Infinite Scale - A podcast about Video Games · Nerd Orgy

Infinite Scale Podcast #73 - Shooting Up the Pokémon Daycare

·1 hr 43 min·5 clips

Why did Nintendo artificially limit the Super Mario 3D All-Stars release, making it a collector's item?

This episode features the hosts of Infinite Scale reacting to and analyzing the announcements from a recent Nintendo Direct presentation. The hosts, Chris Crossley and another unnamed co-host, provide their unfiltered opinions on the reveals and Nintendo's broader strategy. They correctly predicted announcements like a *Mario Movie 2* and a *Super Mario Galaxy 2* remaster, but were surprised by the lack of a new 3D Mario game teaser. The hosts discuss the artificial scarcity of the *Super Mario 3D All-Stars* collection, noting a pre-owned copy sells for $119. They express disappointment that the *Mario Galaxy 2* remaster appears to be a simple port for the original Switch, not a native Switch 2 title. A major point of discussion is the announced spring 2026 update and Switch 2 version for *Super Mario Bros. Wonder*, which they feel is too far away. The conversation shifts to *Metroid Prime 4*, with one host stating the "magic is gone" and that the series needs a radical evolution akin to *Metroid Dread*. They critique a trend of Nintendo making all their franchises "bigger and more open," arguing this doesn't inherently make games better. In contrast, they are optimistic about *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, believing the Pokémon series has benefited from a more open structure. One host shares a detailed story about character development across the *Pokémon Scarlet/Violet* DLC, praising a specific emo character's arc. They delve into Pokémon series lore, attempting to decipher the official timeline and noting *Legends: Arceus* is considered the "big bang" of the universe. The hosts reminisce about older Pokémon games like *Ruby and Sapphire*, whose remakes they consider some of the best recent entries. Other briefly covered announcements include a new *Mario Tennis* game, a *Yoshi* title with a unique art style, *Hades II* launching simultaneously on Switch 2 and PC, and a new *Fire Emblem* game that appears to focus more on cinematic story delivery. The tone is highly conversational, casual, and filled with humorous tangents and personal anecdotes. The style is that of two knowledgeable friends offering passionate, often critical, commentary on gaming news. This episode is ideal for Nintendo fans who enjoy deep, opinionated dives into game announcements and industry trends. Listeners seeking a tightly edited, purely informational news recap might find the casual digressions and strong opinions less appealing.

As heard by us

A loose Nintendo Direct rundown that turns guesses, jokes, and game talk into a real conversation.

The episode settles into a Nintendo Direct hangout, where the hosts compare predictions, note that the bigger 3D Mario guess did not land, and read between the lines of what Nintendo may be signaling.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play if you want a messy but sharp Nintendo Direct hangout.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Infinite Scale - A podcast about Video Games