The Old SwitchAroo: Gaming Retro with Mike and Jaymo |A Nintendo Switch Online retro gaming podcast

Episodes

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  Screentime: Street Fighter (2026) Spoiler Discussion 21.10.2026 1h 23m

  Mike & Jaymo are joined by costumed guest hosts Bryan and Sarah to square up against Legendary Pictures’ “Street Fighter.” Released October 16th, 2026, this over-the-top action comedy isn’t for everyone, but is it a NintenDO or a NintenDON’T? We break down the poster, the plot, give you the play-by-play for all the brawls, and Mike confuses the subtexts of Sparticus and Ben-Hur in a most embarrassing way. Can you handle it? SURE-YOU-CAN!Thanks for listening! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.Be sure to follow Bryan on Instagram for all his latest adventures in cosplay & activism at @bryan.s.lee: https://www.instagram.com/bryan.s.lee/ or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@BryanLeeIGN has all the deets on Callina Liang’s transformation into Chun-Li right here:https://www.ign.com/articles/chun-li-actress-grew-her-thighs-65-centimeters-to-match-the-first-lady-of-fighting-games-for-the-street-fighter-movie
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  Lite Switch: Little Nightmares 3 Secrets of the Spiral DLC 14.10.2026 29m

  On this episode of The Old SwitchAroo: Lite Switch, we take a break from our usual quest to cover all 300+ games in the Nintendo Classics catalog to explore the darkest, most spoiler-filled regions of Little Nightmares 3: Secrets of the Spiral DLC on Nintendo Switch 2.Today Jaymo is joined by Zelda/Horror Game Streamer, Twitch’s very own RiriYells! Having beaten every level of the game as a co-op pair (included the newly released DLC), RiRi and Jaymo revisit their reviews of the base game and dive deep into the gameplay and lore of The Backstage & The Shores DLC. We discuss every monster, trap, and lore drop!Be sure to check out RiriYells on Twitch!https://www.twitch.tv/ririyellsWant to see RiRi and Jaymo’s review of “vanilla” Little Nightmares 3? Check it out here:https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com/lite-switch-oct-22-2025-little-nightmares-3/https://youtu.be/bdKDr4M_OxE0:00 Intro0:44 RiRi’s Dragon Con Recap3:23 Revisiting our Review of Little Nightmares 3 (Base Game)3:57 The Backstage DLC11:22 The Shores DLC26:57 NintenDO or NintenDon’t27:28 Outro
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  S4E16: 16th-bit Retro-Spective Season 4 Finale 07.10.2026 1h 18m

  It’s time to celebrate the end of our biggest season yet of The Old SwitchAroo with the 16th-bit Retro-spective Season 4 Finale as Mike and Jaymo reflect on their epic quest to research and review every retro game in the Nintendo Switch Online catalog!In this episode, we start off with another edition of "Guest Hosts", this time with our guest Guess Host guest host Ryan warboss5 as he skippers the way through another head-to-head video game trivia competition with questions from many of the wonderful guests that we've had this season. In the Old Switcharoonies, Mike and Jaymo will award some of the more notable games that got played this season. They'll also look back at some of the memorable parts of this season and discuss what they're hoping to see next from Nintendo Classics and Nintendo Switch Online (they can't keep not releasing Cruis'n USA forever).Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy new theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com⁠⁠⁠, where you'll find access to our Discord, voicemail, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:50) Guess Hosts with Ryan "Warboss5"(3:08) Q1. S04E01 - Derick from Underrated(7:30) Q2. S04E02 - Lawson from Super Wall Jump(9:34) Q3. S04E03 - Jordan from Arcadiology(11:53) Q4. S04E03 - Brad from Arcadiology(14:20) Q5. S04E05 - Cyril from DefunctGames(20:28) Q6. S04E06 - Taylor from Wild Mouse(23:31) Q7. Super Mario Galaxy - Lisa from Geek Pop(25:20) Q8. Ep 1 Racer - Nick and Josh from Smashing Game Time(27:19) Q9. S04E08 - Steve from CinemArcade(30:43) Q10. Mortal Kombat 2 - Kyle(32:23) Q11. S04E10 - BlazeingPhoenix(37:56) Q12. S04E11 - Jennifer Miller Hammel of Classical California’s Arcade(43:40) Q13. S04E12 - Timmy Williams from Whitest Kids U’ Know and Urn Fulla Popcorn(47:08) Q14. S04E13 - SSJ3Butch(49:11) Q15. S4E14 - Stiltskin from Shrugbuds(54:16) Final Scores(54:49) Warboss5 plugs(57:54) Title Speedrun(59:23) The Old SwitchAroonies(1:12:28) Swish List(1:15:56) Final Thoughts(1:17:54) OutroCheck out all our contributors:Derick on Underrated: ⁠https://underratedmoviepodcast.com/⁠Lawson’s podcast Super Wall Jump: https://linktr.ee/superwalljumpJordan and Brad on Arcadiology: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/arcadiologypodcast/And Brad is working on 2 games for Steam, Rogue Mate and Paint World 98Find Cyril’s work at Defunct Games (http://www.defunctgames.com/) or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@DefunctGamesTaylor on the Wild Mouse podcast: https://wildmousepodcast.com/And also on Grave Plot: https://graveplotpodcast.com/Lisa in the Geek Pop archives at https://geekpoppodcast.wordpress.com/Nick and Josh on Smashing Game Time: https://www.smashinggametime.com/ and go check out Nick's comedy album Memoirs & Manifestos on BandCamp: https://nickcoffman.bandcamp.com/album/memoirs-manifestosSteve's podcast that inspired Jaymo is Ultra 64: Wii Universe: https://www.ultra64podcast.com/ Steve is now on CinemArcade: https://linktr.ee/cinemarcade and Puppet Masters / Castle Freaks: https://linktr.ee/puppetmasterscastlefreaksKyle on Stream Team: https://streamteam.club/BlazeingPhoenix's speed runs and Behind the Mask: https://www.youtube.com/@BlazeingphoenixJennifer on Classical California's Arcade: https://www.classicalcalifornia.org/arcadeCheck her out on Have You Seen This? discussing the second X-Files movie: https://www.patreon.com/haveyouseenthis/posts/278-x-files-i-to-157905094Timmy's on Urn Fulla Popcorn (https://urnfullapopcorn.com/) and find Mars here: https://wkukmars.com/Butch on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ssj3butchFind all of the Shrugbuds stuff starting at https://shrugbuds.com/Ryan "warboss5"'s old videos are on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/warboss5 and follow him at Bluesky @warboss5.bsky.social
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  Screentime: Resident Evil (2026) Spoiler Discussion 23.09.2026 1h 7m

  Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is putting video games back on the big screen as he puts his spin on how to recreate the experience and sensation of playing a survival horror game into a film. Mike and Jaymo have both checked out the movie, so Jaymo can come at the movie from the perspective of someone that played the games and Mike as someone that saw one of the gimmicky 3D movies once but never played the games. We’ll also touch a little on our experience with Zach Cregger’s other horror films before we get into a very spoiler-filled discussion of the whole movie.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed. You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!(0:00) Intro(1:15) Resident Evil prior experiences(4:32) Zach Cregger films(7:20) Resident Evil (2026)(1:04:10) NintenDO or NintenDON’TTo hear Zach Cregger share some of his insight into writing and making Weapons, check out the episode he did with fellow WKUK Timmy Williams (and from our Ninja Gaiden episodes) on the horror movie podcast Timmy cohosts, Urn Fulla Popcorn: Episode 22 - Weapons (2025) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPPOQMtd04QFor a little more of Derick’s opinion on Dolby Vision, you can check out the Underrated movie podcast’s recording of the Next Stages of Movie and Theater Evolution panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2026 where Derick talks a bit about why he likes that format during the first question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vktTm0OxFsQ
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  LiteSwitch: Lock's Quest with Jackie Kashian and Andy Ashcraft 09.09.2026 1h 26m

  Comedian Jackie Kashian and game designer Andy Ashcraft are locking in for a spoiler-laced talk about Lock’s Quest (Nintendo DS, 2008) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, we discuss how Jackie’s using stand-up comedy to be a force for good and dig back to some old merch that Mike had to explain to his mom, Jaymo nerds out about Andy’s experiences working on Flagen Brothers for the Sega Dreamcast, Jackie shares some memorable gaming moments like the Bonita Zakos from Stretch Panic on the Sony PlayStation, and everybody explains to Mike what gaming on the Nintendo DS was like. In the main event, as we get deep into the world of Lock’s Quest, Andy shares inside perspectives from his role as a creative manager for THQ working with the developer 5th Cell to make Lock’s Quest.Watch out for spoilers for Lock’s Quest, Planet of the Apes, and Citizen Kane.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:09) Welcoming Jackie Kashian and Andy Ashcraft(30:06) Lock’s Quest(1:10:50) Mini-Game Minute: Components Opponents(1:15:06) Lock’s Quest (con’t)(1:20:49) NintenDO or NintenDON’T(1:21:50) Jackie’s plugs(1:23:33) Andy’s plugs(1:24:20) OutroFor more of Jackie Kashian, you can check out her two podcasts, The Dork Forest (https://jackiekashian.com/the-dork-forrest) where she’s having comedians share the things they’re really into and The Jackie and Laurie Show (https://jackieandlaurieshow.com/) with her and Laurie Kilmartin.For her albums, stand-up specials, tour dates, and more, the one-stop shop is: https://jackiekashian.com/For more of Andy Ashcraft, you can check out his podcast Ethics and Video Games (https://ethicsandvideogames.com/) that he co-hosted with Shlomo Sher, and Andy also recommends checking out his Schlomo Sher’s related book, Play Nice: The Ethics of Video Games
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  Screentime: X-Men ‘97 Season Two Elimination Bracket (SPOILERS AHEAD!) 26.08.2026 1h 31m

