On this episode of the Gamepad Saga Podcast, Eric and Kishion sit down (with tequila and sniffles) to unpack a lively, wide‑ranging conversation about how gaming has changed from the 1990s to today. They debate the old-school difficulty of Mario, Sonic, Prince of Persia and Battletoads versus modern titles that offer tutorials, autosaves and guidance—naming exceptions like the Souls games and Zelda: Breath of the Wild/ Tears of the Kingdom. Expect personal stories about frustrating long grind sessions (Destiny), eight‑hour strike missions, and the satisfying — or soul‑crushing — lessons learned when consoles gave you only three lives.

Topics covered include how retro games shaped spatial memory and exploration (no glowing waypoints), the psychology of delayed reward versus modern minute‑by‑minute dopamine (skins, loot boxes, battle royales), and whether online multiplayer brings connection or isolation compared to couch co‑op classics like Mario Kart and Diddy Kong Racing. They share vivid personal anecdotes about World of Warcraft addiction, cold‑turkey breaks, and how gaming habits influenced real‑life responsibilities.

Hardware and economics get a deep dive: Kishion explains the current PC market pressures — graphics card and RAM price hikes tied to AI demand and scalping — and the rising costs of consoles and subscription services. They discuss whether pushed‑up console pricing nudges buyers toward building a PC, and gripe about industry focus on graphics and frame rates over gameplay innovation.

Kishion gives an insider view of GameStop from his time working there: midnight launches, trade‑in policy quirks, the difference between ‘new’ and sealed copies, membership and price‑matching experiences, and how corporate decisions and store planograms often clash with frontline reality. They reflect on missed opportunities for GameStop and how store culture shaped their view of retail in gaming.

Other highlights: reactions to the delayed IO Interactive 007 game and comparisons to Hitman and Splinter Cell, discussion of recent PC fan projects like the Star Fox 64 recompilation, and thoughts on current release strategies, marketing, and what players still want from single‑player campaigns.

Whether you’re nostalgic for cartridge‑era difficulty, curious about the economics of modern gaming hardware, or want honest back‑room stories from retail life, this episode serves up candid takes, humor, and plenty of gaming lore. Tune in for heated debate, insider anecdotes, and recommendations for what to play (and what to avoid) next.

Don PepeX

Website | GamePad Saga

https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/

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In this episode of the Gamepad Saga podcast, the hosts dig into Mega Man Zero 3 — its story beats, difficult boss fights, and the heavy themes that make the series stand out. They discuss Dr. Weil’s return and manipulation of Copy X, the reprogramming of the Eight Gentle Judges into the Wild Numbers, the search for the Dark Elf and the role of the Seal System, and the multiple revealing twists that set up the final installment.

Eric and Kishion break down major boss encounters (including Omega, Anubis Necromancers, and the Wild Numbers), gameplay changes like the weapon-upgrade/ranking system, and how the game’s tone shifts to a more focused, intense storytelling style.

The episode also veers into tangents about cheating devices (Cronus zen, GameShark/GameGenie), personal anecdotes, and a humorous neighborhood conflict — all delivered with candid, often profane commentary and plenty of nostalgia. Expect plot summaries, character and theme analysis, gameplay impressions, and a few off-topic rants and stories.

Don PepeX

Website | GamePad Saga

https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/

Click HERE to join our Discord.

https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW

Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow

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The main conversation centers on Valve's new Steam machine: detailed speculation about its semi‑custom AMD Zen CPU, RDNA3‑based GPU, memory and I/O choices, and what a dedicated Steam console means for PC gamers and console fans alike. The hosts discuss how the Steam machine compares to Steam Deck and ROG Ally handhelds, whether Steam will partner with (or compete against) Xbox and PlayStation, and practical issues like upgradability, port choices (USB‑A vs USB‑C), display outputs and performance targets (4K/60 FPS, 8K/60, FreeSync/HDR).

Cross‑play, platform migration and the shifting business model of consoles are explored next: why consoles often sell at a loss, how companies make money through software and subscriptions, the rise of PC labels on PlayStation storefronts, and concerns over double‑dipping (buying games across multiple platforms). They also touch on account and expansion ownership headaches illustrated by Destiny and other cross‑platform titles.

The episode then shifts to major game updates and releases: a roundup of Call of Duty’s Treyarch returning with back‑to‑back Black Ops entries, debates about annual franchise fatigue (Madden comparisons included), and detailed coverage of Gran Turismo 7’s Spec 3 update — new tracks (Yas Marina Circuit and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve), new cars, an increased collector level cap, a new data logger, events, 24‑hour racing and the introduction of paid DLC (with in‑game credits and full race weekends making a comeback).

Eric and Kishion reminisce about GTA and gaming nostalgia — collector’s and special editions, install headaches from the PS3/Xbox 360 era, and how big releases shaped holiday shopping. They discuss how physical media is waning, collector expectations (physical discs and keepsakes), and how studios time releases around console cycles and the holidays.

Throughout the episode there’s casual banter about life (nursing school stress, staying sane while gaming), community reactions, and the hosts’ views on industry consolidation and developer compensation. They close with shoutouts to potential returning guests (Big Brother Daryl and Nick), listener thanks, and the usual Gamepad Saga sign‑off.

Don PepeX

Website | GamePad Saga

https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/

Click HERE to join our Discord.

https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW

Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram |TikTok | X (Twitter)