Life is Strange: Reunion Impressions, PS5 Price Increase & Xbox Partner Preview Breakdown

We discuss Life is Strange: Reunion, impressions, and its lack of marketing, go over the recent PlayStation console price increase, and break down the Xbox Partner Preview.
SHOW DOT POINTS
PlayStation has increased the prices of its consoles due to global economic pressures.
Early adopters of gaming consoles benefit from price increases for new buyers.
Nintendo's pricing strategy for digital vs physical games may influence consumer choices.
The Xbox showcase featured several new game announcements, but overall reactions were mixed.
The Super Mario Bros Galaxy movie is set to release soon, generating excitement among fans.
Digital games often provide a cost advantage over physical copies, especially for Nintendo titles.
The gaming industry is adapting to economic challenges by adjusting pricing strategies.
Collectors value physical copies of games, particularly for Nintendo consoles.
Marketing strategies for game releases are evolving, with teasers and character reveals becoming common.
The potential for a Smash Bros-style movie is a topic of speculation among fans. Nintendo and Illumination could create a cinematic universe.
Excitement for the new animated movie is palpable.
Concerns about the upcoming film having too many characters.
Yoshi's presence in the movie is a highlight for fans.
Star Fox's return is a significant topic in gaming news.
The gaming industry is facing major layoffs and closures.
Ocarina of Time remake could be a big deal for fans.
The future of live service games is uncertain.
The impact of Fortnite's decline on the gaming industry is concerning.
Upcoming releases like Pokémon Champions are generating buzz.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:10 - Console Price Increases00:14:25 - Xbox Partner Showcase: March 202600:28:25 - Fox McLoud is in Mario Galaxy Movie00:34:20 - New StarFox & Ocarina of Time Remake Rumours00:42:25 - Studio Clorsures & Layoffs00:52:10 - Life is Strange: Reunion Impressions
RESOURCES
Here's The New Aussie Prices For The PS5, PS5 Pro And PlayStation Portal
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Prices Are Changing With Digital Games To Be Cheaper
Everything Announced At The March 2026 Xbox Partner Preview
All-new Star Fox and Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake reportedly set for Switch 2 release this year | Eurogamer.net
Glen Powell is voicing Starfox's Fox McCloud in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie | Eurogamer.net
Wanderstop studio Ivy Road to close after funding for second game "didn't come to fruition" | Eurogamer.net
Krafton cancels F2P PUBG spin-off PUBG: Blindspot after just 2 months | Eurogamer.net
Fortnite-maker Epic Games lays off another 1,000 staff
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Is Half-Life 3 Finally Happening? + Xbox Partner Showcase Recap

We discuss the Xbox Partner Preview showcase and rumours of Half-Life 3 being announced before the end of the year.
Also on the show, Dylan has played Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Kirby Air Riders and gives his thoughts on both of the games so far.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The Xbox Partner Preview showcased a variety of new games and trailers.
The hosts expressed excitement about the diversity of game genres presented.
Discussion on the impact of free DLC on player engagement and community goodwill.
The conversation touched on the significance of game awards and nominations.
The hosts shared their thoughts on the evolving nature of indie games and their recognition in the industry.
The importance of community support in the gaming industry was emphasised.
The hosts reflected on the unique and sometimes humorous aspects of game announcements.
The conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities AI presents in game development.
The hosts discussed the balance between traditional gaming and innovative new titles.
The podcast concluded with a reflection on the future of gaming and the anticipation of upcoming releases. Troy Baker's performance is seen as mimicry rather than originality.
Award nominations can be frustrating, especially for lesser-known performances.
The timing of game releases can significantly affect award nominations.
The Game Awards are a platform for major announcements and predictions.
Rumours about Half-Life 3 continue to circulate, keeping fans hopeful.
Nintendo's release strategy for the Switch 2 has been effective in maintaining interest.
The new titles for Nintendo Switch 2 are well-received and contribute to its success.
Voice acting in games can be subjective and open to interpretation.
The gaming community is eager for new content and announcements.
The conversation reflects a deep engagement with current gaming trends and news.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:10 - Xbox Partner Preview Highlights00:45:00 - Half-Life 3 Rumours and Speculations00:48:03 - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Impressions00:55:00 - Kirby Air Riders Impressions01:08:15 - Outro
RESOURCES
Xbox Partner Preview | November 2025: Everything Announced From Our Amazing Partners - Xbox Wire
The Game Awards Nominations For 2025 Have Been Revealed
Don't Give Up Hope Yet, Insider Claims That Half-Life 3 Will Still Be Announced This Year
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network