  SPOILER WARNING: In this episode of “The Old SwitchAroo: Screentime,” we debate which episode of X-Men ‘97: Season 2 reigns supreme! Jaymo is once again joined by cosplay influencer Bryan Lee along with returning guest, Ryan “Warboss5” Lay. After recapping each episode with a little amateur poetry, we pit each story from this wild season against one another in a single-elimination bracket until a winner is declared 'Best Episode of X-Men '97: Season Two!'Want to see more of Bryan’s cosplay & social-activism? Hit him on on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@BryanLeeAnd on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bryan.s.lee/Dare you venture into Ryan’s Dungeons & Dragons campaigns? Check out his page at the Dungeon Masters Guild here: https://site.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Ryan%20LayEnjoy the rockin’ chiptune cover of the X-Men theme? Plenty more where that came from! Check out 8 Bit Composer’s YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@8bitcomposerThanks for listening!! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone. (0:00) Intro(1:08) Welcoming Bryan(2:41) Welcoming Ryan(6:15) Preliminary Bracket: Round 1(18:09) Preliminary Bracket: Round 2(38:14) Preliminary Bracket: Round 3(55:01) Preliminary Bracket: Round 4(1:13:25) Semi-Finals Round 1(1:14:49) Semi-Finals Round 2(1:16:51) Finals(1:24:49) Season 1 vs Season 2(1:27:00) Outro
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  S4E15: Double Dragon and Double Dragon 2 -or- Brothers in Arms 12.08.2026 1h 22m

  Scharonne from 40 Something Gamers brings a beat down in beat’em ups Double Dragon (NES, 1988) and Double Dragon II: The Revenge (NES, 1990) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, Scharonne shares his artistic influences, we look at how Double Dragon and Double Dragon II: The Revenge changed when they were both ported from the arcade to the home console and wonder if the losses were worth it, the charm that came from 90s video game movies including the Los Angeles-set mayhem of 1994’s Double Dragon movie, and Jaymo may find some vindication about Zelda II. Finally, Double Dragon may have one of the most unforgivable video game manuals of all time.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:20) Welcoming Scharonne from 40 Something Gamers(7:15) Double Dragon(36:43) NintenDIS-or-DAT(39:22) Double Dragon (con’t)(43:17) Double Dragon II: The Revenge(1:08:30) NintenDO or NintenDON’TCheck out Scharonne on the 40 Something Gamers podcast on all podcast platforms, including Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3YfII057Bl61WCY5WPWkIEDouble Dragon manual: https://www.thegameisafootarcade.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Double-Dragon-Game-Manual-1.pdf  Double Dragon II manual: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/en/pdf/CLV-P-NACHE.pdf  The Man Who Created Double Dragon by Matt Leone | Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/2012/10/12/3495124/the-man-who-created-double-dragon/“Did Double Dragon have the most random redesigns of any game heroes? The answer: YES!” | NeoGAF: https://www.neogaf.com/threads/did-double-dragon-have-the-most-random-redesigns-of-any-game-heroes-the-answer-yes.479304/Double Dragon by LRock in 12:04 - SGDQ2018 | Games Done Quick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ-VKdb2dNEDouble Dragon II: Wander of the Dragons | Metacritic: https://www.metacritic.com/game/double-dragon-ii-wander-of-the-dragons/The Double Dragon II remake is so bad you shouldn't even waste time reading this review by Chad Sapieha | Financial Post: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/04/09/the-double-dragon-ii-remake-is-so-bad-you-shouldnt-even-waste-time-reading-this-review/Review: Double Dragon II: Wander of the Dragons by Nikola Suprak | Hard Core Gamer: https://web.archive.org/web/20190502161917/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/04/18/review-double-dragon-ii-wander-of-the-dragons/Double Dragon II: Wander Of The Dragons review – worst game ever by David Jenkins | Metro GameCentral: http://metro.co.uk/2013/04/15/double-dragon-ii-wander-of-the-dragons-review-worst-game-ever-3616685/Double Dragon II: The Revenge by sinister1 in 13:01 - SGDQ2018 | Games Done Quick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrhLgH5Rhk0
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  S4E14: Fire Emblem- Path of Radiance - or- Hitting the Griddy 29.07.2026 1h 42m

