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Level 30 Games Podcast

For adult gamers who enjoy playing video games but realistically have a life full or responsibilities. We talk new, old, mostly Nintendo stuff, while waxing poetic about the games of our youth. We also do reviews and let's plays on youtube.com/level30games

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Physical Games Are Toast! You'll Own Nothing and Like It!

In this super-sized episode, Tom, Dan, and Joe discuss, lament, and mourn the death of physical media, dabble in some GTA hype. Drew joins us for our 5th favorite Zelda game of all time and trivia.

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E3 Returns! (kind of), Switch 2 Year One Report Card, more!

June was place to be with a Playstation State of Play, XBOX Showcase, and Nintendo Direct and we dissect our favorites from all the shows. Switch 2 gets our year-one report card after 365 days on the market. We discuss the 6th greatest Zelda game of all time, and Joe kills trivia.

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Our Favorite Game Soundtracks, 7th Best Zelda, Name that Tune

In a very musical episode Tom, Dan, and Drew, (Joe tried) discuss a video game soundtrack that resonated with them when they were younger. We also reveal our 7th best Zelda game of all time, and play a musically themed trivia game. (Joe really tried. There were technical difficulties so if things sound a little wonky it's because sadly he had to be edited out while the rest of the show went on…

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Nintendo Rumor Mill, News, Zelda Rankings #8, Trivia

If not fairly credible, at the very least reported on leaks within Nintendo that forecast some returning franchises, some new remakes of old classics, and other surprises. We discuss our 8th best Zelda game of all time, and Drew attempts to defeat us at trivia.

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Xbox Helix, Pokemon Winds and Waves, and the 9th Best Zelda Game of All Time

Level 30 Games Podcast Episode 403 (March 2026) The gang is finally back in full force and talks Microsoft's Project Helix, the announcement of Pokemon Winds and Waves, and lastly, the panels collective choice for the 9th best Zelda game of all time.

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The 10th Best Zelda Game of All Time / Nintendo Parter Direct Reactions

In a happy 40th to Zelda (and Mario) the Level 30 Games team start their year long discussion after rank their top 10 Zelda games of all time. In this episode we reveal and chat about what Zelda game is ranked 10th, as well as discus the highs and lows of the February Nintendo Partner Direct

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Where Is All The Galaxy In the Mario Galaxy Movie? - Level 30 Games Podcast January 2026

For a Mario Galaxy movie there sure isn't a ton of Galaxy to be found huh? We talk reactions and thoughts on the second Mario Galaxy movie trailer while pointing out easter eggs, potential story elements, and more.

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Level 30 Games Podcast: Breaking Down IGN's Top 100 Nintendo Games of All Time List

One last episode of the year discussing the IGN Top 100 Nintendo Games of all Time list. What's too high, what's too low, what should be taken out and put in its place? We also debate the #1 and #2 spot pretty heavily.

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Steam Machine Knocks Out Microsoft, and the Game Awards Kinda Suck: Level 30 Games Podcast 311 (November 2025)

We discuss Valve's recent hardware announcement and what it means for the notion of "home consoles" while we talk the Game Award Nominations while lamenting what the Game Awards have become.

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Xbox Blunders, Wii Revivals, and more: Level 30 Games Podcast 310 (October 2025)

We chat how Microsoft is dropping the ball with the Xbox brand, go shopping for games through the years, and talk about which Wii games we'd like to see refreshed for the Switch/2

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Mario's 40th Birthday/Nintendo Direct Impressions: Level 30 Games Podcast - September 2025 (Ep. 309)

Nintendo dropped a big Direct in September and we break it down, talk our favorite Mario games, and partake in some pretty challenging Mario themed trivia

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Level 30 Games Podcast: August 2025 (308) - Nintendo Directs Impressions

Partners, Pokemon, and Kirby oh my! Lot's of Nintendo Directs this month and we touch on all of them...kinda. Plus, Drew gets fired up about loading screens, and Dan gives the panel some gifts.

