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In this week’s episode of Backwards Compatible, Lou and I start by chatting about the looming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and what it could mean for gaming in 2025. Then, we dive headfirst into some fun and speculative “What If” questions about Nintendo’s history and potential future.

We explore topics like:

• What if Nintendo had partnered with Sony instead of splitting off, making the PlayStation a Nintendo console?
• What if Nintendo created a mature-rated game for one of their beloved franchises—how would it work, and which franchise would you pick?
• What if Nintendo fully embraced VR—what games or franchises would benefit the most?

It’s a laid-back, thought-provoking discussion filled with creative ideas and plenty of laughs. Join us for this deep dive into Nintendo’s endless “What Ifs,” and let us know how you’d answer these questions!

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This week on Backwards Compatible, we’re switching things up and stepping outside the pure gaming realm to dive deep into late 90s pop culture with a truly fascinating guest—award-winning author and cultural commentator Ross Benes.

Link to Ross’s latest book can be found here: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700638574/

Ross is an expert at uncovering the hidden threads that connect our cultural obsessions to the bigger picture. You might recognize his name from his books The Sex Effect and Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold, or his thought-provoking articles in Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly. He’s also been a go-to expert on platforms like Marketplace, Bloomberg TV, and the LA Times for his sharp takes on entertainment and society.

This week, Ross joins us to talk about his latest book, which explores the pop culture of 1999—a year that didn’t just close out the millennium but also shaped the trajectory of entertainment and culture for decades to come. From the kayfabe brilliance of WWE to the Beanie Baby craze that foreshadowed modern obsessions like NFTs, Ross sheds light on why 1999 was more than just a year—it was a cultural pivot point.

We dig into how violent video games like Doom stirred public debate, how fads captured our collective imagination, and how the pop culture of 1999 mirrors the complex cultural and political landscapes we navigate today. Ross argues that these moments are as telling about the human condition as Shakespeare or Beethoven—just with a few more body slams and Tamagotchis.

So, grab your favorite retro snack and join us for a lively and thought-provoking discussion about the nostalgia, symbolism, and relevance of the final year of the 20th century. Welcome to the show, Ross Benes!

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In episode 35 of Backwards Compatible, Lou and I take a step back for a laid-back recap of our gaming highs and lows from 2024, covering both retro and modern titles. It’s a more relaxed conversation where we reflect on the year that was—everything from the thrill of discovering hidden gems to the heartbreak of major disappointments.

We dive into some of the retro purchases that made our collections shine brighter and a few that left us scratching our heads. On the modern side, we share our thoughts on games that exceeded expectations and others that fell flat. It’s a mix of nostalgia, candid reviews, and even a little buyer’s remorse.

Join us as we wrap up 2024 in style and look ahead to another year of gaming adventures. Whether you're here for the retro love, the modern hits, or just the banter, this episode has something for everyone!

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We've got merch!

Check out the site for some awesome Gen 'S' swag :)