  Stiltskin from the shrugbuds joins the party for some Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GameCube, 2005) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, we welcome our first fairy tale creature that predates video games, discuss the place for tactical combat in the JRPG genre, try to understand the significance of Anna as a recurring character in the Fire Emblem franchise, weigh the pros and cons of the weapons triangle, and even touch upon how video games can create worlds that explore patterns that can mirror the dangers that human nature produce in the real world.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:20) Welcoming Stiltskin(5:46) Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GameCube)(1:03:45) Mini-Game Minute: Clash or Pass(1:10:14) Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (con’t)(1:33:17) NintenDO or NintenDON’TJoin Stiltskin and the shrugbuds community on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/shrugbuds and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shrugbudsFire Emblem: Path of Radiance Manual: https://www.scribd.com/document/505304853/Fire-Emblem-Path-of-Radiance-ManualMy Roommate Won't Stop Sneezing (STILTSKIN - Episode #6) | Shrugbuds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFjOk6tAHjMFire Emblem Radiant Dawn Development Staff Interview | Nintendo Dream, April 2007: https://web.archive.org/web/20070618061417/http://www.nindori.com/interview/156FE/index.htmlAncient Language | Serenesforest.net: https://serenesforest.net/path-of-radiance/miscellaneous/ancient-language/List of characters in Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance | Fire Emblem Wiki: https://fireemblemwiki.org/wiki/List_of_characters_in_Fire_Emblem:_Path_of_Radiance
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  S4E13: Killer Instinct -or- ULTRA COMBO! 15.07.2026 1h 12m

  SSj3Butch returns to the arena to help pit Killer Instinct (SNES, 1994) and Killer Instinct Gold (N64, 1996) to help Mike and Jaymo decide which Killer Instinct reigns supreme as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, we discuss the video game music that was so good that the SNES release came with an included CD, how robots gave Killer Instinct a mechanical leg up over competitors like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter, try to disentangle some of the ways that Killer Instinct parodied Street Fighter, and assess whether the XBox One reboot of Killer Instinct ever delivered.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:00) Welcoming Butch(4:13) Killer Instinct (SNES) vs Killer Instinct Gold (N64)(1:03:24) NintenDO or NintenDON’TCheck out SSJ3Butch on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ssj3butchKiller Instinct SNES Manual: https://www.videogamemanual.com/snes/Killer%20Instinct%20(USA).pdfKiller Instinct 64 Manual: https://www.videogamemanual.com/n64/Killer%20Instinct%20Gold%20(USA).pdfKiller Instinct (Arcade) | The Cutting Room Floor: https://tcrf.net/Killer_Instinct_(Arcade)FIGHT ON: The Killer Instinct Story (Documentary) | Hold Back to Block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks4eZoG94VsKiller Instinct - All Character Endings! (SNES) | White Boy Gaming: https://youtu.be/f2pzSHWcW7Y?si=yr73297Gm1OIHgCV  Nintendo 64 - Killer Instinct Gold - Longplay All Endings | ElewPlay: https://youtu.be/Br7rIjgBop4?si=1-H082eD_tWfY8gB
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  S4E12: Ninja Gaiden II and Super Ninja Boy -or- Widest Kicks U' Throw 01.07.2026 1h 47m

  Timmy Williams, part of Whitest Kids U’ Know and co-host of the Urn Fulla Popcorn podcast, is ready to enter the ninja games as he makes his return to The Old SwitchAroo to explore the ninja sequels Ninja Gaiden II (NES, 1990) and Super Ninja Boy (SNES, 1993) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, Timmy shares some of the experiences involved in making Mars, the Whitest Kids U’ Know animated movie that was released to the masses earlier this year with both a limited theatrical run and a Blu-Ray release. Then we get down to business to defeat the games, covering along the way a weird Pepto-Bismol reference, the risque sprites that didn’t make it to the final version of Super Ninja Boy, how Europe had three different non-compatible versions of the NES including one from Mattel, and if anyone working on Ninja Gaiden II was a fan of Lucio Fulci’s The Beyond. Find out if Super Ninja Boy is the game that finally breaks Jaymo!Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(0:59) Welcoming Timmy Williams(3:10) Whitest Kids U’ Know - Mars(11:12) Super Ninja Boy (SNES)(51:29) Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES)(1:23:49) NintenDO or NintenDON’T(1:41:52) OutroTimmy Williams can be found talking horror movies with his co-host Shandi on Urn Fulla Popcorn: https://urnfullapopcorn.com/  For more info about the Whitest Kids U’ Know’s final project, the animated movie Mars, check out https://wkukmars.com/ or order it directly from MediaOCD: https://mediaocd.com/product/whitest-kids-u-know-mars-blu-ray/Ninja Gaiden 2 manual: https://www.thegameisafootarcade.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ninja-Gaiden-II-The-Dark-Sword-of-Chaos-Game-Manual.pdfSuper Ninja Boy manual: https://www.videogamemanual.com/snes/Super%20Ninja%20Boy%20(USA).pdfProto:Super Ninja Boy | The Cutting Room Floor: https://tcrf.net/Proto:Super_Ninja_BoyPresidential Props, Season 3, Episode 3 | Whitest Kids U’ Know: https://youtu.be/oTNNQIXK9Nk?si=16yFXjXroB0VBitI&t=42Office Insubordination, Season 2, Episode 9 | Whitest Kids U’ Know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfrsFiBB_wASuper Ninja Boy Walkthrough by Dalton Of Zeal | RPGClassics: https://shrines.rpgclassics.com/snes/snb/walkthrough.shtmlNES Longplay [058] Ninja Gaiden II: Dark Sword of Chaos | World of Longplays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzb4Tonx0WINinja Gaiden II by TheRetroRunner in 10:49 - Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 | Games Done Quick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qCrkDvpH8
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  S4E11: Tetris -or- Playing the Classics 17.06.2026 1h 39m