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Episode 307 (July 2025) - Donkey Kong Bonanza, Microsoft Implodes, and Japan Highlights

Back this time with a non Nintendo focused show as we open with whatever the heck Microsoft is doing after cancelling several games and laying off thousands. We do chat Donkey Kong Bonanza impressions, and Drew and Tom talk about their recent trip to Japan showcase all the gaming goodness they found over there.

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Episode 306 (June 2025) - Switch 2 and Mario Kart World Impressions

We've all (almost) had about three weeks of time since the Switch 2 launched to sink our teeth into the hardware. We share thoughts an impressions as well as improvements we'd like to see. PLUS, was Mario Kart World all it lived up to be?

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Level 30 Games Podcast: Episode 305 (May 2025)

We share what we think are our best console launch line-ups of all time, the Xbox 360 turns 20, Switch 2 Game Key-Cards are kind of lame, and Joe brings on the Arcade themed trivia.

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Level 30 Games Podcast: Episode 304 (April 2025)

Switch 2 is revealed, thoughts are shared, and hearts are broken...when it comes to pre-ordering (well, most of us) The gang gives their thoughts on Mario Kart World, the highs and lows of the Switch 2 Direct, and Drew gives us some Mario Kart trivia.

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Level 30 Games Podcast: Episode 303 (March 2025)

Listen to our absolute best episode yet as we take a trip down memory lane revisiting the launch of the Nintendo Switch, while also discussing the game that defined the Switch generation. Lastly, our panel looks to beat Tom in a trivia game of Nintendo goodness.

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Level 30 Games Podcast: Episode 302 (February 2025)

Tom, Joe, and Drew are joined by their first "wildcard" guest Dan who helps chime in on some small Switch 2 Rumors, the career and playstation of it all in Shuhei Yoshida, and we collectively play list swap based on the Nintendo Life article "8 Games That Defined The Switch Generation"

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Level 30 Games Podcast: Episode 301 (Jan 2025)

Weeeeeeee're Baaaaaack! Tom, Joe, and Drew, are back with a slightly new look, new format, and hopefully, new and consistent release schedule. In the first episode back discus the Switch 2 teaser trailer, and recap gaming highs and lows of 2024.

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Level 30 Games Podcast: Season 3 Episode 01: Portable Gaming, Microsofts Foibles, and Console Exclusives

In an earnest conversation between Tom and Joe they discuss the changing landscape in portable gaming the Switch 2 could be facing, what the heck Microsoft is doing, and how important console exclusives are.

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 08 - PART 2: End of Year Awards

The second half to the last episode of the season! We go through our own custom ceremony and award games we played this year, and trivia back throughout time to see what games have taken top honors over the last 25 years.

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 08 - PART 1: 2023 Year In Review

Part 1 of our two part season finale! In the first half Tom, Joe, and Drew go through the calendar of releases and discuss what we liked, didn't liked, made fun of, etc. Make sure to catch up on Part 2 soon!

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 07: The Zelda Movie Is Real, Mario Wonder Impressions, SNES Audio Challenge

In this very special episode Joe and Tom are joined by Level 30 Friend and companion Drew to discuss the announcement of the Zelda movie, some thoughts on Super Mario Wonder, and also play a little SNES Audio Challenge.

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 06: Mario Tier-List, Charles Martinet is "Let's-a-gone" and Mushroom Kingdom Trivia

Ada is back and she joins Tom and Joe while they discuss the recent departure of voice actor Charles Martinet. Collectively we tackle making our mainline Mario game tier list, and Joe and Ada are put through the wringer with some Mushroom Kingdom Trivia.

