The Game Junction Podcast

Game Junction

The Game Junction Podcast was started and is hosted by Brandon Hurles aka Game Junction. Enjoy us geeking out over our passion for video games, pop culture, tech, movies, TV, anime, toys, music, manga, and comic books. We're covering the latest news & hot topics, as well as nostalgic retro greatness. We discuss the future & past of gaming, diving deeper than most podcasts do.This podcast is part of The Junction Network dedicated to all things pop culture. Follow us on all social media and YouTube to stay up to date! Catch us live on YouTube & Twitch every Friday at 8 PM EST.

  1. This Week in Gaming: From Pokémon Art Controversy to Xbox Cancellations

    AUG 21

    This Week in Gaming: From Pokémon Art Controversy to Xbox Cancellations

    Ever wondered what happens when a major gaming company accidentally uses plagiarized artwork? The Game Junction Podcast dives into the fascinating story of Pokémon TCG Pocket's art controversy, where players suddenly found themselves pulling rare cards with nothing but "new art coming soon" placeholders. This peculiar situation creates an unexpected twist for collectors who might someday value these glitched cards as unique treasures. Nintendo continues its tradition of unexpected innovation with a mysterious crank controller patent that has everyone speculating about its potential applications. Is it for fishing games? An emergency power generator? Something entirely unexpected? This development comes alongside their new "My Mario" product line targeting toddlers with claymation shows and wooden block Amiibo sets that showcase Nintendo's multigenerational approach to building their brand universe. The hosts also explore the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X handheld, Battlefield 6's massive server queue issues, Take-Two's carefully worded statements about GTA VI's pricing (amid its staggering $1-2 billion development budget), and a slate of promising indie games coming to Switch. Whether you're a casual player or hardcore enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into where gaming is heading and which upcoming releases deserve your attention. What gaming news caught your interest this week? Join the conversation by following Game Junction on all social platforms and sh Send a Text Message to The Game Junction Podcast we may read live! PWRUP Grip 2Use code "GameJunction" for 10% off.NYXI Gaming - NYXI Wizard GameCube Wireless Joy-pad for Nintendo Switch. Use code "gamejunction" for 10% off!Launch Your Own Podcast Now - BuzzsproutStart for FREE with our affiliate link.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Live on YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch Fridays @ 8 PM EST YouTube Channels @GameJunctionMedia @BrandonHurlesYT @TheJunctionNetwork All Socials: https://linktr.ee/GameJunction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameJunction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GameJunctionMedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@GameJunctionMedia Discord: https://discord.gg/gamejunction Teespring: https://my-store-dcccac.creator-spring.com/ Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/GameJunctionMedia Bonfire Merch: ...

    1h 18m
  2. From Stellar Blade to AI: The Changing Face of  Video Game Development

    JUL 7

    From Stellar Blade to AI: The Changing Face of Video Game Development

    The gaming landscape continues to transform before our eyes. Join us as we examine how established franchises are adapting to changing player expectations and technological advancements that are reshaping development. The Stellar Blade director's candid admission about narrative shortcomings signals a promising future for the franchise. Having already mastered combat mechanics, art direction, and musical composition, the team aims to deliver a more compelling story in the sequel. With commercial success on both PlayStation and PC platforms, they'll likely have the expanded budget needed to realize this vision. We discuss what this means for action RPG fans and how proper foundations in initial releases can lead to exceptional follow-up titles. Nintendo continues to march to its own drum with controversial decisions around Mario Kart World. Their latest update makes it harder for players to skip "intermission tracks" – effectively forcing their vision of how the game should be played. Meanwhile, they've explained why non-Mario characters haven't appeared in the game, suggesting possible future expansions. We debate whether these choices serve players or simply reinforce Nintendo's notorious stubbornness. From the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition announcement to potential layoffs at Microsoft studios, we cover everything you need to know about the business side of gaming. Subscribe now to stay informed about the technology, trends, and transformations shaping the games you love! Send a Text Message to The Game Junction Podcast we may read live! NYXI Gaming - NYXI Wizard GameCube Wireless Joy-pad for Nintendo Switch. Use code "gamejunction" for 10% off!PWRUP Grip 2Use code "GameJunction" for 10% off.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Live on YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch Fridays @ 8 PM EST YouTube Channels @GameJunctionMedia @BrandonHurlesYT @TheJunctionNetwork All Socials: https://linktr.ee/GameJunction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameJunction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GameJunctionMedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@GameJunctionMedia Discord: https://discord.gg/gamejunction Teespring: https://my-store-dcccac.creator-spring.com/ Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/GameJunctionMedia Bonfire Merch: ...