  Jennifer Miller Hammel, host of Classical California’s Arcade, is t-spinning her way in to discuss the titanic tuneful tetrad of Tetris (Game Boy, 1989), Tetris (NES, 1989), Tetris DX (Game Boy Color, 1998), and Tetris 99 (Nintendo Switch, 2018) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, Jennifer shares her efforts to get video game music from game rooms to the concert hall, including how she’s brought video game music into both Classical California’s mornings and always streaming on Classical California’s Arcade featuring both video game music and the classical music that influenced it. Everyone shares some of their favorite video game soundtracks, from Street Fighter and Cruis’n USA to Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, and Jennifer gives her perspective on how video game music can follow the same trajectory that John Williams took film scores on to get the music integrated into modern classical music performances.Once they pick up the controllers, Jennifer helps contextualize the music attached to Tetris, from the now-iconic Tetris theme Korobeiniki and The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the original music created for Tetris DX. We’ll also take a very big leap down the rabbit hole that has been the quest to beat Tetris on the NES, including discussing the Classic Tetris World Championship and how players have met every new challenge that has been found in Tetris over the last few years. And Mike will share one of the most unpredictable Tetris reviews he thinks you’ve ever heard.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(0:59) Welcoming Jennifer Miller Hammel(16:45) Tetris (GB)(50:20) Tetris (NES)(1:11:53) Tetris DX (Game Boy Color)(1:19:28) Tetris 99 (Nintendo Switch)(1:28:53) NintenDO or NintenDON’T(1:36:25) OutroCatch Jennifer Miller Hammel in the mornings on Classical California or anytime by checking out the always-streaming Arcade: https://www.classicalcalifornia.org/arcadeTetris (NES) Manual: https://www.retrogames.cz/manualy/NES/Tetris_(Nintendo)_-_NES_-_Manual.pdfTetris DX Manual: https://www.thegameisafootarcade.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Tetris-DX-Game-Manual.pdfTetris Opera - Video Games Live (VGL) - Vocals by Jillian Aversa | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1yZEs-hBHoObjective Ministries Tetris Review: https://objectiveministries.org/zounds/gaming.htmlTetris Official Website - Fun Facts: https://tetris.com/news/fun-factsFirst person to play a videogame in space | Guinness World Records: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/109300-first-person-to-play-a-videogame-in-spaceJeopardy! messed up by taking a silly gaming meme at face value by Michael McWhertor | Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/9/20906250/jeopardy-tetris-viral-photoshop-joke/World’s biggest game of Tetris played out on 2,000 drones by Anthony Cuthbertson | The Independent: https://www.the-independent.com/tech/worlds-biggest-game-of-tetris-drones-b2885283.htmlComplete History Of The Soviet Union, Arranged To The Melody Of Tetris | pigwiththefaceofaboy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTFG3J1CP8Nintendo A Cappella by Redefined: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSBIAGCulDwThe History of Tetris World Records | Summoning Salt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOJlg8g8_yw
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  S4E10: Donkey Kong -or- Gorilla Warfare 03.06.2026 1h 13m

