Nintendo Therapy

Kevin DeCristofano
  • 5.0 (6)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A weekly discussion of the things we love about Nintendo as well as what the future may hold. News and Rumors and reviews too!

  1. 4D AGO

    157: Nintendo Partner Direct Reactions

    This week on Nintendo Therapy, we break down everything from the latest Nintendo Partner Direct, sharing our reactions, highlights, and what actually stood out once the hype settled. From third-party surprises to realistic expectations, we talk through what this Direct means for Nintendo fans right now. Kevin jumps into the Year of the Backlog with Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, we revisit Mario Tennis Fever and its place in Nintendo sports history, and we wrap things up with a spotlight review of Alien Soldier for the Sega Genesis — a cult classic that deserves way more love than it gets. If you’re into Nintendo news, cozy gaming conversations, retro deep dives, and therapy-through-games vibes, you’re in the right place. 👍 Like the episode, drop a comment with your Partner Direct thoughts, and subscribe for more Nintendo Therapy every week. Links:Nintendo Therapy Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nintendotherapySidePanel Network Website: https://sidepanelnetwork.my.canva.site/ #NintendoTherapy#NintendoPodcast#NintendoDirect#PartnerDirect#RetroGaming#MetalGearSolid#MarioTennis#SegaGenesis#AlienSoldier#BacklogGaming#CozyGaming#GamingPodcast 3. Hashtags

    1h 14m

  2. JAN 31

    156: Metal Gear Series Thoughts + Nintendo Direct Predictions

    Bubsy #1 Fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brizzovuc4A This week on Nintendo Therapy, we dive into the legendary Metal Gear series, talking about its impact on gaming, storytelling, and why it still matters today. We also chat about the rise of game collections — those value-packed releases that bundle multiple titles into one purchase — and why they’re such a win (or sometimes not) for players. We also tackle one of gaming’s most important questions… does anyone actually like Bubsy? Plus, we wrap things up by sharing our Nintendo Partner Direct predictions, discussing what we hope to see and what might realistically show up next. If you enjoy Nintendo discussions, cozy gaming talk, and laid-back podcast vibes, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe. Let us know your Metal Gear memories, your favorite game collections, and your Partner Direct predictions! Nintendo Therapy Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nintendotherapySidePanel Network Website: https://sidepanelnetwork.my.canva.site/ 4️⃣ Hashtags#Nintendo#MetalGear#MetalGearSolid#NintendoDirect#PartnerDirect#GamingPodcast#NintendoSwitch#RetroGaming#GameCollections#Konami#CozyGaming#NintendoFans#VideoGameDiscussion#GamingCommunity

    1h 6m

  3. JAN 24

    155: Nintendo’s Biggest Launch Ever?

    Episode 155 of Nintendo Therapy is packed with Switch 2 chaos and cozy Nintendo vibes. We talk DLC, backlog victories, and whether Doug Bowser needs a new name now that he’s on Hasbro’s board. Then we dig into huge news: Switch 2’s record-breaking launch in Japan, Wizard101 unexpectedly dominating the eShop, Dispatch becoming an episodic indie monster, major Mario Wonder and Donkey Kong updates, and how impressive (and important) FF7 Remake Intergrade is on Switch 2. Plus, Year of the Backlog check-ins, Metroid Prime thoughts, and a deep dive into Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team.

    1h 3m

  4. JAN 17

    154: LEGO Pokémon Prices, Switch Stats & Mario Land Classics

    Welcome to Episode 154 of Nintendo Therapy — a weekly show where we break down the latest Nintendo news, rumors, and reflections on the games we can’t stop thinking about. This week, Kevin is joined by Harrison and Shawn to dig into Nintendo Switch end-of-year stats, new LEGO Pokémon sets, and some very honest thoughts about Animal Crossing burnout. We talk about how much time there really is in a year, how thousands of gaming hours somehow coexist with jobs, books, podcasts, and writing projects, and why Nintendo fans love to panic every time stock prices dip. Topics include: Nintendo Switch 2025 playtime stats and reflections LEGO Pokémon sets revealed (Eevee, Pikachu, Poké Ball, and the $650 starter set) Why LEGO pricing isn’t as outrageous as it looks Nintendo stock dropping 33% — should fans be worried? Initial reactions to recent Animal Crossing updates Ecco the Dolphin revival rumors Quest 64 getting the recomp treatment Spotlight discussions on Super Mario Land and Super Mario Land 2: The 6 Golden Coins Ranking, history, and why Wario looks absolutely unhinged Plus, we wrap up with personal gaming highlights, backlog goals, and a reminder that maybe the real secret to 1,000 hours of gaming… is not having kids (yet). 🎮 Nintendo Therapy Podcast is part of the Sidepanel Network🎙️ Check out Harrison’s weekly show, Harrison Talks Pod, now live📌 More Sidepanel content coming soon Thanks for listening, and as always — take a deep breath… it’s Nintendo Therapy.

