No crossover for Mario Kart and you're holding your Switch 2 wrong!

·1 hr 10 min·5 clips

Why did Nintendo laugh off adding Zelda or Splatoon characters to Mario Kart World?

This episode of VGC: The Video Game Podcast features hosts Jordan Middler, Chris Scullion, and Andy Robinson discussing recent gaming news and personal updates. Chris shares details about his upcoming family trip to Japan, including a grueling travel schedule and strategies for managing jet lag with a young child. The hosts recount a previous travel anecdote involving Andy's "dodgy" clear bag of red gummy supplements and a ten-hour sleep on a flight. They delve into a major story about peripheral manufacturer Dbrand and its Switch 2 case, the "Killswitch." The hosts explain that users reported the case caused Joy-Cons to detach, and Dbrand initially dismissed complaints by stating "nobody held their Switch 2" in a way that would cause this. Andy provides a hands-on review, praising the included screen protectors and grip comfort but criticizing a flimsy dock adapter that makes charging difficult. The conversation notes Dbrand's eventual, somewhat snarky apology and the broader perception of the company's confrontational brand identity. A significant portion focuses on *Mario Kart World*, sparked by a producer's statement that crossover characters from other Nintendo franchises were not "necessary." The hosts express disappointment, with Jordan arguing the series seemed poised to become "Super Smash Cart." They critique the game's character roster, highlighting obscure choices like a crab from *Mario Bros. Arcade* and an "ostrich thing" from *New Super Mario Bros.*. Andy and Jordan both criticize the game's user interface, specifically the cluttered character selection screen and the illogical distribution of character costumes. The hosts discuss a recent update that altered online matchmaking, removing the ability for players to guarantee traditional three-lap races. They describe the overall game as feeling "weirdly half-baked" and "un-Nintendo" in its inconsistent design. The episode also covers reports of impending major job cuts within Microsoft's Xbox division, with Andy noting the anxiety at UK studios and speculating the cuts relate to a strategic pivot. They briefly touch on the upcoming *Dragon Drive* game, expressing cautious optimism about its gameplay but concern over its $16.99 price point suggesting limited content. The tone is highly conversational, casual, and filled with insider banter, tangents, and humorous asides. The style is that of friends casually debating and dissecting industry news, often editorializing and sharing strong personal opinions. Listeners who enjoy informal, opinion-driven gaming news discussions with a British sensibility and deep industry familiarity will appreciate this episode. Those preferring tightly structured, formal news reporting or who are sensitive to frequent off-topic tangents might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A skeptical, funny take on a Mario Kart discussion that keeps circling the game's rough edges.

Nintendo's latest Mario Kart comes off here less like a victory lap and more like a game full of interesting parts that do not always sit together cleanly.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

If you want a blunt, funny take on Nintendo's weirdest Switch 2 launch details, start here.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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