Press Start Select Podcast

EVO 2025 was anything but quiet this year. The Press Start Select crew dives into the biggest reveals and surprises: Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls’ first real showcase, Virtua Fighter’s jaw-dropping return, Tekken 8’s newest fighter causing community debates, Guilty Gear Strive adding Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Street Fighter 6’s… summer bikini DLC.

From hype reveals to salty takes, this episode covers the market conditions of the FGC right now.

🎮 Follow Press Start Select Podcast for gaming, anime, and pop culture commentary every week.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Intro

00:55 – EVO Overall Impressions

04:18 – Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls: First Impressions & Concerns

21:59 – Virtua Fighter’s Return & Community Reactions

29:47 – Tekken 8’s New Fighter & Roster Changes

49:59 – Guilty Gear Strive: Lucy Joins the Fight

52:00 – Street Fighter 6’s Summer DLC & C. Viper Reveal

🎙️ Press Start Select Podcast Ep 64

This week, Antonius and Tim go all in on gaming industry burnout — and the companies fueling it. We break down Ubisoft’s investor call meltdown, the real reason Star Wars Outlaws failed, and how the Assassin’s Creed Netflix show might be their last shot at relevance.

We also talk Splitgate 2’s shutdown, the ridiculous pricing of Outer Worlds 2, and the constant pressure gamers face from live service design and login rewards.

Later, we debate whether God of War should end before it burns out like Pokémon, Dragon Ball, or Uncharted. Oh, and yes — Dragonite's new design is not it.

Then we dive into the ethics of gaming: anime game cash grabs, Death Battle fatigue, and the exploitation of charity through VTuber mismanagement. Plus, a heated take on adult game regulation and why some titles are setting the industry back.

🕹️ Topics include:

• Ubisoft’s downfall and IP mismanagement

• Splitgate 2’s collapse & live service fatigue

• Pokémon burnout and Legends Z-A critiques

• God of War’s future and IP overstretching

• Ethics in the gaming & anime community

New episodes weekly. Subscribe and follow to stay updated on the wild world of games, anime, and pop culture.

CHAPTERS:00:00:00 – Podcast Intro 00:01:30 – Assassin’s Creed Live-Action Netflix Series Reactions 00:09:28 – Ubisoft Blames Star Wars for Outlaws’ Failure 00:19:30 – Splitgate 2 on Life Support & Studio Confidence 00:25:53 – Outer Worlds 2 Walks Back $80 Price 00:33:00 – The $70 Game Problem & AAA Greed 00:36:20 – What Is a AAA Game in 2025? 00:38:10 – Open World Fatigue & Studio Oversaturation 00:39:45 – Studio Acquisitions & Ownership Fatigue 00:42:10 – God of War’s Future & A New Pantheon Perspective 00:47:50 – Franchise Burnout: Ending Pokémon, God of War & More 00:49:45 – Naughty Dog Remasters & The Uncharted Reboot Cycle 00:53:10 – Pokémon Direct Breakdown: Legends Z-A & Fan Fatigue 00:59:30 – Dragonite’s New Design & Visual Regression 01:06:15 – Pokémon Reboots, Real-Time Combat & Spin-Off Quality 01:12:57 – Yu-Gi-Oh Game Fatigue & Gacha Monetization 01:18:35 – Hunter x Hunter Nen System & Anime Game Gimmicks 01:21:00 – Why Hunter x Hunter Hasn’t Impacted Anime Games 01:26:13 – The Anime Game Cash Grab Era Returns 01:38:28 – Dragon Ball Z Oversaturation & Franchise Overuse 01:43:20 – Deku vs Miles & Death Battle’s Credibility Issues 01:45:13 – Manufactured Outrage in Anime Debates 01:50:25 – VTuber Scandals: VShojo, Charity Funds & Immunity Claims 02:01:39 – No More Horny Games? Adult Game Regulation Debate 02:07:25 – Mandatory Standards for Games & Content Ethics 02:11:00 – Gamer Fatigue & The Consumer’s Role 02:15:00 – Final Thoughts & Podcast Wrap-Up

Nintendo bricked a fan’s Switch 2 for using a secondhand game—and it sparked a larger conversation about anti-consumer behavior in modern gaming. We break it all down alongside thoughts on Ghost of Yotei’s gameplay reveal, sequel fatigue in franchises like Pokémon and Spider-Man, and the eternal question: why don’t we have a good Superman game yet?

We also talk about:

• Fighting games losing identity to guest characters

• Mortal Kombat 2’s live-action trailer & adaptation issues

• The strange decline of Dragon Ball and My Hero’s hype

🎙 Hosted by Antonius DaGamer, Mykale Smith, and Super SSS Rank
💬 Press Start Select is a gaming podcast for millennial gamers, anime fans, and players who never put the controller down.