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 05: Switch 2 Rumors, Videogame TV Shows, TotK Updates, 8-Bit "Name That Tune"

July's episode is coming in a little late I know, but we have a mega episode to share with you. Joe and Tom discuss the recent headlines of Nintendo's successor to the Switch coming as early next next year, video games that are being turned into TV shows, and of course, our monthly Tear of the Kingdom play through stories. If it's games and trivia your into, we test Joe with an NES only 8-bit name…

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 04: Nintendo Direct Reactions

After Nintendo deluged many of it's 2023 announcements for the end of year, Tom and Joe dissect the direct, give updates on their Tears of the Kingdom Progress, and play a little game of Splat-Quest! Previous Episodes: 203 Tears of the Kingdom Impressions: https://youtu.be/gOw7-t8MkGw 202: One Hit Wonders: https://youtu.be/syW14Cj2kYw 201: Nintendo Direct Reactions: https://youtu.be/F-UrDqA2xto

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 03: Tears of the Kingdom Impressions

After just scratching the surface of Tears of the Kingdom, Joe and Tom discus their history with the Legend of Zelda franchise! Everything from impressions of the latest game, to a long history of botched Zelda launch-day stories, this episode is entirely dedicate to one of our most favorite franchises of all time.

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 02: One Hit Wonders

In a duo show, Tom and Joe revisit some of their favorite games considered one hit wonders. Games that made a big impact (for better or worse) but never had a sequel made for them. We also chat a little about what we are playing, and play a little game of F*ck, Marry, Kill: Lesser of Three Evils edition.

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Level 30 Games Podcast Season 2 Ep. 01: February Nintendo Direct Reactions!

A relaunch! We're back! Hopefully for good! In this brand new episode we discuss the February 8th Nintendo Direct, but really focus in on Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime Remaster, and our most anticipated new release...Fashion Designer! Make sure you check out our youtube channel for the video podcast and more!

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Level 30 Games Podcast Ep. 15: 2021 Game Awards Show Thoughts, Year End Highlights, NES/SNES Trivia

After a long hiatus Tom, Joe, and Kevin are back, discussing their feelings on the 2021 Game Awards Show, their highlights of the year, and a little NES/SNES trivia in respects to the passing of Nintendo's Masayuki Eumora.

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Level 30 Games Podcast Ep. 14: It's OK to Quit Games, Mario is Dead, And Sony Pulls the Plug

We think it's OK to quit playing a game before you finish and why there shouldn't be a stigma around those that do. News of the week detail Mario 3D Collection's end of life, Switch Pro rumors are heating up, Sony pulling the plug on some of their digital storefronts, as well as what games we think would make fun AR experiences after the odd Pikmin AR announcement. Lastly, our question of the…

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Level 30 Games Podcast Ep. 13: Are the Console Wars Dead? Nintendo Dominates Japan, and More!

In this episode the ENTIRE gang sits down for the very first time to discuss the Nintendo Switch Pro that Nintendo denied formally, the cancelled Goldeneye game that never was, and we talk about (with Nintendo's domination of the Japanese market) are the console wars dead. We throw in a little Zelda at the end but we're saving that for another episode ;) UPDATE: The audio issues within the episode…

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Level 30 Games Podcast Ep. 12 Part 2: GAME OF THE DECADE

In the final episode of the year, Joe, Kevin, and Tom breakdown the best games over the last decade year by year from 2010 up to now. We plead our cases to one another, make some tough decisions, and agonize on what we think is the best gaming experience, most monumental to the industry, and of course the most fun. Enjoy the past 10 years of gaming in this super-sized episode.

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Level 30 Games Podcast Ep. 12 Part 1: The Game Awards Recap / Game of the Year

Joe, Kevin, and Tom sit and recap the 7th Annual Game Awards (2020) presentation discussing highs and lows of the show, special announcements, and of course winners and snubs. Lastly, we start our games of the year conversation. This is Part 1 of a 2 part podcast. Part 2 will be release the end of the month.

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 11: Thoughts on Mario 3D Allstars and The Next-Gen Rivalry Looms Large

We sit and discus our thoughts on Nintendo's collection of classic Mario games in the 3D All Stars release as well as some of the other 35th anniversary announcements. Next Gen console wars heat up as we discuss the advantages and disadvantages the PS5 and Xbox Series X bring to the table with launch day getting closer and closer.

