Hi everyone! Welcome to the third edition of Weekly Panda Roundup! My wife and I had another exciting weekend, mostly due to a big comic convention that we attended. I’ll have more to share about that in the next few weeks, but first I have a story.
Behind the SNES Classic Video
Our latest video, a wish list of 30 games we’d like for the rumored SNES Classic Edition, wasn’t actually the planned video for this week. I originally had another video ready to go, until something went wrong with the audio, making the video nearly unwatchable. I salvaged what I could but no longer felt that it was worth uploading. I was devastated, but I was determined to get something up for our subscribers.
That night, we channeled all that energy into making something bigger and better, and I actually had to learn some new editing skills to put the video together. And after many long hours of writing, recording, and editing, I’m so pleased about the final product! It’s truly a video that has risen from the ashes of something that could have been. And although I’m still a little bummed about the other video, I’m so glad that this new video has been received well. Thank you for your insightful comments and awesome ideas for the system! Be sure to check out the fun video that we poured our hearts into below!
Without further ado, it’s time to round ‘em up!
Video Roundup
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SNES Classic Top 30 Wish List
I sincerely hope you enjoy this video where Crystal Dragon and I discuss which 30 games we’d like to see on a hypothetical SNES Classic, why we think they’d be good fits for the mini console, and the likelihood that they could appear. The SNES has such a huge legacy, and there were many games we could have chosen. Please be sure to let us know what you want to see from our list as well as what you would like to see on your hypothetical SNES Classic! Enjoy!
Pandas at Play – Snipperclips Co-Op Part 4 – It’s-a-BE-AUT-I-FUL!
Part 4 our co-op playthrough of Snipperclips is up! In this episode, we start the second world, Retro Reboot, and make some of the most BE-AUT-I-FUL shapes. End sarcasm. Find out what ridiculous figures we cut each other up into in the video below! As always, you can start with this video or from the first episode here.
You can find the full playlist starting at Part 1 – Stabby Sticks here: http://bit.ly/2nFmc5v
Snake Pass – 2 Players with Separated Joy-Cons
Due to the aforementioned issue with the broken video, I apologize that we couldn’t upload the second part of our Snake Pass playthrough of us holding separate Joy-Con controllers. Though I had considered putting it up the day before or after the Snipperclips video, we ultimately decided to keep it consistently on Saturdays. It’ll also allow us to put the best content we can out there! So please look forward to that next Saturday!
Until then, you can find the playlist with the first episode here – http://bit.ly/2pezKUq
NES Classic!
Closely related to the rumored SNES Classic, we finally got our hands on the real deal, the NES Classic! After months of repeatedly missing out on this rare 30-game compilation and the news that Nintendo was discontinuing the system, I believed it was all over.
And I was fine with that. It’s a 30-game collection on a fun miniature console, yes, but I played most of those games or could get them on Virtual Console. Besides, I had never even seen the NES Classic on shelves. The closest I ever got to one was being right behind another lucky individual who brought his NES Classic home. At least I hope he did as opposed to what else he could do with the system… Then came word of Best Buy’s reported final shipment, and we were determined to line up early for this.
It wasn’t our first time lining up for something. After all, just at this past convention, we did a lot of that for autographs. Not to mention, we’ve had to line up for amiibo multiple times to fulfill our extensive collection. Even then, we weren’t always successful in these endeavors. Recently, I even had a nightmare story about the horrors that happened during the Wal-Mart midnight Nintendo Switch launch!
Arriving early on the morning of the final shipment, we got one out of only seven mini consoles in a line of 20+ people! Though I wish there were more stock for all the people waiting, I was so ecstatic once I held it in my hands! After nearly missing out on this system forever and a horrible Switch launch experience, it felt so good to have a launch go well…even though this is technically a release of a system that’s been out since November. Hmm, there are so many things wrong with this NES Classic situation. If the SNES Classic actually happens, I can only hope Nintendo learns from this. Oh well, one thing at time, I guess. 🙂
I’ll be sure to write more about my acquisition in the next few weeks!
