Unofficial Controller Podcast

Unofficial Controller

Your number one weekly gaming podcast for all the latest Sony Playstation , Microsoft Xbox , Nintendo Switch and PC News. Retrospectives , Readers Mail and Industry Chat.

  1. 11 hr ago

    Modern Warfare 4 Hits Switch 2 As Steam Deck Prices Jump

    Send us Fan Mail Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2, a Steam Deck price hike that makes your wallet flinch, and a fresh rumor that Witcher 3 is getting a full-blown expansion sized like Phantom Liberty. That is the kind of week that forces a real question: are we heading into a future where gaming gets better, or just more expensive? We start with the stuff that actually fills our nights, from Ball X Pit on Switch 2 and why its speed and run loop gets dangerously addictive, to Hades 2 nearing the finish line, plus the surprise “why is this so good?” pull of Lego Batman. George then takes us on a story-time detour through Kingdom Come Deliverance, where one quest turns into a chaotic night out and the kind of consequences only an RPG can deliver. We also get into Knights of the Old Republic on Switch 2, including that endgame pressure where every door feels like it opens into another squad of enemies. From there we hit the news: Modern Warfare 4 landing day-and-date on Switch 2 and what that signals for Nintendo players who want major franchises without feeling left behind. We debate the Steam Deck price increase, the weird reality of this console generation where prices go up instead of down, and whether graphics have basically peaked for most of us already. Finally, we dig into the Witcher 3 expansion talk and wrap with some old-school joy as Donkey Kong 64 joins Nintendo Switch Online. If you enjoy smart gaming chatter with a lot of personality, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave us a review. What headline matters more to you right now: Switch 2 getting COD, Steam Deck getting pricier, or Witcher 3 getting new life? Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10  Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1hr 32min
  2. 6 days ago

    Ball’s to Xbox ?

    Send us Fan Mail A classic RPG throws us into court twice, Sony quietly trademarks a new PS5 name, and Embracer keeps rearranging the board like it’s playing 4D chess with the entire games industry. George and Bobby are back together and we start with the fun stuff: what we’re playing when time is tight. Bobby is grinding Hades 2 in bite-sized runs, sneaking in Nine Lives to Defend for that Vampire Survivors energy, and we both get pulled into the odd charm of Vampire Crawlers, a first-person deckbuilding dungeon crawler that feels like an old 80s maze with modern roguelike hooks. Then George tells the latest chapter of his Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic journey, including the kind of legal “you’re under arrest” chaos only KOTOR would dare to spring on you after a totally reasonable amount of Sith-related explosions. From there we hit the headlines: Embracer Group’s plan to spin off Fellowship Entertainment and what that means for major IP like Lord of the Rings and Middle-earth, Tomb Raider, Kingdom Come Deliverance, and a long list of fan-favorite dormant series. We also build the ultimate wish list for a modern Lord of the Rings video game, aiming for a grounded open-world RPG that feels like a dangerous journey instead of a checklist. On the platform side, we react to Sony’s PS5 trademark for Break In and talk frankly about PlayStation’s live service push, why Helldivers 2 hit, and why so many similar games bounce off players. We close by looking at Xbox hiring analyst Matthew Ball to strengthen the console business as Project Helix approaches, and why real competition still matters for prices, features, and exclusives. If you’re into gaming news, industry strategy, PlayStation vs Xbox debates, and RPG war stories, you’ll feel right at home. Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review with your dream Lord of the Rings game pitch. Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10  Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1hr 38min
  3. 20 May

