Nintendo Dads Podcast #561: 2025 Game of the Year
Jan 9, 2026
Tune in for a lively discussion on gaming anniversaries coming in 2026, featuring Zelda, Mario, and more. The hosts share thoughts on the new Mario Tennis Fever trailer and dive into a myriad of upcoming games, including Justin's excitement for Ball X Pit and Tim's praise for Split Fiction’s cooperative gameplay. Highlights include personal favorites like Pokémon Legends ZA and a nostalgic nod to Super Mario Galaxy. Plus, they speculate on 2025's Game of the Year contenders and their gaming experiences.
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Major Anniversary Year Shapes Nintendo Strategy
- 2026 hosts major gaming anniversaries across many franchises, and Nintendo will sequence celebrations around Mario's 40th.
- Justin and Marty expect selective nods (Zelda, Pokémon) rather than equal treatment for every anniversary.
Release Timing Reveals Game Tiering
- Nintendo times certain releases (like Mario Tennis Fever in February) to fit a tiered release calendar with remasters and mid-tier entries early in the year.
- Hosts note February often hosts remasters, niche titles, and mid-tier releases before the major fall window.