Ever wonder what gaming gems defined your post-college years? Well, buckle up, because Gavin and I are taking you on a chaotic ride through the games that kept us sane—and sometimes downright frustrated—after university. From the pixel-perfect glory of Dark Souls 3 to the wild antics of South Park’s fractured but whole, we’re spilling all the secrets on what kept our thumbs busy from 2016 to 2025. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about good graphics—it's about stories, struggles, and a whole lot of “just one more boss fight.”

You’ll discover how Pokémon Go turned strangers into explorers—and criminals—before fading into memory. We break down how indie hits like Cuphead stunned us with hand-drawn beauty and unforgiving difficulty. Ever wonder how a game about a little guy with a cup for a head can be so addictive? We chat about the perfect chaos of run-and-gun classics and why Ghost of Tsushima painted Japan in the most breathtaking colors on PlayStation.

But wait, there’s more! We dive into how gaming changed from kid-friendly marketing to the influencer-packed, Twitch-saturated wild west—plus why Sony and Xbox might be missing the boat with the upcoming generation of gamers. And of course, we wax nostalgic about Spider-Man’s web-slinging magic and how developers like Insomniac keep the hero’s story fresh and fun.

This episode is essential listening if you’re nostalgic for gaming’s golden days, want the lowdown on what kept us glued at 2 a.m., or just need a good laugh at all the epic fails. Whether you’re a hardcore soul like us or just looking for some fun stories, hit play—because these are the games that shaped who we are today, one pixel at a time.

In this episode, Gavin and Dylan explore their gaming experiences during their collegiate years, discussing the evolution of gaming, the impact of game length and pricing, and the graphics revolution brought by consoles like the Xbox One. They reflect on memorable games from that era, the shift in game development, and player expectations, while also touching on the importance of multiplayer experiences and the nostalgia associated with their favorite titles.

gaming, video games, college gaming, Xbox One, game development, game pricing, horror games, multiplayer, indie games, gaming nostalgia

In this episode of the Millennial Button Mashers podcast, hosts Dylan and Gavin dive into their formative gaming years, focusing on the middle school and high school era. They reflect on how gaming evolved from the early 90s and 2000s, transitioning into a more social and connected experience. The conversation highlights iconic games and consoles from the PlayStation 2 and GameCube era, including the beloved Kingdom Hearts, Guitar Hero, and the impact of the Wii on casual gaming. They also discuss the Nintendo DS and its innovative use of dual screens and touch controls, which revolutionized handheld gaming. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights about how these games shaped their childhood and the gaming landscape as a whole.KeywordsMillennial Button Mashers, video games, gaming history, Kingdom Hearts, Guitar Hero, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, GameCube, gaming nostalgiaTakeawaysGaming became more social and connected during this era.Kingdom Hearts merged Disney and Final Fantasy, appealing to a broad audience.Guitar Hero made rhythm games mainstream and accessible.The Wii introduced motion controls, making gaming fun for everyone.Nintendo DS revolutionized handheld gaming with dual screens and touch controls.Sound bites"This was really an interesting time for gaming.""Final Fantasy wasn't that approachable for me.""Guitar Hero was a formative game in those years."

In this episode of the Millennial Button Mashers podcast, hosts Dylan Friddle and Gavin Douglas delve into their personal journeys with video games, focusing on the consoles and titles that defined their early years. They explore the nostalgic landscape of gaming from the early 90s to the early 2000s, discussing influential consoles like the Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, and PlayStation. The conversation highlights the impact of iconic games such as Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and Pokémon, as well as the evolution of gaming experiences through multiplayer and storytelling. The hosts share personal anecdotes, reflecting on how these games shaped their identities as gamers and the community around them.

Keywords

Millennial Button Mashers, video games, gaming nostalgia, Nintendo, PlayStation, childhood gaming, console history, gaming community, retro games, gaming podcast

Takeaways

'We want to promote some healthy conversation around video games.'

'We were very blessed with what we had access to.'

'The GameCube is the best console ever made.'

'It made skateboarding cool.'

'I did it for Pokemon.'

Sound bites

"Welcome to the Millennial Button Mashers podcast."

"We were just eating good."

"Pokemon Red and Blue are probably the greatest of all time."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Millennial Button Mashers Podcast

01:24 Defining Our Gaming Eras

03:22 The Super Nintendo Era

05:52 The Nintendo 64 Impact

09:14 The Game Boy Revolution

12:27 The GameCube Experience

17:53 Transition to PlayStation Era

18:19 PlayStation 1 Classics

24:13 The PlayStation 2 Phenomenon

27:48 The Evolution of Game Studios

29:56 Microsoft's Xbox and Its Impact

32:44 The Rise of Online Gaming

38:30 Nostalgic Game Memories

50:20 Influential Games of Our Childhood

55:34 gaming-intro-high-long.wav

Welcome to the debut episode of Couch Co-op, where we swap the controllers for mics and dive into the world of video games we adore. This first episode is an introduction to your podcast hosts, in hopes of you all getting to know us a little better and our unique perspective on video games.Join us as we kick back, relax, and chat about the games that have captured our hearts and imaginations. No scores, no reviews, just pure gaming love and a sprinkle of humor. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore gamer, there's a spot on the couch for you. Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's get gaming! Subscribe for more content!#crashbandicoot #slycooper #dispatch #clairobscur #expedition33 #cloverpit #balatro #tombraider #gdq #bradleythebadger #speedrunning #pokemon #baldursgate3 #criticalrole #adhoc #gaming #gamingpodcast