The GamePad Saga Podcast

GamePad Saga

Welcome to The GamePad Saga Podcast, your ultimate destination for all things video games! Hosted by Eric and Kishion. Our podcast delves deep into the world of gaming, bringing you the latest news, in-depth reviews, and lively discussions about your favorite titles and gaming trends. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual player, GamePad Saga offers something for everyone. From breaking down the latest AAA releases to exploring hidden indie gems, we cover it all. Our episodes feature our journey with video game and consoles, debates on hot topics, and plenty of humor and insights that make gaming culture come alive. Join us every other week as we level up our knowledge and share our passion for gaming with you. Grab your controller, settle in, and let’s dive into the pixels together! Subscribe now and don’t miss out on any of the action. Game on! 🎮

  1. JAN 6

    From Retro Rage to Modern Comfort: 90s Games vs Today's Hand‑Holding

    On this episode of the Gamepad Saga Podcast, Eric and Kishion sit down (with tequila and sniffles) to unpack a lively, wide‑ranging conversation about how gaming has changed from the 1990s to today. They debate the old-school difficulty of Mario, Sonic, Prince of Persia and Battletoads versus modern titles that offer tutorials, autosaves and guidance—naming exceptions like the Souls games and Zelda: Breath of the Wild/ Tears of the Kingdom. Expect personal stories about frustrating long grind sessions (Destiny), eight‑hour strike missions, and the satisfying — or soul‑crushing — lessons learned when consoles gave you only three lives. Topics covered include how retro games shaped spatial memory and exploration (no glowing waypoints), the psychology of delayed reward versus modern minute‑by‑minute dopamine (skins, loot boxes, battle royales), and whether online multiplayer brings connection or isolation compared to couch co‑op classics like Mario Kart and Diddy Kong Racing. They share vivid personal anecdotes about World of Warcraft addiction, cold‑turkey breaks, and how gaming habits influenced real‑life responsibilities. Hardware and economics get a deep dive: Kishion explains the current PC market pressures — graphics card and RAM price hikes tied to AI demand and scalping — and the rising costs of consoles and subscription services. They discuss whether pushed‑up console pricing nudges buyers toward building a PC, and gripe about industry focus on graphics and frame rates over gameplay innovation. Kishion gives an insider view of GameStop from his time working there: midnight launches, trade‑in policy quirks, the difference between ‘new’ and sealed copies, membership and price‑matching experiences, and how corporate decisions and store planograms often clash with frontline reality. They reflect on missed opportunities for GameStop and how store culture shaped their view of retail in gaming. Other highlights: reactions to the delayed IO Interactive 007 game and comparisons to Hitman and Splinter Cell, discussion of recent PC fan projects like the Star Fox 64 recompilation, and thoughts on current release strategies, marketing, and what players still want from single‑player campaigns. Whether you’re nostalgic for cartridge‑era difficulty, curious about the economics of modern gaming hardware, or want honest back‑room stories from retail life, this episode serves up candid takes, humor, and plenty of gaming lore. Tune in for heated debate, insider anecdotes, and recommendations for what to play (and what to avoid) next.   Don PepeX   Website | GamePad Saga https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/ Click HERE to join our Discord. https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram |TikTok | X (Twitter)

    1h 47m
  2. 12/09/2025

    Steam Machine | Cross‑Play Chaos

    The main conversation centers on Valve's new Steam machine: detailed speculation about its semi‑custom AMD Zen CPU, RDNA3‑based GPU, memory and I/O choices, and what a dedicated Steam console means for PC gamers and console fans alike. The hosts discuss how the Steam machine compares to Steam Deck and ROG Ally handhelds, whether Steam will partner with (or compete against) Xbox and PlayStation, and practical issues like upgradability, port choices (USB‑A vs USB‑C), display outputs and performance targets (4K/60 FPS, 8K/60, FreeSync/HDR). Cross‑play, platform migration and the shifting business model of consoles are explored next: why consoles often sell at a loss, how companies make money through software and subscriptions, the rise of PC labels on PlayStation storefronts, and concerns over double‑dipping (buying games across multiple platforms). They also touch on account and expansion ownership headaches illustrated by Destiny and other cross‑platform titles. The episode then shifts to major game updates and releases: a roundup of Call of Duty’s Treyarch returning with back‑to‑back Black Ops entries, debates about annual franchise fatigue (Madden comparisons included), and detailed coverage of Gran Turismo 7’s Spec 3 update — new tracks (Yas Marina Circuit and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve), new cars, an increased collector level cap, a new data logger, events, 24‑hour racing and the introduction of paid DLC (with in‑game credits and full race weekends making a comeback). Eric and Kishion reminisce about GTA and gaming nostalgia — collector’s and special editions, install headaches from the PS3/Xbox 360 era, and how big releases shaped holiday shopping. They discuss how physical media is waning, collector expectations (physical discs and keepsakes), and how studios time releases around console cycles and the holidays. Throughout the episode there’s casual banter about life (nursing school stress, staying sane while gaming), community reactions, and the hosts’ views on industry consolidation and developer compensation. They close with shoutouts to potential returning guests (Big Brother Daryl and Nick), listener thanks, and the usual Gamepad Saga sign‑off.   Don PepeX   Website | GamePad Saga https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/ Click HERE to join our Discord. https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram |TikTok | X (Twitter)