    1h 23m
  3. Gaming's Wild Week: Doom, Sea of Thieves, and the Future of Nintendo Switch 2

    JUN 8

    Gaming's Wild Week: Doom, Sea of Thieves, and the Future of Nintendo Switch 2

    Sony's controversial decision to region-block Stellar Blade across 130 countries has erupted into gaming's latest firestorm. Despite not requiring a PSN account for the PC version, players worldwide find themselves locked out of this highly anticipated title. The developer has acknowledged the issue, promising they're "closely discussing the region lock issue with the publisher" while confirming full mod support and performance optimizations. Meanwhile, Fatal Fury: City of Wolves delivers a devastating commercial blow to SNK, with catastrophically low sales in Japan prompting their CEO to step down barely a month after release. Despite extensive marketing and positive critical reception, the fighting game community's enthusiasm hasn't translated into commercial success for this revival of the beloved franchise. Nintendo dominates headlines with detailed Switch 2 specifications, revealing the NVIDIA T239 chip powering their next-generation console. The significant performance boost over the original Switch comes alongside news that ten first-party titles—including the notoriously frame-rate challenged Pokémon Scarlet/Violet—will receive free enhancements for the new hardware. Nintendo's production plans indicate they're aiming to manufacture 15 million uni Send a Text Message to The Game Junction Podcast we may read live! NYXI Gaming - NYXI Wizard GameCube Wireless Joy-pad for Nintendo Switch. Use code "gamejunction" for 10% off!PWRUP Grip 2Use code "GameJunction" for 10% off.Dubby EnergyGet 10% all your Dubby Energy drink needs using "gamejunction10" and help support Game Junction!Launch Your Own Podcast Now - BuzzsproutStart for FREE with our affiliate link.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Live on YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch Fridays @ 8 PM EST YouTube Channels @GameJunctionMedia @BrandonHurlesYT @TheJunctionNetwork All Socials: https://linktr.ee/GameJunction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameJunction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GameJunctionMedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@GameJunctionMedia Discord: https://discord.gg/gamejunction Teespring: https://my-store-dcccac.creator-spring.com/ Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/GameJunctionMedia Bonfire Merch: ...

    2h 27m
  4. Gaming's Next Frontier: From Switch 2 to GTA 6

    JUN 8

    Gaming's Next Frontier: From Switch 2 to GTA 6

    The gaming landscape is shifting beneath our feet, and we're here to guide you through the tremors. This week, we dive deep into the Nintendo Switch 2 phenomenon as pre-orders vanish instantly and retailers prepare their displays for the imminent launch. But as excitement builds, a shadow looms: the controversial "game key cards" that threaten true physical ownership of your games. Against this digital tide stands CD Projekt RED, boldly declaring that Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2 will be fully playable from the cartridge—no massive downloads required. "This is the right thing to do," they proclaimed, as collectors and preservation enthusiasts breathed a collective sigh of relief. We explore why this stance matters in an era where physical media fights for relevance, and what it means for the future of game collections. The technological frontier marches forward relentlessly as Doom: The Dark Age promises kaiju-fighting mechs and dragon-riding mayhem, requiring ever-more-powerful hardware to experience. Meanwhile, Microsoft's strategy undergoes a seismic shift with Xbox franchises potentially heading to PlayStation and a new ASUS handheld collaboration raising eyebrows. What does this mean for the traditional console war? Send a Text Message to The Game Junction Podcast we may read live! NYXI Gaming - NYXI Wizard GameCube Wireless Joy-pad for Nintendo Switch. Use code "gamejunction" for 10% off!PWRUP Grip 2Use code "GameJunction" for 10% off.Dubby EnergyGet 10% all your Dubby Energy drink needs using "gamejunction10" and help support Game Junction!Launch Your Own Podcast Now - BuzzsproutStart for FREE with our affiliate link.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Live on YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch Fridays @ 8 PM EST YouTube Channels @GameJunctionMedia @BrandonHurlesYT @TheJunctionNetwork All Socials: https://linktr.ee/GameJunction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameJunction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GameJunctionMedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@GameJunctionMedia Discord: https://discord.gg/gamejunction Teespring: https://my-store-dcccac.creator-spring.com/ Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/GameJunctionMedia Bonfire Merch: ...

