This week on Nintendo Pow Block, Edward Varnell, Stephanie Klimov, and Corey Dirrig discuss Virtuos’ confidence that the Switch 2 will surpass its predecessor, fueled by strong branding and growing demand for handheld gaming. They also cover the backlash surrounding the lack of VRR support in docked mode despite the hardware being capable, and reflect on Shinya Takahashi’s reaffirmation of Nintendo’s commitment to a supportive, developer-first culture amid the mass layoffs across Microsoft and Xbox.
Virtuos Bets Big on Switch 2’s Success
Virtuos, the studio behind Switch versions of games like Dark Souls and The Outer Worlds, believes the Switch 2 will be even more successful than the original. In just four days, the new system has already sold over 3.5 million units. Big game studios like CD Projekt Red and Capcom are also backing it. Virtuos says the Switch 2’s early success comes from strong branding and the growing popularity of handheld gaming. They even call it Nintendo’s most improved console yet.
Source: Nintendo Life – Switch Port Specialist Believes Switch 2 Can Surpass Its Predecessor’s Success
VRR Support Sparks Confusion
Even though the Switch 2 dock can support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), the feature only works in handheld mode right now. Tests by The Verge showed that VRR works through the dock with other devices like the Steam Deck, which makes Nintendo’s choice confusing. At first, Nintendo said VRR would work on TVs, but they later removed that claim without any explanation. For now, players won’t get the smoother performance of VRR while playing docked, and fans are left with questions.
Source: Tom’s Guide – Switch 2 dock supports a key feature Nintendo won’t let you use — so what’s going on?
Takahashi Emphasizes Developer-First Culture
As job cuts continue to hit the gaming industry—especially at places like Microsoft and Xbox—Nintendo’s Shinya Takahashi spoke out to remind fans of Nintendo’s different approach. He said the company believes in working together, sharing ideas, and supporting young developers. While many studios are laying off workers and changing plans, Takahashi’s comments show that Nintendo is staying focused on making games with care and putting players first.
Source: The Outerhaven – Nintendo’s Shinya Takahashi Reaffirms Company’s “Development Culture”
What We’re Playing
This week’s Playing With POWER segment saw Edward revisiting Tears of the Kingdom, Cyberpunk, and Resident Evil 5, while Corey continued his journey through Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and Final Fantasy VII. Stephanie also dove back into Cyberpunk, along with DS2, Bahamut and the WaqWaq Tree, and a yet-to-be-revealed title.
PAK Watch: Upcoming Nintendo Releases (July 8–11)
Looking to load up your Switch or Switch 2? Here’s what’s coming this week:
- 7/8 – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Deluxe Edition
- 7/8 – Missile Command Delta
- 7/10 – Flora & Fang: Guardians of the Vampire Garden
- 7/10 – Islanders: New Shores
- 7/10 – Best Served Cold
- 7/10 – System Shock 2 Remake
- 7/11 – Bendy and the Dark Revival
- 7/11 – Patapon 1 & 2 Replay
Game Updates and DLC
Two of Nintendo’s biggest Zelda titles are getting updated this week:
- Tears of the Kingdom (v1.4.2) and Breath of the Wild (v1.8.2) for Switch 2 fix several gameplay bugs, including Daily Bonus effects not working at max hearts, along with other general improvements.
Follow and Connect with Nintendo Pow Block: A Nintendo Podcast
X/Twitter + Bluesky + Instagram + Threads + YouTube
Listen to Nintendo Pow Block on Podcast Services
Apple Podcasts + Spotify + Goodpods + Amazon + More Links
Support Nintendo Pow Block: Patreon || Discord || Website || Store || YouTube
Thank you for watching and/or listening to Nintendo Pow Block, a Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush Media. If you enjoyed the podcast, consider leaving us a 5-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Subscribe on YouTube and remember to like the video, leave a comment, and hit the bell so you don’t miss and episode. You can support us on Patreon as well for perks and bonus content. We appreciate your continued support however you are.
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.
Stephanie Klimov is the Vice President of Media and Developer Relations of The Boss Rush Network, the cohost of The Boss Rush Podcast, and leads the Boss Rush Spotlight initiative. You can connect with Stephanie on X/Twitter or 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!
Summer Game Fest, Xbox Game Showcase, & the Nintendo Direct – Nintendo Pow Block Podcast – Now Your Podcasting with Power!
- Summer Game Fest, Xbox Game Showcase, & the Nintendo Direct
- Tomb Raider, Rayman, & No Rest for the Wicked Head to Switch 2
- Yoshi Impressions, Pictonico, Pokemon TCG ID Drama, & Crazy Taxi
- EXP: Xbox's New Leadership Initiatives, Exclusives, and Fanboy Flip-Flopping
- Square-Enix & Capcom to Focus on Switch 2 in Multiplatform Support
Listen to Nintendo Pow Block on Podcast Services
Apple Podcasts + Spotify + Goodpods + Amazon + More Links
Follow and Connect with Nintendo Pow Block: A Nintendo Podcast
X/Twitter + Bluesky + Instagram + Threads + YouTube
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!
Leave a Reply