Best MacStories Podcasts (2025)

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Sports Comedies and the Return of MacStories Deals 14:17

Play Pause

4d ago14:17

14:17

This week, John and Federico return from break to chat about how they spent their time off, the new MacStories Deals social accounts, two sports-related comedies, and a great deal on a favorite TV series. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Summer Break and MacStories Deals MacStories Deals returns after seven years Follow it on Ma…

1
Microsoft's Stepping Stone: Xbox Comes to the Ally X 48:13

2h ago48:13

48:13

Returning from summer break, the NPC crew discusses Microsoft and ASUS’s Xbox handheld announcement at Gamescom. They also cover the upcoming release of Silk Song, Nintendo Direct rumors, and growing concerns about Switch 2’s strategy, particularly the lack of third-party dev kits and exclusive titles. The episode closes with an exploration of wild…

1
Nintendo Faces Tariffs, But Keeps Switch 2 Pricing Steady 34:11

22d ago34:11

34:11

This week, Brendon and John mind the show while Federico is on vacation, covering Nintendo’s pricing changes, the latest on Retroid’s second screen accessory, the TrinketOS Android front end, Manic EMU for iOS, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Wavelengths 2.0 A Podcast and a Patreon Swit…

1
Workout Buddies, Comedies, Videogame Podcasts, and Godzilla 21:48

25d ago21:48

21:48

This week, John is joined by Jonathan Reed to recap the watchOS 26 public beta, and share a trio of comedies old an new, along with Brendon Bigley’s new project and a classic monster movie deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes A watchOS 26 Preview watchOS 26 The MacStories Public Beta Preview Picks Jonathan’s Picks: The Naked G…

1
Brendon's Bad Fur Day 29:39

29d ago29:39

29:39

This week, Brendon KONKRs AYANEO’s two-day announcement-fest and is joined by John and Federico for diversions into 3DS repairs, the GPD Win 5, Gamescom, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News US Tariff Exemptions are Ending All of your international packages are about to get more expensive Th…

1
Oasis and Superheroes 22:06

1M ago22:06

22:06

This week, Federico recounts his trip to London to see Oasis play Wembley Stadium, and John recommends the new Fantastic Four movie plus a great deal on a classic comedy. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico’s Pick: Oasis Live at Wembley Stadium John’s Pick: Fantastic Four: First Steps Unwind Deal Wa…

1
The Multitool of Handhelds 43:47

1M ago43:47

43:47

This week, Brendon and John cover the ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1 dual-screen handheld, Sony’s power-saving and controller updates, and the latest ES-DE update for Android. Then John reports back on the MagicX Zero 40 homework that Brendon gave him last week. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News ONEXSUGAR Sugar…

1
Banana! 22:47

1M ago22:47

22:47

This week, John struggles to update an old Apple TV and two HomePod minis, Federico sets up OTA TV, and they both go bananas over Donkey Kong Bananza. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Hello Weather: The Exceptionally Useful Weather App for iOS, Totally Redesigned for 2025 Links and Show Notes Unplugged Topics John strug…

1
Hello from 1998: Revisiting Past Handhelds 45:33

1M ago45:33

45:33

This week, John kicks off NPC with a return to 1998, before the crew digs into 8BitDo’s new Pro 3 controller, Thunderbolt 5 eGPU enclosures and docks, TrimUI’s ponderous Smart Pro Mini, and Federico and John’s first impressions of the MagicX Zero 40. Then, Brendon, John, and Federico bring a handheld they haven’t used in a while back to the show, a…

1
Shifting Workflows and a Dark Comedy 21:57

2M ago21:57

21:57

This week, Federico’s return to Apple system apps has ended and new workflow experiments have begun. Plus, John shares a dark comedy, and Federico has an anti-pick. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Federico’s Evolving Workflow: MCP and More Mentioned: HyperContext Longplay Longplay for Mac Launches with Powerful AI and Shortcuts…

1
Joy-Lock™: Dbrand Trademarks Its Do-Over 44:55

2M ago44:55

44:55

This week on NPC, lots of follow up about microSD Express cards, the Switch 2 Dock, XR glasses and the dbrand Killswitch, plus Retroid’s second screen accessory, Windows handhelds, a new eGPU, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Follow Up Follow up on microSD Express cards 1TB microSD Expre…

1
Our Updated Gear Setups 18:47

2M ago18:47

18:47

This week, Federico and John discuss the updates to their work and play tech gear setups. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Our Gear Setups Federico’s Pick: ASUS ROG PG27UCDM monitor with built-in KVM Nintendo Switch 2 Mac Studio Coiled USB-C to USB-C Cable Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Controller Viture Pro XR glasses Viture Mobile doc…

1
Switch 2 Dock Mysteries 45:09

2M ago45:09

45:09

This week, Federico, John, and Brendon cover REDMAGIC’s Android tablet, rumors of an Ayn Odin 3, and other news before digging into the mysteries surrounding Nintendo’s Switch 2 dock. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Here’s a 1TB MicroSD Express card for Switch 2 REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet has a…

1
Tending Your HomeKit Garden 21:24

2M ago21:24

21:24

This week, automation crimes, HomeKit Gardens, tattoo crime shows, and videogames. It’s a packed episode, just in time for the long holiday weekend in the U.S. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Automation and HomeKit Crimes HomeKit-Compatible Kasa Smart Plugs HDHomeRun Love Island (USA and Italy) ‘Montoya, por favor!’ the viral S…

1
You’re Holding It Wrong: Dbrand and the Joy-Con Gap 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

This week on NPC, John and Brendon cover Hori webcam woes, a creative new Game Boy Camera app for iOS, and dbrand’s Killswitch case troubles for the Switch 2. They also dig into the ambitious but flawed MagicX DS-style handheld, Brendon’s ongoing Tokyo Pro Controller hunt, and more. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News The Nintendo …

