TechStuff Week in Tech: Nintendo Thinks Sideways
Jun 6, 2025
Dexter Thomas, a journalist and host of the Kill Switch podcast, delves into the intriguing history of Nintendo, spotlighting the visionary Gunpei Yokoi. He discusses how Nintendo transformed from a humble card company to a gaming powerhouse. The conversation touches on the impact of the upcoming Switch 2 and the company’s unique philosophy that emphasizes creativity over technology. They also humorously navigate modern challenges like AI’s influence on search and security in tech, intertwining the past and future of gaming culture.
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Episode notes
Inshittification and AI Search
- Cory Doctorow's "inshittification" describes platforms hollowing out and losing value due to power without consequence.
- Google AI Mode exemplifies this by degrading search quality despite being a leading platform.
AI Mode Birthday Planning Fail
- A New York Times reporter used Google AI Mode to plan a birthday party, but received inaccurate info about local parks.
- AI Mode failed to learn from feedback, repeatedly suggesting wrong locations, showing its unreliability in practical use.
Google’s AI Mode Strategy
- Google AI Mode is an attempt to keep users inside Google's ecosystem instead of using external AI chatbots like ChatGPT.
- Despite early flaws, it reflects the existential battle to maintain dominance in AI-powered search.