    2h 39m
  5. Xbox Price Increases & GTA VI Delayed - Game Junction Podcast #129

    MAY 8

    Xbox Price Increases & GTA VI Delayed - Game Junction Podcast #129

    The gaming landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and episode 129 of the Game Junction Podcast captures this momentum perfectly. We kick things off with an impressive showcase of our latest acquisitions - Brandon's Pokemon Platinum find and extensive Pokemon card haul sits alongside Mark's treasure trove of retro and modern gaming gems, including the Atari 7800 Plus and rare Japanese imports. The industry news this week hits particularly hard, starting with EA's sweeping layoffs and the heartbreaking cancellation of the next Titanfall game. We unpack what this means for beloved franchises and the developers who create them. In a surprising turn, we also explore one of the strangest gaming partnerships in recent memory - the collaboration between a popular Japanese horse racing mobile game and the actual Kentucky Derby. These unexpected cultural crossovers highlight gaming's expanding influence beyond traditional boundaries. Nintendo Switch 2 developments take center stage as we analyze the recent firmware update that enabled game sharing functionality - a clear precursor to the upcoming console's capabilities. We also dive deep into the controversy surrounding Ghost of Yotei's preorders, particularly the collector's edition that doesn't include a physical game copy - a growing trend that has physical media enthusiasts concerned. The episode takes a serious turn when we discuss Xbox's shocking price increase announcement. With consoles jumping up to $600 and Send a Text Message to The Game Junction Podcast we may read live! NYXI Gaming - NYXI Wizard GameCube Wireless Joy-pad for Nintendo Switch. Use code "gamejunction" for 10% off!PWRUP Grip 2Use code "GameJunction" for 10% off.Launch Your Own Podcast Now - BuzzsproutStart for FREE with our affiliate link.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Live on YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch Fridays @ 8 PM EST YouTube Channels @GameJunctionMedia @BrandonHurlesYT @TheJunctionNetwork All Socials: https://linktr.ee/GameJunction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameJunction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GameJunctionMedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@GameJunctionMedia Discord: https://discord.gg/gamejunction Teespring: https://my-store-dcccac.creator-spring.com/ Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/GameJunctionMedia Bonfire Merch: ...

    1h 24m
  6. Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders, Oblivion, Clair Obscur - Game Junction Podcast #128

    MAY 8

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders, Oblivion, Clair Obscur - Game Junction Podcast #128

    The Nintendo Switch 2 has sent shockwaves through the gaming community with pre-orders finally going live—and what a wild ride it's been! We break down every aspect of this momentous gaming event, from the surprisingly manageable online queues to the lightning-fast sellouts. Unlike the nightmare scenarios of PS5 and graphics card launches past, Nintendo seems to have learned valuable lessons. While still chaotic, the implementation of virtual queuing systems and staggered release windows created what we're calling "five times easier than the PS5 launch and 50 times easier than any 50-series cards launch." We share our personal triumphs in securing our consoles and analyze how each major retailer handled the unprecedented demand. The episode dives deep into what's coming for Switch 2 owners at launch, with particular attention to the impressive technical capabilities being showcased by games like Cyberpunk 2077. Using NVIDIA's DLSS technology, the Switch 2 demonstrates significant horsepower that opens exciting possibilities for third-party support. However, we raise concerns about the growing trend of physical releases containing merely download codes rather than actual game cartridges. While celebrating Nintendo's hardware achievements, we spotlight Clear Obscure: Expedition 33, the surprise hit that's sold 500,000 copies in its first day while maintaining a stellar 92 Metacritic score. This turn-based adventure with Persona-like elements has captured our hearts with Send a Text Message to The Game Junction Podcast we may read live! NYXI Gaming - NYXI Wizard GameCube Wireless Joy-pad for Nintendo Switch. Use code "gamejunction" for 10% off!PWRUP Grip 2Use code "GameJunction" for 10% off.Launch Your Own Podcast Now - BuzzsproutStart for FREE with our affiliate link.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Live on YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch Fridays @ 8 PM EST YouTube Channels @GameJunctionMedia @BrandonHurlesYT @TheJunctionNetwork All Socials: https://linktr.ee/GameJunction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameJunction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GameJunctionMedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@GameJunctionMedia Discord: https://discord.gg/gamejunction Teespring: https://my-store-dcccac.creator-spring.com/ Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/GameJunctionMedia Bonfire Merch: ...

