The Switch Doesn’t Have Hidden Fees

The Switch is not as expensive as most outlets are making it out to be. Far too many sites are claiming that the Switch has a ton of hidden fees and will end up costing you over $700 which is totally ludicrous and completely untrue.

The Switch is $299.99 (in the US). Period.

Just because the system is launching with a ton of add-ons and accessories does not mean the price of the system is increased. All of the extras are completely optional. Do you want a Pro Controller? Cool! Buy one! Don’t need an extra dock? Okay, don’t get it. It’s not a tacked on price that’s required by Nintendo that you purchase every available accessory at launch. Not to mention you can play 2-player games right out of the box at no additional cost thanks to the versatility of the Joy-Con.

An argument could be made that the system is actually $359.98, because what is the system without any games? That’s an expected cost though, not a hidden cost. I’m sick of gaming journalists trying to get clicks to their content by making up shocking headlines or articles. While all of this info may be painfully obvious to some, I wanted to educate the few that may not know to help save your wallets.

The cost of all your Switch launch day goodies can add up extremely fast, so make sure you need certain accessories before pulling the trigger and getting a bunch of things you’ll never need.

This has been your dose of financial advice from someone who has no business telling you how to manage your finances.

What do we Still Not Know about Switch?

We won’t be satisfied until we know about every screw and strip of adhesive in the console! Oh, and, details on digital purchases carrying over would be awesome too.


We Nintendo fans have been described by Reggie as “insatiable” before, and that title still holds true for us today. Less than a week ago, Nintendo spent an entire weekend informing us about their new Switch console and giving press members hands-on time with the system, yet we STILL want to know more. There are still some burning questions that we must have answered before the home/portable hybrid releases on March 3rd!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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To Backlog or Not to Backlog Scott’s Thoughts

That is the question. The question we are all asking as a new wave of indie titles hits the Nintendo Switch each and every week.
It’s nearly impossible not to fall behind.

To illustrate this point, consider the following group of games: Shovel Knight, TumbleSeed, Thumper, Sonic Mania, SteamWorld Dig 2, Golf Story, and Stardew Valley.
Did you purchase and play all of those?
This is just a quick list of games filed under “DON’T MISS” off the top of my head. Chances are, you’ve let a handful of these slip through the cracks. (If you actually played all of those, I want to shake your hand.)

Each week is a new opportunity to either A) catch up on amazing games in the backlog, or B) play the newest latest game that was released.

Option A feels good because you get to experience that title that’s been sitting on your wish list, enjoy it, and cross it off.
It creates a problem, though, when it causes your backlog to grow. Thanks to the deluge of new releases, truly “catching up” isn’t really an option.

Option B is exciting. You get to buy a brand new game and join in the conversations while it’s still hot. All the Nintendo podcasts and groups are discussing it.
The downside is, it prevents you from getting back to some of those earlier eShop games that received 8s or 9s out of 10.

No matter what we choose, we’re missing out.
How do you pick between shoring up your collection and trying out the latest greatest?

You have better chances of enjoying your purchases, and not regretting them, if you go with the backlog. Hindsight is 20/20, and a few months after a game launches, you know from the way a title is talked about (and IF it’s even remembered) if it’s worth it or not. You probably build a wish list and whittle it down as your perception of each game’s value evolves with time. What’s left is a series of sure-fire hits that you’re bound to enjoy.

Delve into games like that.

The cutting edge is risky, but rewarding. You can get in on a game’s fandom on ground 0 and be a part of a community’s formation. Other times, the game just isn’t what you thought it was and you’re out $10 or $20.

When you have a really good feeling about an indie title, and you can just sense that you will love it, buy it on launch day. Don’t let it pass you by. During those times, the backlog can wait.

Best 2017 Indie Games to Watch For!

If you’re reading this, and you’re an indie developer, get in touch with us on the Contact page. <3


We love independent video game developers (affectionately referred to as “Nindies”). Why? Because they’re the underdogs – the small studios that are going toe-to-toe with giant corporate competitors. And oftentimes, they’re the ones that innovate and bring us the most interesting experiences, the ones that deserve further pondering and reflection after their completion. And so, going into a new console generation on the Nintendo Switch without stopping to examine the indie offerings would be a big mistake! These are the games to watch for in the coming months – don’t miss them!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Switch – Top 5 Pros & Cons

And the top con is… JOY!


With a handful of weeks under our belt, we’re growing accustomed to playing the new Nintendo Switch! Nintendo made some bold promises with their first console/portable hybrid machine, but they’ve also managed to deliver in many ways! There are some concerns shared among players, and these are things that hopefully Nintendo can continue to address. For anyone deciding whether or not to purchase Switch, this is a great video for you to watch in order to get a feel on what’s positive about the system and what’s on the negative side of the experience. For those that already own the new system, see if you agree with our takeaways!

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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WonderBoy: The Dragon’s Trap Review (Switch)

Or Wonder Girl – don’t you forget it!


#567 – SEGA fans, rejoice – your time has come. This Master System classic has been remastered and released on the Switch! This is a RPG-ish, Metroidvania-ish, Zelda II-ish game that looks and sounds stunning in the rereleased version. Beautiful hand-drawn graphics are really on display here, so take a look at the footage as you hear our thoughts!