  Blindfolded speedrunner BlazeingPhoenix is ready to barrel through Donkey Kong (NES, 1986) and Donkey Kong (Game Boy, 1994) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, we talk about the impressive world of blindfolded speedruns and BlazeingPhoenix takes us on his journey into blindfolded speedrunning, including watching Ocarina of Time blindfolded as part of Games Done Quick and trying to beat Kingdom Hearts blindfolded before submitting the first blindfolded Donkey Kong speed run and speedrunning Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition for GDQ Hotfix. Along the way, we’ll also look at how Donkey Kong began design as a Popeye-themed game before evolving to the giant gorilla we all know in a decision that would see Nintendo and Universal Studios face off over the rights to King Kong, what causes the Donkey Kong kill screen, and how Donkey Kong on the Game Boy nearly had a level editor years before Mario Maker would make its debut.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:10) BlazingPhoenix(10:30) Donkey Kong (NES)(38:05) NintenDis or Dat(41:58) Donkey Kong (Game Boy)(1:04:47) NintenDO or NintenDON’TWatch more of BlazeingPhoenix at https://www.twitch.tv/blazeingphoenix and https://www.youtube.com/@Blazeingphoenix.And if all this has you motivated to try some blindfolded speedrunning of your own, check out https://blindfoldedgaming.com/Donkey Kong (NES) manual: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/en/pdf/CLV-P-NAAEE.pdfDonkey Kong (Game Boy) manual: https://www.retrogames.cz/manualy/GameBoy/Donkey_Kong_-_GameBoy_-_Manual.pdfThe History of Blindfolded Punch-Out | Summoning Salt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZT6JEOC3D8  Mike Tyson's Punch-Out - 2 player 1 controller blindfolded speedrun w/ sinister1 @ AGDQ 2020 [23:39] | zallard1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4HnZ4-_HzI  Blindfolded Mike Tyson's Punch-Out in 15:57.76 (World Record) | Summoning Alt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eelj0jv-4u0  Super Mario 64 Relay by 70 Runners in 1:55:53 - Awesome Games Done Quick 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-VFPEh59k4 (Mike got the number of stars wrong)  Games Done Blindfolded Day 1 - GDQ Hotfix Speedruns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9erTZ7jpvMk&t=6760s  My GDQ's Games Done Blindfolded Run | NWC NES Edition by Blazeingphoenix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmzwaoJ--YoAwesome Games Done Quick 2015 - Part 169 - Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Blindfolded) by Runnerguy2489: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhHMW_atNG4&t=807  Kingdom Hearts 1 Blindfolded Speedrun! World First Completion by Bubzia! | Bubzia - Blindfolded Speedruns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOTWE9aEmtc  Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World by David Sheff: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Over-Nintendo-Conquered-World/dp/0679736220/Mario Origins: How A Popeye Game Became Donkey Kong by "Critical Kate" Willaert | ACriticalHit: https://www.acriticalhit.com/hidden-influences-mario-how-popeye-game-became-donkey-kong/From UVA Law Student to Beloved Nintendo Character: The Story of John Kirby, Jr. by Ryan Moore | Virginia Law Weekly: https://www.lawweekly.org/col/2023/11/12/from-uva-law-student-to-beloved-nintendo-character-the-story-of-john-kirby-jrWorld's First | Blindfolded Donkey Kong (NES) | any% [2:23] | Blazeingphoenix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPqjc362XMs  Donkey Kong 1994 Wonder Life Special - APE Inc. Official Nintendo Guide: https://archive.org/details/donkey-kong-1994-ape-official-nintendo-guide/Donkey%20Kong%201994%20APE%20Official%20Nintendo%20Guide
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  S4E09: Contra Hard Corps -or- One-Hit Thrills 20.05.2026 1h 2m

  Markivus Nious from 40 Something Gamers is ready to run and gun through Contra: Hard Corps (Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, 1994) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, Markivus shares his perspective as a musician on video game music, we discuss how the American version of Contra: Hard Corps was much more difficult than the Japanese version of the game in order to stymie the American rental market, how the Contra franchise turned into Probotector in some parts of Europe, and the way a Castlevania cameo in Contra: Hard Corps stands in between the player and primate romance. We also get a bit more serious with a look at Contra’s roots in the Iran-Contra Affair and how games like Contra relate - or don’t relate - to violence in the real world.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:10) Welcoming Markivus from 40 Something Gamers(5:30) Contra: Hard Corps(56:12) NintenDO or NintenDON’TCheck out Markivus Nious on 40 Something Gamers and his other projects at https://www.spreaker.com/user/nious-media--8222146 and on Youtube @markivus: https://youtube.com/@markivusContra Hard Corps manual: https://manuals.sega.com/genesismini/pdf/CONTRA_HARD_CORPS.pdfStrangest Thing Cinematic Instrumental by Markivus Nious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU0s4ItMip8Contra: Hard Corps by NickBGoHard in 18:04 - AGDQ2020 | Games Done Quick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5zpRvCwkZ8[ESA Winter 2023] Contra Hard Corps Speedrun in 18:19 (JP Browny - Lab/Surrender route) | Greenalink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJfbfaIhQ-oContra: Hard Corps – 1994 Developer Commentary | BEEP! Mega Drive, October 1994 via shmuplations: https://shmuplations.com/contrahc/
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  BONUS | Screentime: Mortal Kombat 2 13.05.2026 1h 15m

  SPOILER WARNING: Today we’re joined once again by Kyle Ford (ByeDoom, Steam Team) and Instragram’s Bryan.S.Lee to present an in-depth review of Mortal Kombat 2, in theatres everywhere May 2026. We break down the theatrical poster, present some behind-the-scenes trivia from The Crypt (aka IMDB.com) and even play a game of “Choose Your Fighter” before breaking down the JoyPros and JoyCons of every fight and fatality!Thanks for listening, and big thanks to HubRobert for the incredible violin cover! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:00) Introducing Bryan(1:23) Introducing Kyle(3:25) Poster Breakdown(6:42) IMDB Behind-the-Scenes Trivia(10:48) Mini-Game Minute: Choose Your Fighter(30:13) JoyPros/JoyCons: Prologue(40:21) JoyPros/JoyCons: Round 1(54:00) Joy Pros/JoyCons: Round 2(59:05) JoyPros/JoyCons: Final Round(1:10:11) NintenDo or NintenDon’t(1:14:21) OutroTo check out the ByeDoom RSS Scrubber and Steam Team, visit www.HouseofKyle.comAnd to bask in the glory of Bryan’s cosplay & activism, visit https://www.instagram.com/bryan.s.lee/Hun Robert’s hype grooves can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@HunRobert
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  S4E08: Quest for Camelot -or- A Farcical Animated Ceremony 06.05.2026 1h 14m