🎮 Timestamps & Topics

00:00 – Introduction: Press Start Select Podcast

01:13 – Superman in Fortnite & Potential Superman Game

16:00 – Secondhand Games & Nintendo's Policies

18:20 – Companies Want Secondhand Market Non-Existent

26:00 – Discussion on Nintendo Switch 2 Issues

30:32 – Nintendo Japan's Key Card Surveys

33:30 – Pokémon Direct & Future of the Franchise

47:50 – The Bridge Between Generations in Pokémon

56:31 – Ghost of Yotei Gameplay & Sequel-itis

1:21:25 – Expectations for Sequels & Innovation

1:37:21 – Capcom & Mega Man's Future

1:48:00 – City Wolves Crossover & Fighting Game Roster Issues

2:01:24 – Sagat's Street Fighter 6 Trailer

2:18:40 – Mortal Kombat 2 Trailer & Movie Adaptations

2:42:40 – Dragon Ball Super Manga Hiatus & Future

3:02:15 – Super Dragon Ball Heroes Transformations

3:20:13 – Conclusion

In Episode 62 of the Press Start Select Podcast, we kick things off with a tribute to PS360HD2, a YouTube pioneer who helped shape anime gaming content. Then we dive into the 10-year anniversary of Batman: Arkham Knight — did it deserve the backlash or was it ahead of its time?

From there, we discuss Nintendo’s patch controversy in Mario Kart World, Xbox’s wave of layoffs and canceled games, and whether Phil Spencer’s leadership is working at all. We also explore Death Stranding 2, Druckmann’s return to directing, and the fading quality of anime-based games like My Hero Academia and Fist of the North Star.

🔥 Plus: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, CGI anime misfires, and why “stop killing games” is the movement every player should support.

🎧 New episodes weekly! Subscribe and hit that follow button if you're into anime, gaming, and brutally honest commentary.00:00 – Intro & Remembering PS360HD2

03:22 – Arkham Knight at 10: Retrospective & Fan Debate

22:20 – Nintendo's Mario Kart World Patch Backlash

33:29 – Can Nintendo Stay Ahead of Steam Deck & PC?

40:07 – Sonic’s Creator Prefers New Worlds Over Nostalgia

47:00 – Death Stranding 2 & Player Retention

51:15 – College Basketball Games Are Back (With WNBA?)

01:01:02 – Neil Druckmann Refocuses on Game Direction

01:17:05 – Xbox’s Ongoing Decline & Layoffs

01:21:24 – Game Pass & Phil Spencer's Leadership

01:43:29 – Perfect Dark, Fable & Mismanagement Fallout

01:48:07 – Rebranding to “Microsoft Gaming”?

02:13:30 – Stop Killing Games: A Player Movement

02:31:36 – Fighting Games Go Multiplatform

02:42:50 – Final Fantasy’s Modern Style vs. Classics

02:44:59 – My Hero Academia’s Gaming Falloff

02:58:30 – Fist of the North Star’s CGI Failure

03:09:30 – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Meme-Driven Success

03:17:31 – Closing Thoughts & What’s Next

In Episode 61 of the Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius DaGamer and Mykale Smith return with hot takes on the biggest stories in gaming. We kick things off with the $70 price tag for Borderlands 4 and whether the collector’s edition is worth the $150+ cost. Then we dive into Mind’s Eye and what its failure says about the state of open-world game development.

From there, we break down Final Fantasy fatigue, the surprising momentum behind the Nintendo Switch 2, and what Nintendo’s Donkey Kong and Pauline announcements could mean for the future. We also discuss Xbox’s rumored handheld, the rise of live service burnout, and Warner Bros. splitting up its game studios.

We close things out with some anime-fueled commentary: Dragon Ball’s future after Daima, and why the Pokémon anime might be the franchise’s weakest link compared to its manga.

🎙️ Tap play and join the discussion!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:56 Quick Thoughts on Showcases / Marvel vs. Capcom / Arc System Works Fighter

05:06 Borderlands 4 Price Confirmation and Controversy

11:20 Mind's Eye Game Release and Industry Problems

21:24 Is Final Fantasy Falling Off?

26:25 Nintendo Switch 2 Sales and Content Creators

35:48 Donkey Kong Bonanza Nintendo Direct

44:59 Xbox Handheld Partnership and Pricing

57:18 Sony & Microsoft Focusing on Next-Gen Hardware

01:03:30 Stellar Blade: The New Bayonetta?