    59 min
  3. 11/11/2025

    Mega Man Zero Deep Dive: Elf Wars, Dark Elves and Neo Arcadia Explained

    Hosts Eric and Kishion open this episode of the Gamepad Saga Podcast with a lively sponsor spot for Don Pepe X before launching into an extended deep dive on Mega Man Zero. The conversation covers the origins of the developer Inti Creates, and why the Mega Man Zero tetralogy stands out in the Mega Man timeline. The episode reviews key lore and timeline beats: how the Zero games follow the events of the X series, the catastrophic Elf Wars (including reported casualty figures), and the rise of Neo Arcadia. The hosts explain Dr. Weil’s experiments with the Mother Elf, Project El Paizo, the creation of the Dark Elf and Omega, and the consequences that lead to the conflict at the heart of Mega Man Zero. Major characters and factions are highlighted — X, Copy X, the four Guardians (Hidden Phantom, Fighting Fefnir, Fairy Leviathan and Sage Harpuya), Ceil, the Resistance, and Zero himself. The episode outlines how Copy X is created, X’s fate attempting to contain the Dark Elf, and Ceil's role in awakening Zero to fight for the Resistance. Listeners also get a gameplay-oriented breakdown of the first Mega Man Zero (GBA): mission structure, exploration-focused level design, boss encounters (including Aztec Falcon and others), weapons and cyber-elf mechanics, and the upgrade/grinding system for the Z-Saber and Zero Buster. The hosts share first-hand impressions, difficulty notes, and why the game’s structure feels both rewarding and occasionally confusing. Interwoven with the Mega Man discussion is a broad conversation about modern gaming topics: Xbox/Game Pass pricing and cloud gaming sustainability, physical media versus digital libraries, nostalgia for rental stores like Blockbuster and services like GameFly, and how those shifts affect collecting and playing games today. In closing, Eric and Kishion tease future episodes focused on Mega Man Zero 2–4, reflect on the series’ moral and ethical questions about Reploids and free will, and point listeners to the show notes for the Don Pepe X sponsor link and further reading. Expect lore breakdowns, gameplay impressions, and plenty of retro gaming anecdotes.   Music Composer's Yamada, Ippo. The Ruins of Lab [Song]. Rockman Zero Game Music Complete Works -Rockman Zero 1~3-. Suleputer, 2004  Don PepeX   Website | GamePad Saga https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/ Click HERE to join our Discord. https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram |TikTok | X (Twitter)

    1h 26m
  4. 10/28/2025

    Is Xbox Killing the Console Era? The ROG Ally Fallout

    On this episode of the Gamepad Saga Podcast, Eric and Kishion dig into the biggest gaming headlines and their personal takes on where consoles are headed. Then moves into a wide-ranging conversation about recent Xbox moves, the ROG Ally partnership and what that could mean for the future of console hardware. Eric and Kishion debate platform lock-in versus openness (Steam, Epic, Battlestate), the growing trend of “misinformation” or hype drops from major companies to gauge reactions. They discuss whether handheld PCs like the ROG Ally will replace consoles, or simply become another option for gamers. The hosts unpack subscription ecosystems and pricing — from Xbox Game Pass tiers and potential price increases to Sony and Nintendo’s approaches — and how cloud gaming versus ownership affects players. They touch on Xbox’s backward compatibility track record, Joy‑Con drift frustrations, regional console popularity patterns across the U.S., and the business pressures driving publishers and platforms. On the games front, Eric and Kishion talk new releases and personal playtime: Ninja Gaiden 4 impressions, struggling through Sekiro and other hack‑and‑slash titles, and the realities of juggling a massive Steam library. They reminisce about exclusives and classic franchises (Halo, Gears, Shadowrun) and discuss how nostalgia and local tastes shape console communities. Don PepeX   Website | GamePad Saga https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/ Click HERE to join our Discord. https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram |TikTok | X (Twitter)

    35 min
  5. 10/14/2025

    Heisman Dreams & Glitchy Gridiron: NCAA 26 vs Madden 26 | Gaming News

    Hosts Eric and Kishon dive into a fast-paced episode covering gaming, life, and culture. They kick off with a candid breakdown of NCAA 26 (harsh verdict: scripted and frustrating) and Madden 26 (still superior but monetized), then move through reactions to the recent Nintendo Direct, the Virtual Boy mini, Mario Galaxy re-releases, and the Mortal Kombat collection release details. Along the way they discuss new releases like Borderlands 4 and Metal Gear Solid Delta, debate battle-pass monetization in modern games, and preview upcoming fighting titles and tag-based fighters. A sponsored segment highlights Don Pepe X, an AI-powered crypto trading agent, and the hosts trade opinions on cartridges, physical media, and performance targets. Beyond games, Kishon shares a nursing-school update and a heartfelt PSA about kindness and respect, plus special shout-outs to creators and community members (JRock, Vante) and author Destin J. Munden. Expect sharp takes, laughs, and plans for future co-op streams and collaborations.   Don PepeX   Shoutouts: Deston J Munden Instagram - authordjmunden youngpapi_52 - Tik Tok/ Twitch/ Instagram/ Music  Vonte - (TakeitNblood) Twitch/ YouTube/ (Ball_is_life33) Instagram   Website | GamePad Saga https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/ Click HERE to join our Discord. https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram |TikTok | X (Twitter)    Say thanks to fasttech123 Music by Antonio Jade

    49 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The GamePad Saga Podcast, your ultimate destination for all things video games! Hosted by Eric and Kishion. Our podcast delves deep into the world of gaming, bringing you the latest news, in-depth reviews, and lively discussions about your favorite titles and gaming trends. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual player, GamePad Saga offers something for everyone. From breaking down the latest AAA releases to exploring hidden indie gems, we cover it all. Our episodes feature our journey with video game and consoles, debates on hot topics, and plenty of humor and insights that make gaming culture come alive. Join us every other week as we level up our knowledge and share our passion for gaming with you. Grab your controller, settle in, and let’s dive into the pixels together! Subscribe now and don’t miss out on any of the action. Game on! 🎮