The Canceled Zelda Sequel: Wind Waker 2

Sometimes we just need to zip our lips and happily accept what Nintendo thinks is best for us!


Zelda fans, we blew it. After Nintendo released the original Wind Waker game for GameCube, the backlash about the artistic direction was so great that Nintendo not only changed the aesthetics for the next Zelda title, but completely scrapped a concept they were proud of. What we would have gotten instead of Twilight Princess would have been the sequel to Wind Waker. And that sounds pretty nice right about now, doesn’t it? Watch the video for the full scoop on why Nintendo shelved the idea and went in the complete opposite direction.

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“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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What Length Should a Game Be?

Not too long… not too short… juuuuuust riiiiiight!


The length of a video game’s campaign or story mode can be a deciding factor in purchases these days. We as gamers want to feel like we are getting our full money’s worth when we invest in a new title. But some games just end up feeling way too long, and another problem arises when our time is not being respected by the developer. There has to be some kind of happy medium, where games don’t take too long to beat and they also don’t feel too short!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Should Nintendo Fans Own an Xbox/PlayStation?

For you, does the decision come down to time, money, or both?


Being a Nintendo fan can sometimes feel pretty lonely. We’re kind of a different breed, while the rest of the gaming industry seems to share their own kind of mutual understanding. Well, should we as Nintendo fans try to cross those borders and come home with our own Xbox or PlayStation console so we can experience some of those exclusives and the differences in online ecosystems? There are some definite pros and cons to look at!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Super Mario Run Impressions

It’s all about them special coins, yo.


Super Mario Run landed on the Apple iPhone and iPad App Store, and hopefully will make its way to Android before too long. It’s not quite the “endless runner” that some people have incorrectly labeled it, but instead is quite the interesting PUZZLE-platformer. This little mobile gem has given us more of a challenge and more enjoyment than we expected, so we’ll break down the whole experience for you in the video to help you decide if the $10 purchase price is worth it.

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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3 Word Game Descriptions?!

A score of 11 makes us certified Nintendo geniuses!


Are there any video games that you know SO well that you could name them when only a single word is uttered about them? Maybe you could pull it off with a pair or trio of descriptive words about the game? That’s the exact challenge that Simeon and Scott have attempted in this episode. It’s not quite as hard as it sounds, but no proper nouns are allowed. It would make the game all too easy. So, how did they do? You can also play along as you watch – keep track of your score, and post it in the comments section below.

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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NES Classic – Super C (Contra Gameplay)

When your BFF gets the machine gun, the bullet spreader, AND then dies right away.


In an effort to live up to his brothers’ reputation, Scott takes the NES controller, plugs its short cord into the NES Classic Edition console, and tried to make some headway in the Contra sequel, Super C. Of course, as always, Simeon joined him for the effort and ironically performed far better than his cohost counterpart. The few attempts are amusing, and hopefully you enjoy the retro nostalgia goodness!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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What?!? Most Surprising Nintendo Plot Twists

This might be the first episode for which Scott just didn’t even try to prepare content.


Simeon has really knocked it out of the park and collected a list of the best surprising story turns in Nintendo history. These are the moments that made you stop and say ‘wow’ as you watched it unfold in front of you on the screen. Nintendo doesn’t often focus on story, but when they do, they write some exciting moments.

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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How a TBC Show is Made (Ep. #400!)

TMI, or good to know?


Wow, we made it to another landmark episode! We’ve been uploading daily videos related to Nintendo fandom for 400 solid episodes. On this momentous day, Scott and Simeon are going to take you behind the curtain and provide a peak at what it looks like to put together a single episode of the show. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a YouTuber, this should give you an idea. From the content preparation, equipment set-up, filming, editing, and everything in between, take a look at what goes into each episode.

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“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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The Latest Switch Rumors (Dock Power!)

You just never know what to believe these days, but we might as well get excited about every little rumor while we can!


As the release of the Switch draws ever nearer, leaks and rumors are picking up more speed (and credibility). We’ve been learning a lot about Nintendo’s new console, what kind of ports the system has, as well as how the dock itself helps enhance gameplay while using the system at home. Certain developers are also starting to pipe up and say what games they may or may not have running on Switch development kits. Everything is just rumors at this point as we lead up to the January 12th full unveil of the Nintendo Switch, but these are some tasty pieces of gossip to tide us over!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Game Theme Hum-Down #3

This is probably our last time trying this game. We did way better our past two attempts!