Next Time…!
Thank you so much for reading this issue Weekly Panda Roundup! On Thursday, I’ll be posting a new video review! And for the next roundup, I’ll be writing a special feature about those comic conventions we’ve been attending! See you next time!
Mr. Panda's Video Game Reviews 
SNES Classic video: I’m so glad this last minute inspiration came together so well. Kudos to Mr. Panda for working his butt off! Through blood, sweat, and tears, he managed to write the script, capture the footage, and edit everything in 24 hours’ time, start to finish. I’m very proud and impressed! Fantastic job!
NES Classic: I didn’t think it was possible, but at last we have this elusive treasure! Once I heard the NES Classic was being discontinued, I figured it was all over. I don’t know why there were so few produced in the first place. Clearly there is a demand! People are willing to line up for hours before the crack of dawn for this thing. I didn’t have an NES growing up, so I’m super excited to play with the new/old console!
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Aw thanks so much! I’m so happy we decided to do that video, and I think it overall paid off! Now we just have to wait until Nintendo actually announces an SNES Classic!
And I hope that if it is made, there’s way more stock than the NES Classic ever had. It’s miraculous that we’re even holding the system. I was on the verge of giving up, but I’m glad we made one last stand at Best Buy. It feels SO GOOD to get that last shipment. I’m breathing so many sighs of relief. Now we just need to play it! 😀
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You own an NES Classic Edition now? Good for you! I have all those games on the Virtual Console, so I’m all set. Enjoy!
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Thanks! I’m so happy just to have it! While I have a bunch of those games as well, whether on original cartridge or on Virtual Console, there are at least 5 games I haven’t played, so it’s worth it for me. 🙂
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Cool! Which ones?
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I’ve never played the original Castlevania games for NES, Double Dragon II, Super C, and Tecmo Bowl. There might be more, but those are the ones that stand out as “new” to me, haha.
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You’re going to be playing the NES Castlevanias for the first time? That’s definitely going to be fun. My favorite of the three (Dracula’s Curse) strangely isn’t on the Classic Edition.
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Yea, it’s a shame there are games that are missing from series. I would have loved to see the original Contra, Castleviania III, every missing Mega Man game, and then some! I’m excited to try out Castlevania though, especially Simon’s Quest!
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Looks like you’ve had a busy week! I like the idea of the SNES mini as I never had one as a kid.
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Sure did! The mini SNES would be perfect for you then! Though I had an SNES as a kid, I didn’t have a lot of the games I mentioned until Virtual Console, so it would be fun to experience them the way they were meant to be with an SNES controller.
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We’re so behind on our YouTube… We have to catch up on a lot of channels, yours included. I’m glad you got the NES Mini though! That’s awesome.
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I hope you enjoy the videos when you get to them! And thanks! I’m so excited because I was so convinced I wouldn’t be getting one. I hope that Nintendo somehow changes its stance about the NES Classic and keeps making them because I want more people to be able to get it! And not just seven people at each Best Buy…
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I know, right? We probably won’t be getting one.
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I really hope that Nintendo turns around and pulls a miracle with an NES Classic Vol. 2 that includes all the old games and maybe more. I just hate the idea of people missing out on it just because it hardly made it to store shelves.
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Yeah, the whole thing wasn’t really fair. I don’t know what can be done about scalpers, though.
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Me neither, wish the problem didn’t become so rampant with Nintendo products lately.
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Usually the fact I live in Brazil puts me in a bad situation when it comes to gaming in general, as everything is way too expensive. The NES Classic was probably the first gaming product that made me happy I live around these parts, because – strangely – it was quite easy to find. Go figure…
I am glad you finally got yours!
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Thank you! And that’s great that it was so easy to find in Brazil! I hope it wasn’t too expensive there. Also, I wonder if it was higher stock or lower interest (or less scalpers?) that made the difference. I know that in Japan, the Famicom Classic was sold out everywhere as well. On the other hand, Europe had tons of amiibo stock when the craze was at its highest. Hmm.