01:08:15 Warner Brothers Games Divisional Restructure

01:25:32 Charlotte from Dragon Ball Legends in Sparking Zero

01:40:50 Marathon Game Indefinite Delay

01:58:37 Predator: Killer of Killers Animated Film

02:00:30 Pokémon Anime vs. Manga

02:20:31 Outro

Welcome to Press Start Select Episode 60! We're diving deep into the biggest gaming announcements from the most recent Sony State of Play, Xbox Showcase, and Summer Games Fest. Get our raw takes on the Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake, controversial Resident Evil 9 reveal, the exciting Marvel Tokon fighter, and so much more!

What were your favorite announcements or biggest disappointments from the recent showcases? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE for more in-depth gaming discussions, and hit the notification bell so you don't miss our next episode!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

00:00:51 - Digital Showcases: The New Summer Standard

00:02:43 - Sony State of Play: General Thoughts & Console Cycle

00:07:30 - Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake: Missed Opportunity & Budget Concerns

00:18:11 - Digimon Time Stranger: Gameplay & Combat Mechanics

00:22:48 - Nioh 3

00:30:31 - Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection

00:36:36 - Hot Shot Golf & Niche Sony IPs

00:38:20 - Thief VR & The Challenges of VR Gaming

00:43:03 - 007 First Light

00:52:53 - Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls: Anime Style & Roster Hopes

01:22:47 - Summer Games Fest: Geoff Keighley's Role in Gaming Events

01:33:29 - Sonic Racing Crossworlds & Crossover Fatigue

01:36:30 - Scott Pilgrim Game & Netflix Anime Reception

01:38:59 - Deadpool VR

01:43:22 - Marvel Cosmic Invasion

01:45:30 - Onimusha: New Trailer & Genre Evolution

01:51:41 - Ill (Zombie Game): Is Zombie Fatigue Real?

02:02:35 - Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver

02:05:52 - Street Fighter 6 Season 3 DLC

02:18:39 - Acts of Blood

02:20:48 - Sega's Project Sentry: "Strangers in Heaven" Revealed

02:22:22 - Resident Evil 9 Reveal

02:40:21 - Xbox Showcase: Production Quality & Overall Impressions

02:41:03 - Final Fantasy Lands on Xbox: A Major Shift

02:45:20 - Grounded 2: Unique Concept & Insect Horror

02:50:06 - Fallout Fishing Game: An Unexpected Spin-off

02:52:20 - Aphelion: "Uncharted in Space" or Tomb Raider Deja Vu?

02:55:38 - Ninja Gaiden 4: New Protagonist & Ryu Hayabusa's Future

03:00:03 - Clockwork Revolution: Steampunk Appeal & IP Blurring

03:02:48 - Invincible Fighting Game: Competent but Controversial?

03:09:48 - Xbox Handheld & $80 Games: The Game Pass Strategy

03:17:34 - The Future of Gaming: Subscription Services & Physical Media

03:26:51 - Outro & Final Remarks

#StateOfPlay #XboxShowcase #SummerGamesFest #GamingPodcast #GamingNews

Borderlands 4 is already under fire before launch thanks to Randy Pitchford’s controversial “real fans” comment about the game’s $80 price tag. Meanwhile, Sony continues to struggle with its live service push as Fairgames faces internal shake-ups and Marathon seems dead on arrival. And to top it off, EA has canceled its long-rumored Black Panther game after four years of development.

We break down the industry drama, question the direction of Sony’s first-party strategy, and explore what went wrong with Black Panther's development cycle.

🔔 If you're a fan of honest, funny, and passionate gaming commentary, hit that Subscribe button and join the Press Start Select community today!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and Return of the Full Trio

00:50 - Randy Pitchford’s $80 Controversy

02:45 - Borderlands 4 and “Real Fans Will Pay”

05:00 - Is Borderlands 4 Already in Trouble?

12:40 - Doom & Other IPs Being Treated Like DLC

16:00 - Sony’s Fairgames Shakeup & Marathon’s Demise

18:10 - Why PlayStation’s Live Service Games Keep Failing

20:00 - The Bungie Misconception & Nostalgia Misused

22:00 - Sony's Forgotten Studios and Missed Opportunities

24:15 - Helldivers 2: The Right Way to Do Live Service

26:10 - Why Not Expand Ghost of Tsushima or Days Gone?

30:55 - The Fool’s Gold Rush of Live Service Gaming

37:15 - When Will Sony Finally Learn From Its Mistakes?

39:10 - EA Cancels the Black Panther Game After 4 Years

41:00 - What Killed the Black Panther Game?

42:45 - The Problem with Surface-Level Representation

45:00 - Black Panther Had Massive Potential as a Game

48:20 - Developers Need to Be From the Culture They're Representing

50:00 - Final Thoughts on Black Panther Game Cancellation

51:15 - Technical Issues & Why This Episode Cut Off Early

#Borderlands4 #SonyLiveService #BlackPantherGame #PlayStationNews #GamingPodcast

GTA 6 just got delayed again, Xbox is raising console prices, and Nintendo is cracking down on modding—has gaming officially lost the plot? In this episode of the Press Start Select Podcast, we break down Rockstar’s GTA 6 trailer, Microsoft's confusing strategy, and why Nintendo's anti-consumer moves are pushing fans away. We also dive into the growing trend of backlog gaming and the rising cost of staying current. Plus, we touch on the legacy and wild genius of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and how its influence continues across anime and gaming.

