Advertise on podcast: The Gaming Duo

Check out Onix from The Gaming Resume: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegamingresume This week on The Gaming Duo, Kelvin is out on vacation, so Rob is joined by special guest Onix from The Gaming Resume for a deep dive into one of gaming’s biggest questions right now — do we actually own our games anymore? From the decline of physical media to the rise of digital libraries and cloud gaming, we break down what “ownership” really means in 2025. Are discs becoming collector’s items? Is convenience killing preservation? And what happens to your games when servers shut down? We also discuss: The shift from physical to digital and what it means for gamers Subscription services like Game Pass and the “rent vs. own” debate The growing problem of game preservation Who’s doing it right when it comes to protecting gaming history All that and more on this week’s episode of The Gaming Duo — where friendships are built through gaming. Please consider supporting The Gaming Duo on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/GamingDuoPod

🎙️ The Side Project Podcasthttps://linktr.ee/sideprojektpodcast This week on The Gaming Duo, we’re joined by a very special guest — Chazzy from The Side Project Podcast — for a full spoiler cast on the Super Mario Bros. Galaxy movie. Did Nintendo deliver something truly special, or did they play it a little too safe? We break down everything: our expectations going in, the full plot, standout characters and cameos, and whether this movie works as just a fun family film or something more. We also spotlight The Cosplay Awards, a brand-new celebration of the cosplay community that Chazzy is helping bring to life. All that, final grades, and more on this episode of The Gaming Duo — where friendships are built through gaming.

This week on The Gaming Duo, Nintendo might be building something big. With Fox McCloud showing up in the Super Mario Galaxy movie, the idea of a Nintendo Cinematic Universe suddenly feels real. On top of that, a trusted insider drops major leaks—Star Fox returning, a full Ocarina of Time remake, and no new 3D Mario until 2027. Meanwhile, Sony shocks everyone (again) by raising PS5 prices, with the PS5 Pro nearing $900… yeah, it’s getting wild. But in a surprising twist, Nintendo lowers digital game prices—so who’s really winning right now? We break it all down, plus what we’ve been playing and more. The Gaming Duo — where friendships are built through gaming. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/GamingDuoPod

Episode 278 of The Gaming Duo features special guest The Googinator, diving into his cosplay journey and how gaming shapes his creations. We also break down the massive Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer, discuss the debate around NVIDIA DLSS 5, and ask whether Crimson Desert is a hit or a miss. All that plus what we’ve been playing. The Gaming Duo — where friendships are built through gaming. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/GamingDuoPod The Googinator: https://www.instagram.com/the_googinator/

This week on The Gaming Duo, Kelvin and Rob dive into their full review of Resident Evil Requiem. From the story and new protagonist to the gameplay, combat, and atmosphere, we break down what Capcom got right — and the one area where the game may overstay its welcome. We discuss our first impressions jumping into the game, whether the narrative delivers, and how East Raccoon City impacts the overall pacing. Plus, does the RE Engine continue to impress on PS5, and where does Requiem rank among the modern Resident Evil titles? linktree: https://linktr.ee/GamingDuoPod

This week on The Gaming Duo, Bungie’s long-awaited extraction shooter Marathon has officially launched — and the internet already has strong opinions. We break down our first impressions of the gameplay, the day-one player numbers, and the microtransaction controversy that had the community up in arms. More importantly, Bungie responded within days with changes and fixes. Is that a good sign for the game’s future, or is Marathon already fighting an uphill battle in a post-Concord world? Then we shift to a massive industry shake-up: Xbox has officially confirmed its next-gen console, Project Helix. The big twist? It reportedly runs Windows, supports Steam and other PC storefronts, and may blur the line between console and gaming PC entirely. Is this the bold reinvention Xbox needs, or proof that the traditional console model is changing? We also discuss: Whether Marathon’s launch numbers are actually strong If the extraction shooter market can support multiple big games What a Windows-powered Xbox means for the future of consoles Early price predictions and concerns for Project Helix All that plus our weekly gaming segment.

This week on The Gaming Duo, we share our initial impressions of Resident Evil 9: Requiem, breaking down the gameplay, story, tone, and where it ranks among past entries in the series. We also discuss the official reveal of Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Wave and what Gen 10 could mean for the future of the franchise following Scarlet and Violet. Plus, we react to the first look at Amazon’s God of War series and talk about whether the adaptation can capture what made the 2018 game so impactful. Episode 275 starts now. Discord Link: https://discord.gg/DDr9ARRDKZ

This week on The Gaming Duo, we break down major changes across the gaming industry. Phil Spencer retires after 38 years at Microsoft, and Sarah Bond exits Xbox. Microsoft names Asha Sharma, formerly an AI and platform executive, as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, with Matt Booty stepping into the role of Chief Content Officer. We discuss what this transition means for Xbox’s future, the direction of console and Game Pass, and how realistic Sharma’s early commitments are. We also cover Sony’s decision to shut down Bluepoint Games, the studio behind Demon’s Souls (PS5) and Shadow of the Colossus. What led to the closure, and what does it signal about PlayStation’s broader strategy? A big week for industry leadership and studio changes Gaming Duo Discord: https://discord.gg/X8ZAEREkGh