Footage credit: GiantBomb
“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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World of Goo Review (Switch)

Goo Balls is really the official term in this game.


#565 – This indie classic has no problem resurfacing on new consoles, and Switch is no exception! Outfitted with touch (and pointer?!) controls, this remake is a must-own if you’ve never played it before. If you HAVE, well, this review should help you decide if the $10 double-dip is worth it or not.

Footage credit: SwitchForce

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

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Thump for Prez.


#566 – Thumper is a rhythm game unlike anything you’ve played before. Take control of a speeding scarab as you try desperately to stay alive. Crash through barriers, take the tightest turns, and fight back against giant boss battles… all in time with the music! This is an indie title that you DON’T want to miss.

Footage credit: Polygon

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

Thank you Dark Simeon for giving Simeon and Scott the day off!


#568 – Does this episode feel… dark to you? We requested a Switch review code, but were given one for Steam. That left us no choice – no one to turn to, but… DARK SIMEON. He’s played Mr. Shifty on Steam and he’s here to tell you all about it. The game is supposedly EXTREMELY similar between versions, so this video should help you decide if you want to own the Switch game or not!

Footage credit: SwitchForce
“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Axiom Verge Review (Wii U)

Wait until you get to the part of the review where Simeon talks about the phase… glitch… gun… zapper-thingy.


Simeon has the full scoop on the Metroid-like Indie game called Axiom Verge. It’s available for Wii U and it just may be worth your time – watch to get his complete impressions!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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How Switch Can be Improved with Patches

We’ll take one internet browser please, and a side of… hmm… the DEATH OF FRIEND CODES!


Nintendo succeeded in winning our hearts with the Switch. It’s a fantastic console that’s just begging to be played. However, it is missing some no-brainer features, and we can only hope that their software team is working on implementing those. Things like Internet Browsers and, you know, the violent DEATH of friend codes! Simeon and Scott are here to discuss everything that should be coming to the console/portable hybrid in the near future!

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

Sometimes, Nintendo gives us something good disguised as something we don’t want.


The newest entry in the Metroid Prime series has just been released, and the Nintendo fanbase has been in an outcry over it. Is this game worth a shot? Is it worth your time? Watch for all the details on Scott’s experience with the game.

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Reformat” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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Game of Categories! Nintendo Edition

We totally nailed the song portion.


Which member of the Crew can think on their feet faster? Simeon and Scott are put to the test in a fast-paced (and silly) game of categories.

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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NEW Mario + Rabbids Vs. Mode!


Ubisoft just dropped a brand new Mario + Rabbids mode on us, their unsuspecting fans. Vs. mode?! Yes please! Simeon and Scott will showdown and see who is the better strategist. Oh, and one more thing… BWAAAAAAAAAH!

“Exit the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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The Physical Version Curse Scott's Thoughts

I’ve gone on record multiple times defending my decision to buy physical Switch games whenever possible.

For all the big releases, you get your decision: cartridge or download. Launch day. Choose your adventure.

Unfortunately, it’s proven pretty difficult to stick to my guns with indie games, which have complicated the buying process by releasing digitally way earlier that the physical version comes out. This is the case for Axiom Verge, Mutant Mudds, Overcooked, and more.

I want to support developers by paying the higher price-tag. I want the neat physical goodies they’re including in the box. I want the ability to sell my copy if I don’t end up liking it… but that requires a lot of waiting, which has its downsides if you’re a game reviewer that needs to be in on the conversation as it’s happening in real-time.

Matters are made worse when indie companies are wishy-washy about the potential release of a physical cartridge, either saying “we’ll see how it sells digitally” OR just announcing that a physical edition is coming after customers have already downloaded their game (Rocket League). Now I’m stuck with the digital version, and the hours I’ve put into my save-file.

We need Switch developers and publishers to be more forthright about upcoming physical releases, and to close that release date gap.

Nintendo Board Games

UNO!


#573 – Every once in a while, we need to step away from our entertainment sets and our handhelds. If only to prevent carpal tunnel, a healthy round of board games every so often goes a long way for the average Nintendo fan! But what if gaming and board gaming could unite in a glorious happy medium? NOW we’re talking.

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Metroid Dread: Tragic History + New Info

What would you give for a 2D sidescrolling Metroid game right about now?


Metroid Dread is a canceled Nintendo project shrouded in secrecy. We have done our best to unearth all existing information and present it to you along with a few new tidbits! Join us as we discuss what could have been…

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Reformat” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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BOXBOY! 3DS Review

Sounds like those graphing calculators that play Portal.


With the release of BoxBoxBoy, it’s time to revisit the original! Let’s review BoxBoy for 3DS!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Reformat” 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!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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How Will YOU Play BoTW? Feat. GameOver Jesse

Thanks again to GameOver Jesse for being our show’s BFF!


Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the largest game that Nintendo has ever created for us. With it will come hundreds upon hundreds of different variables that will make everyone’s experience with the game different from the next person’s! We’re here today with good friend of the show, GameOver Jesse, to discuss how we intend to play through Nintendo’s newest Open Air Adventure. What will our first destination be? Are we going to abuse amiibo? All that and much more in today’s episode.

Subscribe to GameOver Jesse!

Shot by Alex Campbell

“Escape the Premises” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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