I can’t wait to play more of the games. I’ve only scratched the surface of a few games, just to test it out. It feels nice to hold that old-school NES controller though. How are you enjoying your NES Classic?
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“Also, I wonder if it was higher stock or lower interest (or less scalpers?) that made the difference.”
I guess both, but it was expensive. I had to pay about $200 for it.
I have been enjoying it quite a bit! I have beaten the three Super Mario Bros games and Mega Man 2.
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Ah I see. If it makes you feel any better, you can’t really get it any cheaper here nowadays now that it’s discontinued. So it’s still awesome that you have one!
I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying it! Those 4 games are classics. There are so many games to choose from that I’m not even sure which one I want to play completely through first!
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I did not know it was going for such high prices over there as well. That’s a shame.
Yeah, it’s hard to choose. If the SNES Classic comes to be, that choice will be even harder.
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Well, officially, the prices aren’t that high. But the prices that scalpers are selling it on eBay are easily above $200 at this point. That’s been the “game” for Nintendo products like amiibo and Switch, and it stinks for those of us that just want the goods at their original prices.
I kind of want to dive into a big RPG like Final Fantasy since I never played the original NES one (only remakes). If the SNES Classic and had as many RPGs as I desired, then it’d be impossible to choose the first RPG to play, not to mention it would be difficult to beat every 40+ hour adventure, haha.
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Nintendo does need to get their act together when it comes to meeting demand. That’s ridiculous.
I assume playing the original Final Fantasy must be quite a challenge. Good luck with that!
Yes, the SNES has a lot of great RPGs. It’s hard to pick just one to play.
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Definitely! I know Nintendo tends to be conservative with its releases, but it could have reacted to the demand of the NES Classic instead of keeping it rare. Now that it’s discontinued, I really question what the company’s intentions were with the system. I’m sure it was just there to hold people off until the Switch release last March. But that’s not really an excuse to discontinue it when there are people that actually want it. Though I’m happy to have one, I wish it weren’t such a stressful experience.
Thanks! I’m excited to play through the original as I had heard it was harder than the remakes. And if SNES Classic gets FFII and FFIII, I’ll very pleased!
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“But that’s not really an excuse to discontinue it when there are people that actually want it.”
I don’t get that either. Their reasoning for discontinuing it when it is still a hot item is a mystery, and I don’t think they could come up with any sensible explanation. It’s like they do not like money.
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I suppose it’s possible that somehow, for some reason, they are actually losing money on the NES Classic. I’m not sure how likely that is. Otherwise, the only likely explanation I can think of is that they need to allocate all those resources in producing more Switches, which is the bigger necessity at the moment.
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Well, those would be two good reasons for the discontinuation of the product. =P
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Haha, mystery solved then! Though I still wish that this weren’t the case, I can understand if Nintendo just needs to take its business in the direction that works for them.
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So do I!
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I can’t say I’ve ever lined up for any product. That said, I nonetheless had a busy weekend wherein I completed my latest review.
I’m not sure what else should be on the SNES Classic, but I think it should have a cartridge slot much like that classic Genesis console that has games programmed into it.
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Nice! I’ll be checking it out soon then! 🙂 That sounds like a good idea for the SNES Classic. I don’t know much about the classic Genesis console, but I’d be down with being able to put in my old cartridges into a new HDMI system. It reminds me of those Retron machines that let you put in NES, SNES, Genesis carts, etc. to emulate the experience.
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I’ve never lined up for anything yet, though I do pre-order. But for most of the games I play there’s no need! Consoles is another matter. I took me forever back then to get a Wii. And now it’s going to take me forever to get a Switch, lol.
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My goodness, the Wii craze was so ridiculous. I think the system was consistently out of stock for nearly two years! I really hope the Switch doesn’t face the same situation, and I hope you’re able to find it easily when you want to pick it up!
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I probably wouldn’t have bought a NES Classic just because of apartment space – but it’s a shame they’re discontinuing it. It’s a cool idea!