    1h 10m

  5. JAN 14

    Bonus: Games finished in 2025 part 2

    Part two of my Video Games I Finished in 2025 — Ranked is here! 🎮We’re moving into the stronger half of the list, featuring highlights like Metroid Prime 4, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. I break down what made each of these games stand out, where they surprised me, and why they earned their spots in the rankings. Let me know where you’d place them.

    40 min

  6. JAN 10

    152: Backlogs, Brawlers, and Nintendo’s Next Era

    Welcome to Episode 152 of Nintendo Therapy, a show about the latest Nintendo news, rumors, and a celebration of all things Nintendo.This week, we kick off Year of the Backlog with Kevin finally completing Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater from the Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol. 1. Rather than immediately moving on, the conversation turns into a deep appreciation of why Snake Eater still stands as one of the greatest games ever made. We talk about its tight but content-rich design, incredible immersion, unforgettable boss fights, and the emotional weight of Snake and The Boss. It’s a masterclass in prequel storytelling, showing how Big Boss’s transformation feels earned in a way few franchises ever pull off.On the Nintendo front, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance joins the GameCube Classics lineup, giving fans another reason to revisit (or finally experience) one of the most beloved entries in the series. We also run through the biggest January 2026 Switch and Switch 2 releases, including major updates, new editions, and long-awaited ports.Harrison leads a discussion on the recent spike in Nintendo 3DS prices, exploring why interest in the system is rising again and how renewed demand for dual-screen experiences could influence Nintendo’s future hardware decisions. That leads into a fascinating conversation about voice recognition on Switch 2, sparked by new software from Hitachi. We imagine how voice mechanics could be used in classic Nintendo games and remakes, from Hey You, Pikachu and Nintendogs to Animal Crossing, Brain Age, Luigi’s Mansion, and more.The episode’s Spotlight focuses on Streets of Rage (#50) and Streets of Rage 2 (#49). We break down why Sega’s gritty beat ’em up series still holds up decades later, how it stacks up against Final Fight, and why Streets of Rage 2 is often considered the high point of the genre. From iconic characters and co-op chaos to Yuzo Koshiro’s legendary soundtracks, this spotlight is a full-on love letter to one of the most influential brawler series of the ’90s.All that and more in Episode 152 of Nintendo Therapy.

    1h 15m

  7. JAN 3

    151: Tony Hawk & Two Are Canon, One Is Fake

    Welcome to Episode 151 of Nintendo Therapy, the show where we break down the latest Nintendo news and rumors while celebrating everything that makes Nintendo… Nintendo. This week, we circle back to a few follow-ups from last episode — including a change of heart on the best remake (spoiler: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 rules), a closer look at Nintendo’s very deliberate drip-feeding of Virtual Boy games on Nintendo Classics, and a deep dive into the increasingly questionable logic of Nintendo timelines. Kevin also lays out an ambitious goal for 2026: playing through the Metroid series in timeline order… assuming any of it actually happened. Meanwhile, Harrison brings a brand-new segment to the table: “Two Are Canon, One Is Fake.” No prep, no mercy, and a graphic already locked and loaded. Nintendo Therapy Podcast is part of the Sidepanel Network. Be sure to check out this week’s episode of Harrison Talks Pod, with more Sidepanel content coming soon.

    57 min

  8. 12/27/2025

    150: Nintendo's 2025 reviewed and 2026 Predictions

    Welcome to Episode 150 of Nintendo Therapy! Kevin is joined by Harrison to clear the calendar and ask the big end-of-year question: was 2025 a true Power Star year for Nintendo, or did it slip on a banana peel? We break down Nintendo’s surprisingly stacked release schedule—from Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and Mario Kart World to the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond—and talk through what landed, what didn’t, and what defined the year. Kevin shares personal highlights and stats from a massive year of completions, including deep dives into classics, long-overdue backlog victories, favorite Nintendo Classics additions, and why 2025 felt like a year of collections, closures, and finally finishing what was started. Harrison brings a wider lens with a full Nintendo Classics 2025 retrospective, unpacking Nintendo’s shift from expansion to consolidation, the strategic importance of GameCube on Switch 2, and how slower, deliberate rollouts shaped the service. The episode wraps with end-of-year awards, surprises, disappointments, and a bold prediction board for 2026–2027 covering Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Animal Crossing, Switch Online, and future hardware. Plus, we reflect on finally getting our hands on the Switch 2—the system this podcast was practically built waiting for. Nintendo Therapy is part of the Sidepanel Network, and don’t forget to check out this week’s episode of Harrison Talks Pod, with more coming soon.

    1h 37m
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About

A weekly discussion of the things we love about Nintendo as well as what the future may hold. News and Rumors and reviews too!

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin DeCristofano
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kevin DeCristofano
  • Show Website
    Nintendo Therapy