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 10: Mario's 35th Anniversary, Joycon Drift, and a Heated debate on Game Length

We've officially hit double digits! Episode 10! We were gone for so long but now we're back! And this is an episode we are so very proud of so please do give a listen and enjoy. In episode 10 we discuss Mario's 35th anniversary, a lackadaisical apology from Nintendo on Joycon drift, and we debate the notion of video games being too long.

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 09: Nintendo Direct Mini, Animal Crossing, Next Gen Console Discussion, and F/M/K Mainline Mario Game

We may be quarantined but that does't mean we can't bring you some Level 30 gaming goodness from afar! Joe, Ada, and Tom are excited to bring you another episode where we discuss the latest Nintendo Direct news and insight, some Animal Crossing stuff, next-gen insight for Microsoft and Sony, as well as play a little F***/Marry/Kill with what are our least favorite and most desired Mario games.…

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 08: Animal Crossing Direct, Metroid Prime 4, Pikmin 4, Mario Kart 9 and some more wishful thinking!

We give some thoughts on the Animal Crossing direct, get into the rumors from last episode we got wrong (which was all of them) and discuss the next wave of internet chatter involving Metroid Prime 4, Pikmin 4, and Mario Kart 9. Without asking for listener questions we discuss first and third party games we'd like to see on the system, and Kevin acts as an ambassador to Blockbuster Video. Check us…

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 07: Switch Hardware AND Software Rumors, 2020 Outlook, Multiple Directs, and More!

This episode starts off the rails a little bit but man do we dig into some good things. Mostly what 2020 looks like for the switch, including the Switch Pro rumors as they are back again and what the release schedule looks like. Not to mention we've had TWO directs since the start of the year both for Pokemon and Smash Bros. Yeah, there is a lot to unpack. For those inclined, check out the youtube…

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 06: 2019 In Review, Game Awards Discussion, Favorite Games of the Year

Tom, Joe, and Kevin (he's alive!) sit down to discuss the Game Awards, as well as the Nintendo's year in review as it was a doozy. There is also a lot of chaos as we go off the rails a few times so enjoy the zaniness that is, and we'll join you again next year! Check us out on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPikJyduNuK5mvmix_mU8rQ Episode 05: https://youtu.be/apFI-UFPCVE Episode 04:…

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 05: Pokemon Sword and Shield Thoughts, The Game Awards, and More

Joe and Tom (Kevin couldn't make it) discuss their thoughts on whether or not Pokemon Sword and Shield works for busy adults, as well as their thoughts on the opening hours of the game. Finally, we get into the Game Award Nominees, what we are playing, and of course answer some listener questions.

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 04: Mario Kart Mobile, Pokemon Sword and Shield, and Zelda BotW 2

With three big heavy hitters like that in the title you know we ran long today. The gang discusses Nintendo's latest mobile offering, recap some of the recent Pokemon news while injecting some thoughts on the long running series' debut on switch, while trying to pin point exactly when Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is releasing.

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 03: Gamestops, Ring Fit, Super Nintendo, and the Ever Growing Backlog

In this episode we tackle what the closing of more GameStop stores means for the average game buyer/player while we reflect back on the special moments we had shopping as kids then working at different stores as teens. Ring Fit Adventure makes it's creepy debut, we run through some of the SNES games and Direct news from a few weeks ago, an finally, we answer a great listener question on what to do…

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 02: SNES on Switch, The Super Scope Returns, Rumors and Listener Questions!

Tom, Joe, and Kevin are back this episode to discuss the likelihood of SNES games on switch while talking about the games we'd like to see (Super Scope? Really?) We also get into some Nintendo news, what's happening in the rumor mill, and answer some listener questions about games that touched our hearts young and old. Enjoy!

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Level 30 Podcast Ep. 01: Welcome to the Show

Welcome to the Level 30 Podcast! In our first episode Tom, Joe, and Kevin sit down to discuss the Switch Lite, some Nintendo News, What we are playing with some insight to our future Fire Emblem review, as well as answer some listener inquiries.

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