We thought we were better at this game. It’s where you hum the tune to a Nintendo or 3rd-party game and try to get your buddy to guess the game. Well, we didn’t do so hot this time around but it might be even more entertaining to our viewers this way!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Is Ridley Too Big For Smash?

He might have been too big for Brawl but HE’S NOT TOO BIG ANYMORE!


Since before Brawl was out, there has been a fierce war raging between the proponents and the critics of Ridley’s addition to the Super Smash Bros. series. Sakurai has tipped his hat to the Metroid fans in a few different ways, including him as a boss opponent. But we’re not satisfied. We want to play Ridley as a part of the roster, and we won’t be told that he is too big!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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What’s Better: Digital or Physical Games?

Yep, if anything is a first-world problem, it’s this one. But at least we have the freedom and the blessing to have to debate such a topic!


Full shelves, or full hard drives? Physical boxes, or digital convenience? We gamers are forced to make this tough decision with just about every new game we purchase. There are pros and cons to buying your games at retail as well as through Nintendo’s eShop, so we’re here to cover the entire topic and make sense of the decision for you. A lot of it will still come down to preference, but at least we can examine the whole issue!

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“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Gamer Gift Guide: ThinkGeek 2016

Opening up a P.O. box before this episode would have been a great little piece of foresight.


Christmas 2016 is nigh upon us and many gamers are scrambling to fill out their wish lists with the right goods. Simultaneously, parents are scratching their heads wondering what to get their gamer children for the Holidays. We’ve got you covered and you can take care of this shopping trip completely online! Thanks to ThinkGeek, it can be your one-stop shop for some of the best Nintendo merch out there.

NES Backpack

Hylian Shield Mug

8 Bit Tie

Retro Fighters 2-in-1 Gamepad

Zelda Journal

Super Mario Adventures Graphic Novel

Zelda Watch

Block Lamp

Mario Monopoly

Hylian Crest Infinity Scarf

Super Famicom

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“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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New Zelda: Breath of the Wild Footage

We think Kass will be playing an instrumental part in finding the game’s shrines!


At the Game Awards, Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aimé took the stage and introduced a brand new look at the upcoming Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Wii U and Nintendo Switch. We couldn’t be more excited about this game, so getting the all-new trailer AND Let’s Play video from the Treehouse was a big treat. We’re here to pick apart the footage and bring you our favorite discoveries!

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“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Why the NES Classic Edition is Pure Genius

I’ve been playing a lot of NES Classic Edition around the Holidays, and it’s a big hit. I think Nintendo hit it out of the park for multiple reasons, and I’m going to go in depth on each one!

Brand Top of Mind (in Absence of Switch)

Nintendo wouldn’t be kidding anyone if they told us that they didn’t want the Nintendo Switch to be released this holiday season. The November weekend before Thanksgiving is their favorite day to launch their biggest hardware and software, year over year. Yet they couldn’t quite make it in time for the 2016 Holidays, so the Switch will be releasing on their second-favorite slot: March. That left kind of a gaping hole in November, so Nintendo brilliantly filled it with the NES Classic Edition.

What’s going to be on every Christmas list? What is going to get brought out at family gatherings? The NES, or even simply, “the Nintendo.”

The brand might not have the benefit of the buzz through their new console this winter, but everyone’s going to be repeating their name thanks to their throwback console.

Nostalgia is Big Right Now

Who knew that 2016 would be such a perfect year to be a ’90s kid? Everything that was old is new again, and gaming, film, and TV industries have all wizened up and they’re repackaging our memories of old and selling them to us all over again. Nintendo is no different. Their stable of IPs is in the top 5 strongest in the world, among the likes of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars (or should I say, Disney, Disney, and Disney).

The NES Classic Edition was a very calculated move. Down to the packaging on the box and each and every commercial, the marketing has been a complete throwback. There’s not a young-to-middle-aged adult alive who wouldn’t want to pick up the perfect replica of that controller. Nintendo didn’t wait too long for this and they didn’t do it too soon – the timing is just right.

It’s Not Just 3rd Parties

Nintendo has been working on this console rerelease for quite awhile. Want to know how I know? Because of all the licensing deals that went into it! They could have scraped together 25 or 30 first-party IPs and shipped it out, but instead they held meetings and struck deals with other companies, allowing third-parties to get in on the action. In my experience, Contra has been one of the most recognizable names on the system (albeit in the game Super C), so it’s a good thing that Nintendo branched out and expanded the library through its partners. The Big N doesn’t get to keep 100% of the profits anymore, but I think it was well worth it. I’m just surprised news of the mini-console didn’t leak with other companies being brought into the circle.