    He’s Back: Bobby Returns | UCP Special

    Send us Fan Mail Bobby’s back in the chair with the best kind of life update: he’s a new dad, and somehow he’s still finding time to game. We talk about what that really looks like in practice, from sleep regressions and bedtime routines to the simple strategy that keeps his hobby alive: pick the right games for the right moments, and don’t pretend you’re still living in a pre-baby schedule. From there we get straight into the backlog and the highlights. Bobby breaks down Reanimal vs Little Nightmares 3, celebrates his 400th platinum with Astro Bot, and explains why roguelikes have become his sweet spot. We also dig into Hades 2 and how the new character and magic-focused combat changes the flow, plus why the story structure keeps pulling you into “one more run.” If you’re curious about the PlayStation Portal, we revisit our original skepticism and admit the cloud streaming update changes the whole conversation, especially for PlayStation Plus Premium users with strong Wi-Fi. Then we go where gaming podcasts are supposed to go: the hot takes. Sons Of Sparta gets a deep dive, Spider-Man 2 gets called out for losing momentum and undercutting its villains, and we wrestle with that bigger feeling a lot of PS5 players know too well: burnout, even when the graphics are stunning. We close with the Pragmata demo surprise, dream remakes like classic God of War and Manhunt, and a wild side chat about what modern media ratings allow. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave us a review, what game recently made you feel that “magic” again? Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10  Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1hr 18min
  4. 17 May

    Have Graphics Peaked Or Are We Just Finally Satisfied

    Send us Fan Mail A game gets a 10 out of 10 and the internet turns feral. We start with Mixtape, the “walking simulator” lightning rod, and talk through what it actually delivers: a nostalgic, music-led narrative with just enough interaction to keep you moving, plus a bigger point about why review scores get treated like verdicts instead of opinions. If you’ve ever looked at a rating and felt your blood pressure spike, you’ll recognize the whole cycle and maybe rethink what “perfect” even means for a genre.  Then we shift from vibes to systems with Pragmata Sketchbook, a demo that feels like a real vertical slice. Once the combat loop clicks, it becomes the kind of repeatable run that’s easy to boot up, experiment with, and obsess over. From there, George falls back into Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic on Switch, rediscovers why it’s legendary, and re-learns the oldest RPG lesson the hard way: save early, save often.  On the news front, Sony’s PS5 Welcome Hub beta is teasing Steam-like visibility with weekly player counts and trending surges, which leads to a debate about whether the home screen should be cleaner or more data-rich. We also unpack Ken Levine’s take on graphics diminishing returns, stylized art direction, and why chasing photorealism can be an expensive trap. And yes, we hit Hell Let Loose Vietnam, why Vietnam FPS games are oddly rare, and how jungle maps and riverboat chaos could make this one a clip machine.  If you enjoyed the ride, subscribe, share the show with a gaming friend, and leave a review so more people can find us. What game score has made you feel personally attacked? Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10  Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1hr 41min
  5. 10 May

    Sony Burned HOW Much on This?!

    Send us Fan Mail Microsoft Flight Simulator landing on PSVR2 is not just a curiosity, it’s a genuine “wait, why is this so good?” moment. We’re talking cockpit presence, Sense controller switch-flipping, 3D audio, and that sweaty high-stakes feeling you only get when VR turns a small mistake into a full-body panic. I walk through the messy first impressions, the key settings tweaks, and why the career mode structure makes the whole thing addictive on PS5 Pro and still compelling flat-screen. Before we hit the headlines, we swap hands-on thoughts on two demos with totally different vibes. Pragmata delivers sharp sci-fi action with a satisfying hacking grid that slows time and creates a clean combat rhythm, plus a real-world comparison of Switch 2 versus PS5 that surprised us with how close the experience feels. Outbound goes the other direction: a cozy camper-van road trip where the best moment might be sitting inside during the rain, and we can’t stop saying the same thing, this genre is begging for VR. Then we dig into the big business question of the week: Bungie and Sony. We break down what an impairment loss actually signals, why live service strategy keeps blowing up, and what Marathon’s traction says about the risk of chasing the next forever game. We round it out with PlayStation’s preservation team spotlight and a Switch sales check-in as Nintendo inches toward the PS2 record while price hikes threaten the finish line. If you enjoyed the ride, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave us a review. What’s the one game you wish every publisher would preserve forever? Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10  Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    2 hr
  6. 3 May

