Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! My wife and I had an exciting weekend filled with city excursions and friends, which means we got some great Switch portable play in. First, I’ve got some great videos to share that I think you’ll enjoy!
Without further ado, let’s round ‘em up!
Video Roundup
I have some big news about the YouTube channel! We are nearing 100 subscriptions, which we were certainly not expecting so soon! We’re incredibly thankful for all of you who have watched, subscribed, liked, shared, and commented on our videos! Seriously, your love and support goes an incredibly long way in making a difference for us! We hope you know how huge every one of your contributions have been. We can’t thank you enough!
If you haven’t yet seen our videos and want to see what we’re all about, you can check out the links below! We sincerely hope you enjoy!
- Our YouTube channel link is here! http://bit.ly/2nvJ2Lu
- And if you’d like to subscribe after watching our videos, please click here! http://bit.ly/2oaYX1r
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review
My latest review video is for Nintendo’s latest Switch game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! You can probably guess it’s a good game, but is it worth it for anyone who has owned the original Wii U title and its accompanying DLC packs? Like many others, I bought all the previous DLC and still made the Switch *snaps fingers* so I give some honest thoughts on whether the revamped Battle Mode and the other racing improvements are worth the double dip. Check out my review!
Snipperclips Co-Op Part 7 – Princess Blueberry’s Wild Ride
Part 7 our co-op playthrough of Snipperclips is up, and we have finally made it to the end of the old-school world of Retro Reboot! In this episode, we escort a spoiled princess (who we gave our official fan name of Princess Blueberry) on a series of wild minecart rides. We also unintentionally force her to relive her death over and over again. Check out the fun misadventures of Princess Blueberry below!
Please be sure to check it out! As always, you can start with the above episode or find the full playlist starting at Part 1 – Stabby Sticks here: http://bit.ly/2nFmc5v
Snake Pass Co-Op – Playing with Separate Joy-Cons Announcement
Here’s some news for our Snake Pass – Playing with Separate Joy-Cons series. After a hard look at scheduling, we have decided to postpone future episodes of Snake Pass until after we are finished with our Snipperclips run. It takes so many resources to record and put together an episode, making it tough to produce a third weekly video at the moment.
We sincerely apologize and would like you to know that we are still planning to produce and finish this wacky series where my wife and I split the controls to maneuver a snake. And when it returns, it’ll be better than ever because we’ll be able to put more energy and time into it. It’ll be for the better in the end, so we hope you’ll enjoy its spectacular return in a couple of months!
Until then, you can find the first two episodes in the playlist here! – http://bit.ly/2pezKUq
What I’ve Been Playing
I finally crawled out a rock and began playing Minecraft: Switch Edition. Believe it or not, I’ve never played this phenomenon, even after it arrived on the Wii U years ago. It’s a new world for me, so let me know if you’re a Minecraft aficionado with some tips for a newbie like myself. So far, I can at least say that I love the custom Mario texture pack! It definitely makes me feel at home!
I want to extend an invitation to play together, whether Minecraft, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Puyo Puyo Tetris or any multiplayer game out for the Nintendo Switch! My Switch friend code is SW-3611-4684-6706. Please feel free to add me and we can build fun structures or burn rubber!
Nintendo Switch Tabletop Mode Adventures
I’ll begin by sharing that ever since I was younger, I’ve always brought my consoles around, at least to family gatherings or get-togethers. That may sound weird, considering how bulky they can be or how much effort they take to set-up. But I love having my gaming systems around in case others want to try it out or I get bored at some event (which used to happen often, haha). The most extreme case was when I got a third party accessory that attached a screen to the GameCube system, allowing you to play games in a tabletop fashion. I loved it because I was no longer limited to playing Super Smash Bros. Melee. Now I could experience it in the car, in a hotel, or at a family party. It served me well, but I stopped bringing consoles around once I started getting portables, which did an even better job of amusing me when I wasn’t home.
This weekend, Crystal Dragon and I went on some adventures with friends in the big city, which meant a lot of traveling and opportunities to play with the Nintendo Switch’s tabletop mode. This playstyle utilizes the Switch’s kickstand, propping it up as a miniature TV screen. I actually haven’t used tabletop mode much, opting for either playing on the big screen or my preferred method, using it as a handheld.
At risk of looking just like the people in a Switch trailer, we busted out the tabletop mode to show friends the Switch at a public place last weekend. And it is so much more effective than I could have even imagined. The small screen is surprisingly enough to make you feel like you’re at home on the couch. Having everyone crowd around the Switch turns a game of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe into a special event. We were all enjoying ourselves, lost in the captivating aura that was the Switch. Other people were eyeing us, trying to see what we were looking so intently at.
