Trump’s Tariffs, Switch 2 Concerns, and Gaming Gratitude!
November 28th, 2024 Podcast Recap
This week on Good Playing With You, Dan Whitehill, Matt Lord, and Matthew Maulding served up a packed episode full of holiday gaming news. From Trump’s proposed tariffs that could skyrocket gaming prices to a heartwarming story about Borderlands 4, here’s everything you need to catch up on this Thanksgiving week.
Trump’s Tariffs: A Threat to Gaming Prices?
The team dissected Ethan Gatch’s Kotaku article detailing the potential impact of President Trump’s proposed tariffs. With taxes on imports as high as 60%, gaming hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 Pro could see price hikes of hundreds of dollars. Accessories, GPUs, and even digital games may also face increases. The hosts debated whether Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft could lobby for exemptions as they did in 2019—or if the proposed tariffs could tank the launch of the Switch 2.
Switch 2 Speculation: What’s Next?
Rumors suggest the Switch 2 might launch in March 2025, but potential tariffs could push its price well beyond the expected $400. Lord predicted a launch price of $500-600, while Maulding placed his guess at $550. Dan lamented Nintendo’s decision to delay the console, potentially forcing consumers to shoulder a much higher price tag.
Dr Disrespect Joins Rumble
Controversial streamer Dr Disrespect has signed a non-exclusive deal with Rumble, a platform known for its appeal to right-wing creators. The move follows his demonetization on YouTube and adds another twist to his career. The team speculated on whether this partnership could help Rumble attract a gaming audience or if it signals a decline in Dr Disrespect’s influence.
Sony’s Handheld Plans
Sony is reportedly working on a true handheld console to compete with the likes of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. While Lord is eager for a PSP successor, Maulding remains skeptical of handheld gaming’s appeal. However, with development still in early stages, this device might not hit shelves until the next generation—if at all.
Black Friday Gaming Deals
The team shared their top Black Friday gaming deals:
Elden Ring for $20 on Amazon
Hell Divers 2 and Silent Hill 2 for $30 at Target
Steam Deck (512GB) for $336
Demon’s Souls (PS5) for $30 at Best Buy
Maulding planned to snag Star Wars Outlaws, while Dan picked up Prince of Persia and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Lord, ever the tinkerer, invested in a 1TB SSD for his Steam Deck.
Gaming Gratitude: What Games Are We Thankful For?
In the Thanksgiving spirit, the team reflected on games that shaped their lives:
Maulding: Final Fantasy I for igniting his love of RPGs and Skyrim for endless hours of exploration.
Lord: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for bringing friends together, Duke Nukem 3D for PC nostalgia, and Super Metroid for its masterful design.
Dan: Resident Evil 4 for rekindling his love for gaming, Bioshock for introducing him to first-person shooters, and Dragon Age: Inquisition for its compelling hero arc.
Heartwarming Gaming Stories
The episode wrapped with two uplifting tales:
Stack Up Charity: The team spotlighted Stack Up, a nonprofit supporting veterans through gaming. Programs like “Supply Crates” deliver gaming equipment to deployed troops and veterans recovering from trauma. Visit stackup.org to learn more.
Borderlands 4 Early Access: Terminally ill fan Caleb MacAlpine fulfilled his dream of playing Borderlands 4 early, thanks to Gearbox. MacAlpine praised the game as “amazing” and expressed gratitude for the experience, making it a heartwarming story of community and kindness.
What Are You Thankful For?
From gaming memories to exciting deals, it’s a great time to celebrate the power of video games. What are you playing this holiday weekend, and which games have impacted your life the most? Let us know in the comments or email us at goodplayingwithyou@gmail.com.
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