    2h 15m
  7. Nintendo Switch 2, Last of Us, Xbox Event - Game Junction Podcast #126

    APR 16

    Nintendo Switch 2, Last of Us, Xbox Event - Game Junction Podcast #126

    Nintendo's Switch 2 has captured the gaming world's attention, and we're diving headfirst into what this next-generation console means for players everywhere. With preorders beginning May 8th for My Nintendo members, we explore the system's impressive technical capabilities that have many rethinking its potential. Could this portable powerhouse truly rival the PS5 in some aspects? The controversial $80 price tag for Mario Kart World has ignited passionate debate, but looking back at gaming history reveals some surprising context. Games in the 1990s often sold for what would be equivalent to $130 today—has gaming been underpriced for decades? We examine how development costs, inflation, and consumer expectations collide in this complex discussion. Beyond hardware talk, we're tackling the existential question facing digital gaming: do you actually own your games? Ubisoft's ongoing lawsuit regarding The Crew's shutdown could fundamentally reshape consumer rights in the digital space. If players win their argument that purchasing a game means ownership rather than licensing, the entire industry might face a dramatic restructuring of how online-only games operate. We also mourn the closing of GameStop stores across smaller communities while celebrating the surprising resurgence of retro gaming. From $300 Pokémon cartridges to vintage collectibles commanding eye-watering prices, nostalgia continues driving a thriving secondary market even as physical retail spaces disappear. Send a Text Message to The Game Junction Podcast we may read live! NYXI Gaming - NYXI Wizard GameCube Wireless Joy-pad for Nintendo Switch. Use code "gamejunction" for 10% off!PWRUP Grip 2Use code "GameJunction" for 10% off.Launch Your Own Podcast Now - BuzzsproutStart for FREE with our affiliate link.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Live on YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch Fridays @ 8 PM EST YouTube Channels @GameJunctionMedia @BrandonHurlesYT @TheJunctionNetwork All Socials: https://linktr.ee/GameJunction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameJunction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GameJunctionMedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@GameJunctionMedia Discord: https://discord.gg/gamejunction Teespring: https://my-store-dcccac.creator-spring.com/ Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/GameJunctionMedia Bonfire Merch: ...

    2h 27m
  8. Nintendo Switch 2 Is HERE! - Game Junction Podcast #125

    APR 16

    Nintendo Switch 2 Is HERE! - Game Junction Podcast #125

    The gaming world erupted this week with Nintendo's long-awaited Switch 2 announcement, revealing a powerhouse hybrid console boasting 1080p handheld resolution, 4K docked capabilities, and frame rates up to 120Hz with DLSS support. We dive deep into the technical specifications that position this new device as a legitimate contender against current-generation consoles while maintaining Nintendo's unique approach to gaming. Mario Kart World headlines an impressive launch lineup, revolutionizing the beloved racing series with an open-world format that represents the franchise's most significant evolution since its inception. The surprise return of the feather power-up from the SNES days delighted long-time fans, while the expanded 24-player races promise chaotic multiplayer mayhem. We explore what makes this title potentially the most exciting Mario Kart installment in decades. Beyond hardware and launch titles, we unpack Nintendo's clever anti-scalping measures for pre-orders, the GameCube games coming to the system with optional CRT filters, and the free performance upgrades planned for titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The announcement of a Hyrule Warriors sequel and a Zelda movie trilogy adds further excitement to what's shaping up to be a landmark year for Nintendo fans. We also discuss the impressive third-party support at launch, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition and Street Fighter VI, signaling stronger relationships bet Send a Text Message to The Game Junction Podcast we may read live! NYXI Gaming - NYXI Wizard GameCube Wireless Joy-pad for Nintendo Switch. Use code "gamejunction" for 10% off!PWRUP Grip 2Use code "GameJunction" for 10% off.Launch Your Own Podcast Now - BuzzsproutStart for FREE with our affiliate link.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Live on YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch Fridays @ 8 PM EST YouTube Channels @GameJunctionMedia @BrandonHurlesYT @TheJunctionNetwork All Socials: https://linktr.ee/GameJunction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameJunction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GameJunctionMedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@GameJunctionMedia Discord: https://discord.gg/gamejunction Teespring: https://my-store-dcccac.creator-spring.com/ Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/GameJunctionMedia Bonfire Merch: ...

    3h 34m
4.4
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Game Junction Podcast was started and is hosted by Brandon Hurles aka Game Junction. Enjoy us geeking out over our passion for video games, pop culture, tech, movies, TV, anime, toys, music, manga, and comic books. We're covering the latest news & hot topics, as well as nostalgic retro greatness. We discuss the future & past of gaming, diving deeper than most podcasts do.This podcast is part of The Junction Network dedicated to all things pop culture. Follow us on all social media and YouTube to stay up to date! Catch us live on YouTube & Twitch every Friday at 8 PM EST.