I usually think of portable gaming as an individualized affair. Sure, you can play wirelessly with other gamers on your 3DS, but you’re still looking at your own screen. Traditional split-screen multiplayer had always been limited to home console play. But now with the Switch, anywhere I can sit becomes the new couch and any surface can be my new “TV stand.” It’s an underrated function of the Switch that seems most relegated to that embarrassing thing people do in Switch trailers. But I can affirm that tabletop mode, despite its small screen, works wonders for local multiplayer.
I’m happy to say that the Switch brings back my desire to have game consoles around me wherever I go. I love that the Switch’s stand allows me to pretend I’m enjoying games at home, and I’m ecstatic that I can share the joy of these awesome games with friends no matter where I am. Those early trailers with the rooftop and tabletop mode were real, folks!
Next Time…!
Thank you so much for reading this issue Weekly Panda Roundup! On Thursday, my wife and I will be uploading a unique playthrough video of a retro classic! I’ll also have a review posted here later this week! Until then, see you next time!
Way to round ‘em up, Mr. Panda! Mr. Panda worked super hard and did an amazing job on his review of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, so please check it out! I hope everyone enjoys the rollercoaster ride of Princess Blueberry in our next episode of Snipperclips! I’m a bit bummed we had to put Snakepass temporarily on hold, but it’ll be better than ever when it returns! Having a webcam in a video is much more complicated that you might think. If you like our single-player-turned-co-op playstyle, then you’ll enjoy what’s to come on Thursday. 😉
We had a lot of fun using the Switch’s tabletop mode when out and about with friends. It happens in real life, folks! It’s so candid that I didn’t realize my picture was being taken, lol. We’ll have to do this more often. Maybe at a rooftop party next time, haha.
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Thanks as always my partner in snipping and clipping and all other things, Crystal Dragon! Your encouragement is always appreciated! And you did an absolutely phenomenal job helping with the editing this week for Snipperclips so thank you very much! We should celebrate… with a rooftop party! 😀
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Great roundup! The weekends need to be longer… That’s my only complaint, haha. I still haven’t picked up Mario Kart 8 yet, but I will before the end of the month, I swear 🙂 I have never played Minecraft before so you at least beat me to it,
I’m so glad the Switch’s tabletop mode is working well for you! I hope you keep having loads of fun with it 😀
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Thank you very much! I’m having so much fun with tabletop mode, handheld mode, and docked mode. All Switch modes are a hit for me! When you pick up Mario Kart 8, I’d be more than delighted to play it with you! 😀 And phew, I feel like I felt like I was the last person on Earth who hasn’t played Minecraft. I’m seriously a newbie at it, haha!
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I added Mr. Panda this week as a friend on Switch, let me know when you get Mario Kart 8 and we can all Kart together.
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Hooray for Karting together! 🙂
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All the more reason for me to go get it 🙂
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Hey, I had a third party screen for my GameCube Too! It’s actually still attached to It! I’m glad to hear tabletop mode on the Switch brings back those memories. I haven’t used that mode yet.
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Wow, that’s awesome! I didn’t think anyone else had it. It’s such a fun thing to have on the GameCube, isn’t it? I have some good memories with it. Hope to make more with the Switch’s tabletop mode. Thanks for your comments! 🙂
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Awesome roundup, and I added another subscriber to your YouTube count. I played Snipperclips with a friend using the Switch on a table, and by the end of our session my back was so sore -_- make sure you keep your Switch up at eye level, friends with bad backs!
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Thank you Jay for the kind words! And it means so much to me that you subscribed! Loved your comments! 🙂 And that’s great advice for using the tabletop mode. I don’t think the table I used it on was high enough, but it’s good to be aware of that when playing or watching anything. Hope your back is doing okay!
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It’ll mend… it’ll mend…
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I need to get on the Switch train! They’re still so elusive, and I refuse to give into the scalpers!
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Don’t give into scalpers! I’m shocked they’re still so elusive. I hope the Switch train rushes into town soon! We need you a Switch!
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I’m going to start checking Amazon! They had some okay prices a week or so ago. I might also need to start scouting out Best Buy :p
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Good luck! I’ll keep an eye out for you too! 😀
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Seems like Toys R Us might be getting it in stores this Friday!
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I’ll have to stop by America’s favorite toy store this Friday then :O
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Good luck!! Get that Switch before scalpers get their hands on them!
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I’m going to check out Toys R Us tomorrow! If…I can remember where the one around here is hm lol.
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I’m eagerly anticipating you getting a Switch! You’ll likely need to go early to get one though. I imagine people will be lining up for it. That’s what I had to do for the NES Classic.
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Boo, it might be no good for me then since I must go to work tomorrow. I could see what time the story opens and see if I can get there. I don’t have to be to work at any particular time, but I don’t want to get in too much after 9.