Episode 273 of The Gaming Duo is here—and we’re breaking down the aftermath of the February 2026 PlayStation State of Play with special guest The Friday Night Game Cast’s Nik. From hype reveals to absolutely unhinged hot takes, we give our full, unfiltered reactions to everything Sony showed and what it means for PlayStation’s future. We dive deep into the biggest announcements, including Kena: Scars of Kosmora, the cinematic reveal of an untitled John Wick game from Saber Interactive, and the return of gothic 2D action with Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. The discussion keeps rolling with Star Wars: Galactic Racer, the newly dated 007 First Light, and Sony’s massive confirmation of a full God of War Trilogy Remake. And of course, we react to the surprise shadow drop of God of War: Sons of Sparta, available right now, and debate whether this smaller-scale Kratos story hits as hard as the mainline entries. Hosted by Kelvin Rolon and Rob Garcia, with guest Nik, this episode is packed with reactions, debates, and takes you’ll definitely want to argue about. 🎮 Episode 273 starts… NOW. Friday Night GameCast: https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast Gaming Duo Discord: https://discord.gg/Y6fb7xjj4V

This week on The Gaming Duo, we’re gearing up for PlayStation’s State of Play on February 12, 2026, and breaking down everything we expect to see—joined by special guest and honorary third member of the show, Samurai Kibiji. We discuss what PlayStation has confirmed so far, including the focus on third-party and indie titles, potential updates from PlayStation Studios, and over an hour of announcements and gameplay. Then we dive into our predictions and wish list, touching on titles like Wolverine, Kingdom Hearts IV, the next Final Fantasy VII, Intergalactic, and some hopeful Bloodborne talk. Whether you’re watching live or catching the highlights after, this episode gets you ready for everything PlayStation might have in store. Gaming Duo Discord Server: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2 Samurai Kibiji Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SamuraiKibiji

This week on The Gaming Duo, we’re joined by Nik Hagialas, Co-Owner and Lead Artist at Red Essence Games, to talk all about their debut hand-painted action RPG, Traveler’s Refrain. With over a decade of experience working on projects for Disney, Dungeons & Dragons, and Fantasy Flight Games, Nik breaks down how Traveler’s Refrain came to life — from its earliest inspirations to years of development between longtime friends. We dive into the game’s standout song-casting mechanic, where music drives both combat and world interaction, and how that idea evolved throughout development. To wrap things up, Nik answers our signature Gaming Duo questions, shares what he’s playing right now, and offers advice for aspiring indie developers. 🎮 Traveler’s Refrain is available now on Steam redessencegames.com Purchase Travelers Refrain here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2679660/Travelers_Refrain/ Be part of the Gaming Duo Community by joining our discord server: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

This week on The Gaming Duo, we dive deep into Traveler’s Refrain, the music-driven action RPG from Red Essence Games that blends combat, melody, and melancholy into a surprisingly powerful indie experience. Wielding a magical bouzouki, Traveler’s Refrain asks a bold question: what if music wasn’t just atmosphere but the heart of gameplay, storytelling, and self-discovery? We break down how song-casting works in combat and exploration, whether the music mechanics feel meaningful or gimmicky, and how the game balances rhythm-adjacent action without becoming a full rhythm game. From its atmospheric world design and light puzzle-solving to its emotional themes of memory, loss, and longing, we discuss who this game is really for and why its smaller scope may actually be its greatest strength. We also dig into the game’s minimalist storytelling approach, pacing, and overall length, along with its biggest strengths and shortcomings. Plus, we wrap things up with our recommendation and final score. If you love emotionally driven indie games like Transistor, Hyper Light Drifter, or Death’s Door, this is one journey you won’t want to miss. Discord link: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

This week on The Gaming Duo, we break down everything shown at Xbox Developer Direct 2026—and yeah, this one actually hit. From a full gameplay deep dive on Fable to Forza Horizon 6 finally heading to Japan, we go game by game through Xbox’s most focused showcase yet. We talk big surprises like Beast of Reincarnation from Game Freak, Double Fine’s wonderfully weird Kiln, and whether Xbox’s gameplay-first approach signals real momentum heading into 2026. Plus, we dig into High Guard—what it is, how it could launch, and whether it’s a sleeper hit in the making. On the news side, we unpack Ubisoft canceling multiple projects, including Prince of Persia, and what that says about the company’s future, legacy IPs, and creative risk-taking. Is Xbox finally delivering on its promises? Which game stole the show? And how important is 2026 for Xbox’s future? Episode 270 starts… NOW. Discord Link: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

This week on The Gaming Duo, we go all-in on Capcom’s explosive Resident Evil 9: Requiem showcase and what it means for the future of the franchise. From Leon’s brutal new combat style and dynamic stealth gameplay to unsettling zombies with human personalities and a mysterious scar that could change everything, we break down the biggest reveals and ask: could this be the best Resident Evil yet? We also react to reports of a Resident Evil: Code Veronica remake, discuss major casting news with Ryan Hurst stepping into the role of Kratos for Amazon’s God of War series and Sophie Turner becoming the new Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, and cover the surprising shutdown of Amazon’s MMO New World. Plus, we break down the newly revealed Lego Ocarina of Time set. Discord Link: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

This week on The Gaming Duo, we break down Xbox’s Developer Direct 2026 and what it tells us about which games could actually launch this year. We also react to leaked Steam Machine pricing that suggests a premium push from Valve, and dive into ongoing GTA 6 delay rumors as confidence in its 2026 release date gets tested.Rate and review the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and join our Discord—where friendships are built through gaming. Discord link: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2