    PlayStation Charges Players More, Xbox Struggles To Make Money

    Send us Fan Mail Refurbished PS5 consoles just got $100 more expensive, and that single move says a lot about where console gaming is headed. We (Georgie and RGT) kick things off with what we’ve been playing, including Infamous Second Son not quite clicking, a surprisingly addictive budget zombie driving game, FIFA career mode obsession, and a first hour with Coral Island on PS Plus. If you’ve ever tried a new cozy farm and life sim and immediately felt the gravitational pull back to Stardew Valley, you’re not alone. From there we dig into the big consumer story: rising PlayStation 5 prices and what it means when even “refurbished” stops being the affordable option. We talk digital vs physical games, how cloud saves and instant downloads change buying habits, and why these price jumps can push more players toward PC gaming and Steam libraries. We also hit two headlines that capture the extremes of the industry. Final Fantasy VII’s director says he’s already completed over 40 full playthroughs of the third game, which is equal parts reassuring and slightly unhinged. Meanwhile, Microsoft says Xbox is recommitting to core fans as revenue falls, and we debate whether that’s real momentum, narrative management, or the start of a long rebuild. If you enjoy gaming news with real talk, chaotic banter, and practical takes on price, value, and what to play next, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review. What’s your line in the sand: would you pay today’s prices for a refurbished PS5 or are you done? Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10  Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1hr 41min
  7. 26 Apr

    Switch 2 already getting left behind

    Send us Fan Mail Xbox rarely says the quiet part out loud, but this week they come close. George and RGT unpack a massive leadership statement that admits real pain points, from pricing fatigue to a fragmented console experience, plus a sharper focus on PC, cloud gaming, and what “daily active players” means for the future of the Xbox platform and Game Pass. We talk about what sounds like genuine course correction, what still feels like corporate fog, and what we actually want to see if Xbox is serious about rebuilding trust.  Then we zoom back in to the games themselves, because the best way to judge any platform is how it feels in your hands. We dig into Switch 2 boost mode and how it can make older Nintendo Switch games feel newly playable, including Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag through the Rebel Collection. We also react to Ubisoft’s Black Flag Resync plans for 2026, the surprise confirmation that the original release will not be delisted, and the trade-offs of losing multiplayer and DLC in favor of a pure story-driven adventure.  To round it out, we do what we do best: swap honest “what we’ve been playing” notes and surface a proper hidden gem. RGT brings The Good Old Days, a retro Metroidvania with Goonies energy, quick restarts, and multiple endings. Along the way we hit Infamous Second Son impressions, a PS3 throwback with Turning Point, and a bit of Sega Universe speculation about reviving classics like OutRun and Streets of Rage.  If you like gaming podcasts that mix real-world platform strategy with grounded game talk, subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend who still has a soft spot for the classics. Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10  Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1hr 39min
  8. 19 Apr

    Lana del Ney ! - 007 First Light theme reveal

    Send us Fan Mail OLL 26 in Norwich hits that rare sweet spot where a retro gaming event feels both exciting and genuinely comfortable. We talk about why the Epic Studios venue gave off a GamesMaster-style studio vibe, how John and the team kept everything running smoothly, and what it’s like when listeners travel in just to hang out, talk games, and share a pint. We also break down the setups that drew the biggest crowds, including a live Challenge Accepted station built around Final Fantasy IX on a PS1 CRT, plus the on-stage Console Wars showdown and where you can watch the filmed version. Then we get back to what we’re actually playing, bouncing between PS3, PS2, and modern oddities. RGT finishes Infamous 2 and explains why it’s a stronger sequel, then raves about Thank Goodness You’re Here as a sharply written British comedy game with Yorkshire flavor. George confesses to a Game Dev Story relapse, checks in on Clair Expedition 33, and falls hard for Midnight Club 3 Dub Edition after a bargain pickup, before giving a brutally honest update on the chaotic curiosity that is Seven Sins. The news gets spicy: we unpack Samson’s roadmap and its 2026 console release window, debate the Neo Geo Plus AES and the red flags around preorders and value comparisons, and react to Lana Del Rey releasing the official theme for 007 First Light. If you care about retro gaming, gaming community, PS2 and PS3 recommendations, and consumer skepticism, you’ll feel right at home. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves retro, and leave a review with the strangest game you’ve ever bought. Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10  Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1hr 48min

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Your number one weekly gaming podcast for all the latest Sony Playstation , Microsoft Xbox , Nintendo Switch and PC News. Retrospectives , Readers Mail and Industry Chat.

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