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My TRU opens at 9 am, so I’m guessing yours does too. As long as you’re early enough in the line to get one of the systems, you should be out of the store by like 9:15, unless TRU becomes Walmart suddenly.
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Oh I forgot about it!!! That’s okay, I’m sure I’ll get my hands on one eventually.
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Aww oh no! Good luck for next time! I was going to ask if you got one, haha!
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Best Buy will have some Switch units in stock tomorrow (5/21), and I think you can order them from GameStop now or soon.
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Noooooo I missed this until now D: Hm, GameStop has the bundles for around $400. Evil evil. That’s okay. I actually forgot I have a lead on a 3DS. An old friend/acquaintance is willing to part with his for $100, which I consider a great deal. I think we’re going to meet up this week for the exchange so I can’t be too sad about lacking a console. I also got my HZD in the mail the other day 😀
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Aw no, but also yay! A 3DS for $100 sounds like a great deal too! And I can keep checking for Switch to come back. I’ll message you next time so you get it in time, haha!
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That’s what friends are for ♥
I think the Switch will be my next one (if/when I find it), because I want to play Mario Kart with you guys 🙂
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Of course and yay! I’d love to play Mario Kart and more with you! 🙂
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Great round-up! I never knew about the third party GameCube screen! That sounds like a cool accessory, ahead of its time!
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Thank you friend! That third party screen was so fun to use! I think whichever company made it did so for multiple systems, but I only ever got the GCN one. I would have loved one for Wii so I can wave my arms around in the car.
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I remember having one of those screens for my PS2. Amazing how far technology has come.
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That’s awesome you had something similar for your PS2! I bet you had a lot of fun with it!
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How comfortable are you playing the Switch in Tabletop mode out in public? I haven’t taken it out of the house yet. I finally got my Mario Kart traveler case so that may change in the future.
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Comfortable as in if I feel awkward or if I feel physically comfy while playing? For the former, it doesn’t really matter to me what people think while I’m playing Switch in public. In fact, I would love for someone to say something about it since I think it’s really cool to have around. For the latter, it really depends on where I’m sitting. In the picture, I’m in a nice area with good booths, so I felt very comfortable!
A Mario Kart traveler case sounds really awesome! What’s displayed on the case? I have a Breath of the Wild themed one that I got at launch.
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Mario in a kart.
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Haha makes sense. I just asked because my BotW case has a Sheikah design as opposed to any of the characters, so I was wondering how the Mario Kart cases looked.
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There’s also the Mario Kart series logo on it. I was going to buy a Zelda until I saw the Mario Kart one available for pre-order.
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Nice! I wouldn’t mind getting more cases for other series down the line, like a Super Mario Odyssey case.
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I have a screen for my GameCube as well! It’s pretty awesome to have. 🙂
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Awesome! I’m glad more people had this thing besides me, haha!
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I don’t remember if I voiced my opinions on it or not on the video now, but I still think Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn’t worth it to Wii U owners unless for some reason they traded in their Wii U to get the Switch and still want the game. It could’ve been a much lazier port, but it does beg the question… will there be a Mario Kart 9 on the Switch? Will this be the first system to have TWO Mario Karts on it!? The plot thickens. I think I answered some of the other stuff today so I’ll spare a repeat there, but I’ve been meaning to try Minecraft sometime myself. That’s right, I haven’t played it either. If I get it, it will be the Wii U version as I’d like to play with a controller and not a mouse. And of course, still no Switch. I’m just worried I’ll get too sucked in and it’ll be the only thing I play for a long time. Games like that are not a great thing when they end up making you burn yourself out on them, so I’m still wary but… it’s one the list. It’s just… below a lot of other stuff I still want to check out.
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I don’t think Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is necessarily a good value for most Wii U owners, but it’s certainly a great game and one worth double dipping if you want to play portably or want an improved Battle Mode. Both were certainly important to me, though I still wish it were a little cheaper.
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I think there should be some type of connectivity to give Wii U owners a discount. That way they won’t feel so shafted… about this and the whole Wii U in general. And yeah, it’s great. Like, Twilight Princess HD is great. Is it worth running out and buying Twilight Princess again? I don’t know about that. This wouldn’t be an issue with backwards compatibility, and I realize that’d bring up the cost of the system to add in the tech and whatnot, even if it’s just for the base unit, but I think the amount you’d save eventually when considering how much each remake is going to cost… it’d be worth it. And again, Mario Kart 9. Just… just give us Mario Kart 9 instead. I understand this is a smart business decision to do this, but it’s not the most impressive choice. But hey, they sure aren’t shy about selling you the same games over and over again anyway so why be surprised, right?
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