Press Start Select Podcast

Episode 81 | Gaming Reviews Are Broken, Tekken 8 Drama & Harada Leaving Bandai Namco

Are gaming review scores completely broken in 2026? In this episode of the Press Start Select Podcast, the crew debates the controversy surrounding Mixtape’s perfect review scores, whether outlets like IGN still influence gamers, and why modern game journalism feels more disconnected than ever. We also break down the growing frustration surrounding Tekken 8, Bandai Namco’s recent decisions, and what Harada joining SNK could mean for the future of fighting games. From Dragon Ball game fatigue to Xenoverse 3 concerns, Fighting Game Community drama, and the rise of creator-driven reviews over traditional media, this episode goes deep into the current state of gaming culture. Topics Include: * Mixtape review controversy * Are IGN scores still trustworthy? * Tekken 8 * Harada joining SNK * Bandai Namco * Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 concerns * Fighting game community discourse * Why gamers trust creators more than journalists * The future of gaming reviews The Press Start Select Podcast delivers weekly conversations covering gaming news, anime, fighting games, industry trends, and unfiltered hot takes from lifelong gamers.

Episode 80 | Nintendo Has No Idea What To Do With Star Fox

Nintendo has one of gaming’s most iconic franchises sitting on the bench, and in Episode 80 of the Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius DaGamer and Super SSS Rank break down why Star Fox feels more irrelevant than ever — and what Nintendo would need to do to finally bring the series back properly. The discussion explores how modern audiences would respond to a true Star Fox reboot, why Nintendo struggles to evolve certain franchises, and how Sega and Capcom have handled legacy IPs far more effectively in recent years. The crew also dives into Xbox’s ongoing identity crisis, Asha Sharma’s recent changes to the brand, Tekken 8 Season 3 backlash, Kunimitsu’s reveal, and why Capcom’s Pragmata success proves that creative AAA games can still thrive in today’s industry. Topics Include: * Why Nintendo abandoned Star Fox * What a modern Star Fox reboot should look like * Xbox’s branding and leadership problems * Tekken 8 Season 3 impressions * Fighting games losing casual players * Pragmata selling over 2 million copies * Why Capcom is dominating gaming right now * Sega’s Stranger Than Heaven reveal * The future of Sonic and Sega remakes * Why modern AAA games feel incomplete The Press Start Select Podcast is a gaming and anime podcast covering industry news, gaming culture, hot takes, and deep discussions around Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, anime, and modern gaming trends.

Episode 79 | Project Helix Revives Xbox?, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake, Roguelike Boom | Press Start Select Podcast

Xbox may be preparing its next major move with Project Helix, a rumored strategy that could blur the line between console and PC. If Microsoft is really heading toward a unified ecosystem, what does that mean for traditional consoles and the future of Game Pass? This week on the Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius DaGamer and Super SSS Rank break down the growing speculation around Project Helix and whether it could finally solve Xbox’s long-standing identity problem. They also react to reports of an Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake, discuss why Ubisoft keeps returning to its most beloved entry, and explore the ongoing roguelike boom sparked by massive interest in games like Slay the Spire. From Xbox strategy to Ubisoft nostalgia and indie genre dominance, this episode dives into some of the biggest conversations happening in gaming right now. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro & catching up 02:45 – Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake discussion 15:31 – Why roguelikes are exploding in popularity 21:54 – Xbox Project Helix explained 30:06 – Microsoft strategy & pricing speculation 1:26:13 – PlayStation & Nintendo quick hits 1:45:15 – Resident Evil discussion 1:50:02 – Final thoughts & outro Follow Press Start Select YouTube: Press Start Select Podcast Antonius: Antonius DaGamer Super SSS Rank: SuperSSSRank If you enjoy the show, follow the podcast and leave a rating — it helps more gamers and anime fans discover the show.

Episode 78 | Phil Spencer & Sarah Bond Out? Nintendo’s Pokémon Move + Sony Shuts Down Bluepoint

Xbox may be entering its biggest transition in years. This week on Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius DaGamer and SSS Rank react to reports that Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are stepping away from leadership roles at Xbox. What does this mean for Microsoft’s long-term strategy? Is this the end of an era — or a necessary reset? We also break down Sony’s decision to shut down Bluepoint Games, the remake powerhouse behind the Demon's Souls PS5 launch title. After years of strong critical output, what actually determines whether a studio survives in today’s AAA environment? On the Nintendo side, we discuss the release of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen at $20 each — and whether this is a meaningful shift in accessibility strategy or just another calculated nostalgia play. This episode connects the dots across all three platform holders: * Xbox leadership uncertainty * Sony’s studio closures & live service missteps * Nintendo’s response to emulation and legacy demand * What actually keeps a studio alive in 2026 If you’re watching the long-term direction of Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo, this is a pivotal week.

Episode 77 | Metal Gear Solid 4 Returns, God of War Remake, and PlayStation’s Massive State of Play

Was this the strongest PlayStation State of Play in years? In Episode 77 of Press Start Select, Antonius DaGamer and Super SSS Rank break down a showcase packed with major announcements, deep cuts, and unexpected revivals. From the long-awaited return of Metal Gear Solid 4 to a rumored God of War trilogy remake, Sony may have delivered one of its most complete presentations in recent memory. But not everything landed. The conversation explores: • Why this State of Play felt like a turning point for PlayStation • Metal Gear Solid 4’s comeback and what it means for preservation • Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, roster balance, and the shadow of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 • The continued expansion of the Horizon universe • PS5 Pro pricing, rising hardware costs, and the shift toward PC • Why indie studios are outperforming AAA in creativity and audience connection Was this a true return to form — or just a strong night in a turbulent generation? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro01:09 PlayStation State of Play Was FIRE03:42 Metal Gear Solid 4 Is BACK24:32 Ghost of Yotei & Third Party Highlights25:19 Marvel Tokon Roster Expectations 47:30 God of War Remake1:02:29 HighGuard's Marketing Killed the Game1:17:20 Horizon Hunters Gathering Deep Dive1:40:48 Steam Machine Delayed1:58:12 Outro