  Steve Guntli from CinemArcade, Ultra 64, and Wii Universe takes a seat at the round table to discuss Zelda clone Quest for Camelot for the Game Boy Color (1998) - and the film of the same name - with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog.In this episode, we discuss how the Quest for Camelot movie was shaped (and dwarfed) by the Disney Renaissance, the struggles of Warner Brothers Feature Animation (and the underappreciated film that is Cats Don’t Dance), how not to rip off The Legend of Zelda games, the illustrious resume of Titus Interactive, and Jaymo and Steve pitch their ideas on how to make a good Quest for Camelot game.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:20) Welcoming Steve Guntli(7:37) Quest for Camelot(10:55) Quest for Camelot, the movie(36:45) Quest for Camelot, the game(1:02:05) NintenDO or NintenDON’TCheck out Steve’s current movie and video game podcast CinemArcade at https://linktr.ee/cinemarcade  Or join Steve in the Full Moon cinematic catalog with Puppet Masters / Castle Freaks: https://linktr.ee/puppetmasterscastlefreaksFor Steve’s podcast that inspired Jaymo, check out the evergreen Ultra 64: Wii Universe: https://www.ultra64podcast.com/Quest for Camelot Manual: https://www.videogamemanual.com/gbc/Quest%20for%20Camelot%20(USA).pdfA Misguided ‘Quest’? By Jeffery Wells | The Record: https://web.archive.org/web/20250103182334/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record-article-about-quest-for-came/60193384/Wayne's World by Ritzblues in 23:20 - Summer Games Done Quick 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96-Wye_2MA
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  BONUS | Lite Switch: Apr 29, 2026 | Star Wars Episode I: Racer 29.04.2026 1h 20m

  Josh from Smashing Game Time and Star Wars cosplayer Bryan Lee hit the track with Jaymo in this special Lite Switch episode devoted to Star Wars Episode One: Racer, released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999. We begin our discussion by comparing the trilogy of Star Wars trilogies in our Mini-Game Minute: Marry, Force, Kill! From there, we blast our way through the unconventional box art, debate the problematic characterizations of Star Wars aliens, and even reveal the collectible card games that threaten total destruction of our wallets! Happy Early Star Wars Day, and May the Force Be With You, Always…Thanks for listening! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:30) Welcoming Bryan(2:12) Welcoming Josh(2:47) May the 4th Be With You(4:20) Mini-Game Minute: Marry, Force, Kill(14:36) Box Art Breakdown(19:34) Knowledge is Nintendo Power(32:07) JoyPros of Episode One: Racer(55:05) JoyCons of Episode One: Racer(1:15:11) NintenDo or NintenDon’t(1:18:20) OutroCheck out Josh at https://www.smashinggametime.com/Follow Bryan’s adventures in cosplay at https://www.instagram.com/bryan.s.lee/Star Wars Episode I: Racer [30s] TV Commercial 2 for Nintendo 64 - N64 - 1999: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoPLjWogaF8
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  S4E07: Alien Storm -or- Bustin Makes Me Feel Good 22.04.2026 56m

  Jaymo’s brothers are back from outer space to see who will survive Alien Storm (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, 1991), joining Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog!In this episode, Jaymo pulls back the curtain on Sega’s AM1 Division and Team Shinobi as the Amusement Machine behind Alien Storm, we compare this to its stylistic forebearer Golden Axe and speculate about how the continues could’ve been handled better, and we all try to figure out what it is about the Nintendo Switch Online games that leads to such inconsistent frame rate performance when playing online multiplayer. Then Jaymo hosts a Mini-Game Minute: AI for Detail.Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:05) Welcoming Justin and Jonathan(3:10) Alien Storm(27:25) Mini-Game Minute: AI for Detail(34:58) Alien Storm (cont’d)(47:30) NintenDO or NintenDON’TAlien Storm manual: https://dn710301.ca.archive.org/0/items/Alien_Storm_1991_Sega_US/Alien_Storm_Manual.pdf
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  LiteSwitch: Jason Paige reveals his new game 15.04.2026 35m