🎮 What's your take on the state of modern gaming and anime?

👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more weekly hot takes and discussions!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:33 - GTA 6 Trailer Reactions & Expectations

18:21 - Xbox Price Hike & Strategy Shift

44:28 - Nintendo's Stance on Modding/Piracy

58:24 - Tekken 8 Season 2 Disappointment

01:13:45 - Final Fantasy Series Discussion

01:22:55 - Sega & Virtua Fighter's Potential

01:29:30 - Marathon Controversy & Predicted Failure

01:59:32 - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Announcement

02:33:11 - Closing Remarks

#GTA6 #XboxSeriesX #NintendoSwitch2 #JoJosBizarreAdventure #GamingPodcast

🎮 In Episode 58 of the Press Start Select Podcast, we dive into the GTA 6 delay and price controversy, break down Tekken 8’s recycled DLC backlash, and discuss Sony seemingly replacing Sackboy with Astrobot.

We also explore Xbox's strange strategy shifts, potential Game Pass fatigue, and the surprising Virtual Fighter revival.

If you're into next-gen gaming news, fighting games, and classic PlayStation nostalgia, this episode is for you.🔥 Topics include:GTA 6's $100 pricing rumorsTekken 8's Season 2 backlashSackboy being quietly removed by PlayStationXbox bringing Gears of War to PlayStationVirtual Fighter’s big returnWhy Game Pass might not last📺 Watch the full episode and join the conversation in the comments!👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more weekly gaming deep dives from the Press Start Select Podcast!#GTA6 #Tekken8 #Sackboy #Astrobot #VirtuaFighter #PlayStation #Xbox #GamingPodcast #PressStartSelectPodcastChapters:00:00 Intro: Press Start Select Podcast - Red Version Begins00:33 Explaining the New Podcast Format (Red/Blue Editions)01:02 Diving into Gaming Big News01:12 Grand Theft Auto 6 Delay Confirmed13:07 Nintendo Switch 2 Still Sold Out Despite Complaints17:03 Predicting the Future of DLC18:18 Disappointment with Tekken 8 Season 1 & 2 Reveals25:55 Virtual Fighter News: New Character Design & Guest Speculation32:58 Uncertainty Around Mortal Kombat 1 Content (Combat Pack 3?)33:51 Guest Characters Are Getting Out of Hand in Fighting Games36:07 PlayStation Studios Removing Sack Boy from Promotions46:25 Discussing Xbox's Recent Moves54:36 Gears of War 1 Remastered: Milking the Franchise?57:36 Mafia: The Old Country Gameplay Reveal01:02:58 The Importance of a Lived-In World (Batman Arkham Example)01:03:44 Anime and Manga Discussion

Sony drops a Ghost of Yotei Trailer with minimal hype, Xbox gambles on nostalgia with an Oblivion remake, and Game Pass continues its' shift. We also react to Clair Obscur Expedition 33’s indie rise, the emotional divide in The Last of Us Season 2, and the wild Luffy vs. Kizaru fight in One Piece.

🎮 For more raw, unfiltered gaming and anime breakdowns, subscribe now and join the conversation!

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:48 Discussing Ghost of Yotei's Strange Reveal

00:15:50 Xbox's Oblivion Remake & Shadow Drop Strategy

00:17:13 The Value Proposition of Xbox Game Pass

00:37:11 The Industry's "Scorched Earth" Mindset

00:40:43 Switch 2 Hype & FOMO Despite Price Concerns

00:58:27 Nintendo's Game Card Firmware & Sharing Limitations

01:03:31 Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Reception

01:16:51 Fighting Game Stories Are Easy

01:20:15 Tekken Does Not Understand Itself

01:33:02 Street Fighter 6 Elena is Back

01:38:34 The Last of Us Season 2 Discussion Begins

01:39:28 Does HBO Think They Have a Walking Dead?

01:43:45 One Piece Luffy vs Kizaru

01:53:00 Kizaru vs. Kaido: Different Types of Opponents

01:57:40 Luffy's Freedom & Gear Five's Potential for Growth

02:15:33 Closing Statements

#ghostofyotei #OblivionRemake #XboxGamePass #clairobscurexpedition33 #LastOfUsSeason2 #OnePieceAnime #LuffyVsKizaru #PS5Games #IndieGames #GamingPodcast #AnimeTalk #pressstartselectpodcast