Writer and podcaster Drew Mackie is here to chat about the unknown origins of Mario! We explore everything you THINK you know about Mario, why lore is inconsistent between Japan and the west, and if they should bring back Mr. Video. Plus, I tell you if Star Fox is a perfect remake or not!

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Mario 101: For Super Players: https://www.thrillingtalesofoldvideogames.com/blog/mario-101-history

Gayest Episode Ever Podcast: https://www.gayestepisodeever.com/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/drewgmackie.bsky.social

Need more podcasts? Check out Nintendo Dads: https://www.nintendodads.org/

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(0:52) - The Unknown Origins of Mario w/ Drew Mackie

Games

(28:03) - Star Fox

News

(42:26) - Animal Crossing x Baskin Robbins

Social media:

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tokyogamelife

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Hard Off ambassador Alex Kraus returns as we chat about Hard Off Shinjuku, a new major retro games hotspot in Tokyo! We delve into why Hard Off opened up a shop in one of Tokyo’s biggest shopping districts, if it lives up to expectations, and ponder about the future of the company. In the games, I take a look at the Zelda-inspired Mina the Hollower! Plus, all the stuff you should care about from the Nintendo Direct!

Follow our guest!

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/alexfkraus.bsky.social

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/retrodreamgames/

Need more podcasts? Check out Nintendo Dads: https://www.nintendodads.org/

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(0:56) - Hard Off Shinjuku w/ Alex Kraus

Games

(23:31) - Mina the Hollower

News

(34:48) - Nintendo Direct June 2026 analysis

Social media:

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tokyogamelife

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Podcaster JT from Nintendo Maniacs and The House of Mario returns as we look at the Switch 2, one year later. From launch to now, we touch on the weird and wonderful first twelve months of the Switch 2’s life. And I also take you inside a cool retro game shop in Akihabara, Rare Item Studio!

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The House of Mario: https://thehouseofmario.captivate.fm/listen

(0:00) - Intro

Games

(0:49) - Switch 2, one year later w/ JT from The House of Mario

Feature

(1:33:53) - Rare Item Studio

News

(1:42:55) - Pictonico!, Dragon Quest XII, new Tokyo collabs

Social media:

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tokyogamelife.bsky.social

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tokyogamelife

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!