  You gotta catch this exclusive first-look at Jason Paige: The Game in an interview with The Voice of a Generation himself! As the original singer of the Pokémon theme song, Jason is beloved by fans around the globe, and his upcoming limited-run game (published by Ultra Dolphin Revolution) is a loving tribute to not only his career but the legacy of 8-bit handheld gaming and the emotional rollercoaster of collecting trading cards.If you’re looking for the inside scoop on one of the hottest upcoming collectibles, there’s no need to search far and wide! In this episode full of friendship and fun, Jason shares some of his favorite memories of "being the very best, like no one ever was" and reveals some cheeky secrets that fans will want to look out for after ordering the game at www.mysterypak.com. Plus, he spills the tea on the rare in-game achievement that will unlock a one-of-a-kind real-life collectible: a signed Jason Paige trading card available only in the limited-edition blind box!Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(0:58) Welcoming Jason Paige(2:53) Finding Inspiratio in Retro Collectibles(4:52) JP Trading Cards: The Rarest of the Rare!(8:00) Meeting Ultra Dolphin Revolution(9:30) Pokemon Go & Video Games Live(15:45) JP Fandom is the Greatest Fandom(17:58) JP: The Game!- Sneak Peek(21:50) Unlocking the Rarest Gaming Achievement/Collectible(27:03) Secrets, Easter Eggs, and Stories from Behind the Music(33:20) Outro & Upcoming PerformancesCheck out Jason Paige in his new video game at https://mysterypak.com/Find everything else that Jason Paige is up to at his web site https://jasonpaige.com/ or on YouTube at  @JasonPaige  Pokémon Go Theme "Catch The World With A Throw: A Tribute To Pokémon Go" by Jason Paige: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJEp0qMNivM It'll Always Be Me & You - Detective Pikachu Theme by Jason Paige: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxEN5J4aI2IVideo Games Live 2018 4K: Jason Paige sings “Pokémon!” (Full Song) 2023 revisit | Game Buffet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lLMbttl7YkLOVE IS THE FREQUENCY (Official Video) – Jason Paige & AIN0 | Directed by BSlade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR-wQ3lPFz0
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  Screentime: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) Spoiler Discussion 08.04.2026 1h 7m

  SPOILER WARNING: Bryan and Lisa join Mike & Jaymo to discuss the blockbuster animated sequel, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” starring Chris Pratt, Brie Larson, and Donald Glover. Released April 1st, 2026 (no seriously), this colorful Illumination family-film has split the room, but whose hot-take will wind up on top? We break down the poster, the plot, and even play a quick round of trivia for our Mini-Game Minute. Let’s-a-go!Thanks for listening! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro (1:00) Welcoming Bryan and Lisa (2:45) The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (6:38) Mini-Game Minute: Smartio Galaxy the Movie (14:24) The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (cont’d) (1:00:10) NintenDO or NintenDON’TBe sure to follow Bryan on Instagram for all his latest adventures in cosplay & activism @bryan.s.lee:https://www.instagram.com/bryan.s.lee/And don’t forget to check out Bryan and Lisa’s back-catalog of Geek Pop episodes!https://geekpoppodcast.wordpress.com/
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  S4E06: Earthbound -or- Stranger Things? I hardly know her 25.03.2026 1h 14m

  Taylor Bartle from the Wild Mouse podcast is joining the party and taking a ride through the world of the legendary RPG EarthBound (SNES, 1994 and Mother2 in Japan) with Mike and Jaymo as part of The Old SwitchAroo’s epic quest to research and review every retro game in Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics catalog!In this episode, we talk about some of the best examples of gamifying theme park rides, how EarthBound’s Onett borrows Los Angeles Superior Court’s Spring Street Courthouse as a police station, and the confusion of first being introduced to Ness in Super Smash Bros for the Nintendo 64. We’ll also go over the massive 135 page player’s guide that was produced instead of a manual, how pricey this game was to get hold of for years, and Mike and Taylor will go head-to-head trying to get to the truth of EarthBound in Mother Myth-Busters. Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!Game on, everyone.(0:00) Intro(1:20) Welcoming Taylor from the Wild Mouse podcast(6:42) EarthBound(13:54) Mini-Game Minute: Mother Myth-Busters(27:10) Earthbound (cont’d)(1:05:40) NintenDO or NintenDON’TAll of Taylor’s theme park takes (and 3 Old SwitchAroo guest spots and counting) can be found on the Wild Mouse podcast: https://wildmousepodcast.com/Or check out Taylor of Terror’s spooky speakings with SkeleTony on the Grave Plot podcast: https://graveplotpodcast.com/EarthBound Player’s Guide: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/common/pdf/CLV-P-SAAJE.pdfSouth Park Creators Cite Earthbound as a Major Inspiration for Their Own Game by Thomas Whitehead | Nintendo Life: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/07/south_park_creators_cite_earthbound_as_a_major_inspiration_for_their_own_gameOrigin Of The Mother Series' Title | MotherYouHadMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAxDwc5S4bkOctopi! Spinal Tap! How Cult RPG EarthBound Came to America by John Meyer | Wired: https://www.wired.com/2013/07/marcus-lindblom-earthbound/Every musical reference in MOTHER2/EarthBound | Mary Stawberry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8aRgYyITao