Episode 150: Fast and Furious

Restart your engines. Mario Kart 8 is back in Deluxe form, and we’ve got lots to say about it in this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast. We share our full impressions of the Switch racer, including an in-depth discussion of how the metagame has changed and whether it’s worth double-dipping for owners of the Wii U version. We also weigh in on Nintendo’s recent Zelda and Fire Emblem DLC announcements with an analysis of what they did right and wrong, as well as cast our E3 2017 predictions based on recent first- and third-party Switch announcements and rumors. Plus, we give our impressions of Puyo Puyo Tetris.

What do you think of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe to us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music, or your podcasting app of choice. You can also follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo.

As always, we’ve included links below for more information on the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp to easily locate the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:16:54 — 0.0KB)

Correction: When discussing the Fire Emblem Echoes DLC, we mention it’s the highest priced DLC to date for the series. The full DLC for both Fire Emblem Awakening and Fire Emblem Fates exceeded its price. We apologize for the error and thank listener Andri Gschwend for catching it.

News

• [0:02] The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild First DLC Pack Details Announced (IGN)
• [0:19] Fire Emblem Echoes is getting a $45 season pass in addition to the amiibo dungeons (Destructoid)
• [0:36] Let’s-a Go! Mario, Tournaments and Nintendo Switch head to E3 2017 (Nintendo.com)
• [0:40] Nintendo file trademark application for a Bowser… (Japanese Nintendo)
• [0:46] Pokemon Stars rumors fly after new merch seems to drop a hint and Removed Pokemon reveal video sends fans down the rabbit hole of speculation (Polygon)
• [0:50] Source: The Rumored Mario x Rabbids RPG Is Real, Coming To Switch (Kotaku)
• [1:01] EA goes from cautious to “bullish” on Nintendo Switch support (Are Technica)
• [1:03] Bandai Namco Aiming For Three Switch Releases By April 2018 (Nintendo World Report)
• [1:06] Koei Tecmo planning more Switch-exclusive titles (Gematsu)
• [1:08] NIS America looks west for success as Disgaea 5 Complete hits 110k pre-orders in US and Europe (MCV)
• [1:10] Financial Results Briefing for the 77th Fiscal Term Ended March 2017 – Q & A (Nintendo Investor Relations)
• [1:!6] E3 introduces new series of panels called E3 Coliseum (GamesIndustry.biz)
• [1:19] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sets record as fastest-selling game in the franchise (Polygon)
• [2:08] Rime’s Digital Price on Switch Drops to $30, Physical Offers Free Goodies (USgamer)

Games

• [0:02] The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Official Site)
• [0:19] Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadow of Valentia (Official Site)
• [1:08] Disgaea 5 Complete (Official Site)
• [1:19] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Official Site)
• [1:51] Puyo Puyo Tetris (Official Site)
• [2:08] Rime (Official Site)