Block: A Nintendo Podcast
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Thank you for watching or listening to Nintendo Pow Block, the Nintendo podcast from Boss Rush Network! If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe to the channel, give the video a Like, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review—it really helps! For more great content, visit our website at BossRush.net. Thanks for your continued support of Nintendo Pow Block and our independent endeavor with the Boss Rush Network!
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