It Has Spot-On Emulation

I didn’t realize just how bad the NES emulation was on Wii U until I saw it in contrast to the NES Classic Edition.

Trust me, if you haven’t seen the difference in emulation quality, you will be appalled. Nintendo didn’t do so hot with NES games on Wii U, but we really couldn’t ask for better than the Classic Edition. With the three different display options and the boost in brightness and clarity over Wii U, it just can’t be beaten.

It’s Literally a Stocking-Stuffer

This thing is so small. I know that the first image Nintendo released of this console, it showed the mini-NES sitting in a model’s hand. Still, my mind didn’t quite grasp the size. It wasn’t until I opened up the tiny box and held the even-tinier console replica that I understood just how small it is! It’s absolutely fun-sized. And I think it could actually fit in kids’ stockings this Christmas. This thing has the potential to be the #1 impulse-buy of 2016, if Nintendo could only just produce enough to fill up store’s end-caps.

Also, the price is perfect. You see that the thing is $60, you see that 30 games are included, you do a little quick math in your head and you exclaim “That’s only $2 per game!” That’s literally every consumer’s thought process. Everyone feels like they are getting a steal of a deal. If there were only 25 games included or if the console was $70, the story would be completely different. Nintendo hit the bulls-eye on this one.


I’m really happy about this product. I’m a huge NES fan and I’ve actually been wanting Nintendo to reproduce the system for many years. I never had the idea of it being miniature and coming with packed-in games, but they absolutely made the right choice with that design. There’s no bulky consoles or rows of cartridges taking up shelf-space, just this little joy of a system. I hope all the TBC fans who want one are able to find a console of their own! Nintendo really needs to stop playing so conservative with their supplies and just make more of these things. But Foxconn is probably busy making Switch parts, and I won’t complain about that.

NES Mario Games on a DDR Dance Pad

Next thing you know we’ll be stomping on actual Gamecube controllers.


There’s really nothing too weird for Simeon and Scott to attempt, so long as it pertains to Nintendo gaming. The Crew is taking it to a new level by attempting to beat classic Super Mario Bros stages using only a Gamecube Dance Dance Revolution dance pad. This challenge was suggested by viewer Glen – thanks for the idea! It’s a blast.

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Which Metroid Prime Game is Best?

The winner is… Metroid Prime HUNTERS! For the best Metroid Prime game on the original DS.


The Metroid Prime trilogy of games that started on Gamecube and ended up Wii are just a phenomenal set of games. It’s hard to pick which one is the best, but that’s exactly what we set out to do in this episode. Whether you remember one particularly fondly or you have a hard time making up your mind, Simeon and Scott introduce some strong arguments for each game and any of them are viable to win! Watch first and then let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments – we want to hear from YOU!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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What We Want: Animal Crossing Mobile

Well Simeon certainly isn’t in the #AC4LIFE club, now is he?!


Animal Crossing is heading to iPhone and Android before March of 2017, so we better hurry up and get our last minute requests into Nintendo so they can direct the shape of the game! Hah, just kidding. But it would be really nice to see the features that we discuss make it into the final DeNA game. Also, will there be a new Animal Crossing Switch game to accompany the launch of Nintendo’s new hardware? Time will tell!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Hilarious Nintendo Knock-Offs

This is probably the most PG-13 we will ever get. Unless you count Simeon repeatedly using the word “fob” for which you’ll want to check out “NES Mario Games on a DDR Dance Pad”!


They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery… so, Nintendo should be feeling quite flattered at this point! Or at the very least, it’s clear that the Wii had a lot of admirers. Simeon and Scott have compiled pictures of all the worst offenders; companies that took Nintendo’s ideas and completely ripped them off. Yes, patents were stepped over in the effort to make a quick buck off of Nintendo’s recognizable properties. The business behind these decisions might be despicable, but the results sure are hilarious!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast

This podcast occasionally contains too much water…


There are a lot of Nintendo podcasts for fans to listen to, but there is one that rises above the rest and sets itself apart from the competition. That one podcast is Nintendo Voice Chat, a podcast made by IGN and hosted by Jose Otero, Peer Schneider, and Brian Altano. Those three hosts make sure we have a great time every Friday, as well as provide insightful looks into the industry. This podcast is pure Nintendo fan gold, so don’t pass it up. Give it a try! And if you’re just not a podcast listener, they’re really great for taking with you on your commute to work, or for mundane tasks like doing the laundry or the dishes. You’ll be hooked on podcasts and hooked on NVC. Thanks for the great podcast, IGN!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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