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You’d be surprised how big a miniature NES is! 😛
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I’m sorry your other video got lost in the digital oblivion, but i really enjoyed your SNES classic video! It seemed so professional and overall very well done. I plan to check out more of those awesome videos, once I have more of that precious time resource 🙂
I’m also very happy you managed to grab a NES Classic before they went extinct! The great Amiibo shortages of the past have certainly increased my “waiting in line for store opening” level, haha.
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Thank you so much! You don’t believe how much it means that you made your first YouTube comment for me! You’re so super awesome! I’m very happy you enjoyed the video, and I appreciate the feedback. I put a lot of love into that video, especially after losing the previous one. I’m glad it paid off because it was not work I was expecting to do last week! I’m glad that you’ll check out my other videos, and I look forward to hearing what you think when you get to them! 🙂
And yay! It still blows my mind that I actually got an NES Classic against all odds. I think the fact that I got them right after Nintendo announced that it would discontinue it is a real rush. I’m really trying to be careful with the system. It’s so small, and I’m scared to mess anything up just because it’s so rare. Haha, I figured you would be used to it as a fellow amiibo hunter. I think the whole amiibo chase was more stressful because there were dozens of them as opposed to the one system. Still, I think you know just as well as I do that it’s worth it for those precious figurines. 😉
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You video was so good, it made me brave enough to comment on Youtube for the first time ever! 🙂 I’ve actually been avoiding the comments sections there on purpose. It’s sad how toxic most of them are 😦
Your NES Classic will be extra special to you now that it’s incredibly rare, and you have a great stroy about getting one. I really hope you have fun playing it, carefully of course 😀
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Oh my gosh! You don’t even know how much that means to me! I’m smiling so hard right now, and I’m so incredibly happy! The comments section for my videos right now aren’t toxic, and I hope to keep the most toxic trolls away. But it helps that commenters like you are so awesome and kind! Like I said in the Youtube comments, I’ll make sure that no toxicity comes your way so please know that you can post freely. 😉
And yes, the NES Classic will be a special thing to take care of, especially since it was hard-earned at a time of urgency. I’m having fun with it so far, so I can safely say it was worth the wait. 🙂
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You found an NES Classic even after the cease announcement?! Wow! I can’t wait to hear the story of this acquisition. I’ve heard so many horror stories about it, mostly about retailers being dishonest and greedy. Alas, I have a feeling Nintendo is going to do something similar with the SNES Classic because it’s no skin off their nose if diehard fans don’t get these systems, and they just rake in the big bucks. I, for one, am going to preorder as soon as it’s available! Congratulations to you on how awesome your YouTube channel is doing AND the NES Classic 🙂
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Awww thank you so much for your congrats and well-wishes! I’m so excited about having the NES Classic, especially since I got it after Nintendo discontinued it. It makes it that much more special to have gotten it under those circumstances. I do have the story up! 🙂 It’s a simple one, but it’s on this post. 😉
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Congrats of beating the odds and grabbing a NES Classic. I still can’t believe Nintendo are scrapping the system after such a limited run.
Ouch! Sorry to hear about the lost video. Tech issues messing up audio is a real concern when producing a Youtube channel or podcast. Thankfully you didn’t wallow in despair and still found the motivation to record something else.
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Thank you! I’m so stunned that I was able to get one. I had a feeling that the line would be crowded by the time I got to the store, but luckily I came early enough to be one of the lucky few. I still wish Nintendo weren’t discontinuing it, but I have to say it makes the feeling sweeter.
And yea, I know. So sad. 😦 The video is lost to time, and it’s happened before, but this video was a one-time thing so it’s not replicable. It’s ok though, because a lot of people liked the video I replaced it with so in the end it was worth it. Truthfully, it was hard to motivate myself through that initial loss, but I’m glad I pulled through. Thanks for understanding and leaving your thoughtful comments! 🙂
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I’m so happy you were able to get an NES Classic! Congrats! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
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Thank you! I’m just happy to have it now that Nintendo’s discontinued it.
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