1
The Big Update You Probably Didn't Even Notice 17:18

2M ago17:18

17:18

This week, Federico and John dig into MacStories’ big infrastructure update, John tours Wilmington, NC TV locations, and they both have TV, movie, and music picks, plus two movie deals. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment MacStories gets an under-the-hood makeover Wilmington, NC TV Dawson’s Creek One Tree Hill The…

1
What's That Smell? The RG Slide 36:27

2M ago36:27

36:27

This week, we have RG Slide pricing and penguins, along with new AYANEO news, and a cool aluminum TrimUI Brick. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Switch 2 Pro Controller issues? dbrand Killswitch for the Nintendo Switch 2 RG Slide First Impressions, Pricing, and Penguins Anbernic RG Slide First Imp…

1
Beta Season and Crime Dramas 18:09

2M ago18:09

18:09

This week, John installs macOS Tahoe, he and Federico each recommend a recent crime drama, and we have a Daredevil Unwind deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment macOS Tahoe macOS Tahoe Press Release macOS Tahoe: The MacStories Overview Apple’s upcoming transcription API Hands-On How Apple’s New Speech APIs Outp…

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From Italy to Japan: Brendon Goes Hands‑On With the Switch 2 42:54

3M ago42:54

42:54

This week on NPC, Brendon shares his first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 after UPS Japan comes knocking, and all three hosts cover a chaotic week of handheld news—from the RG Slide to a surprise ASUS/Xbox handheld. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review New…

1
Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions 36:17

3M ago36:17

36:17

This week, Federico and John walk listeners through their first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2, including the hardware, the setup process, Super Mario Kart World, the Zelda upgrades, the new Pro Controller, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Our Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions Nintendo Switch 2 Beginners Guide …

1
The Year of Weird Handhelds: RG Slide Edition 31:39

3M ago31:39

31:39

This week, with the Switch 2 launch just around the corner, Federico and John round up the latest Switch 2 news, get excited for a bunch of weird and wonderful upcoming handhelds, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Ninetendo Switch 2 N64 Games Are Getting An Upgrade Thanks To The Nintendo …

1
Dropping Dropbox 20:37

3M ago20:37

20:37

This week, John quits Dropbox, Federico wraps up Friends, and John recommends a pair of movies and a Quentin Tarantino movie deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes John Quits Dropbox for Google Drive Picks Federico’s Picks: Friends Streaming on Max Box Set on Apple TV Friends: The Reunion John’s Double Feature Pick: The Order Fo…

1
A Very Ticci Surprise 33:04

3M ago33:04

33:04

This week, Federico drops a big gaming surprise on John after the two of them cover the latest Switch 2, MSI, and Anbernic handheld news. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Samsung making its chips at potentially higher volumes than expected Nintendo Turns to Samsung to Make Chips, Ramp Up …

1
Pretty Much as You Remember Me: A French-Inspired RPG and 70s-Era Crime Drama 17:56

3M ago17:56

17:56

This week Federico and John, share the news that they’ll be at WWDC together for the first time since 2023. Then, Federico recommends Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an RPG that has taken a lot of gamers by surprise, and John is into Duster, a new JJ Abrams TV show set in the 70s. All that, plus a Raiders of the Lost Ark deal. Also available Fridays o…

1
Flip, Slide, and Brick: Handheld Rumors and Nintendo Surprises 32:09

4M ago32:09

32:09

This week, Federico and John round up the many new Switch 2 details that have emerged as launch day draws near. Plus, they share two new and interesting handheld rumors from Anbernic and Miyoo and more. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Inoreader – Boost Productivity and Gain Insights with AI-Powered Intelligence Tools L…

1
Beverley Hills Blogger: Behind the Scenes at Airbnb's Media Event and More 20:54

4M ago20:54

20:54

This week, Federico quizzes John about Airbnb’s media event and how it compares to an Apple event, and John shares a superhero TV show and TV deal. Also available Fridays on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes John Enters the Influencer Ring at the Airbnb Media Event Airbnb’s Redesigned App Combines Stays with Services and Unique Experiences Stay tu…

1
Nintendo Sues Genki, ROG Ally 2 Leaks, and Backbone Pro Debuts 32:30

4M ago32:30

32:30

This week, Nintendo is back to its litigous ways, Backbone has a new controller, the Anbernic RG34XXSP is real, and not one but two ASUS Rog Ally 2s leak in FCC filings. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Brendon spots an NPC parking lot. The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Nintendo began working on Switch 2 shortly after the…

1
Voze and Iticci: The AI Spelling Challenge 17:05

4M ago17:05

17:05

This week, find out if we successfully podcasted our way to a new Pope. Learn just how poorly AI can spell Voorhees and Viticci. And, enjoy an audiobook pick, thoughts on Friends, and a Marvel movie bundle deal. Also available on YouTube every Friday here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged: As the conclave continues, two seagulls steal the show on the…

1
Anbernic and Ayaneo Keep Launching and a JIT Twist on iOS 40:38

4M ago40:38

40:38

This week on NPC, Federico, Brendon, and John chart which handheld makers are still shipping to the U.S. in the wake of steep tariffs, then explore how speedrunners are stress‑testing Breath of the Wild at Nintendo’s Switch 2 hands‑on events. Plus, they update listeners on Nintendo’s release of version 20 of the original Switch’s firmware, how a co…

1
A Return to the Animal Kingdom and Outdoor Spaces 20:57

4M ago20:57

20:57

This week, John and Federico compare wildlife notes, John is set up to work outdoors, Federico has an album to share, and John recommends a movie about ancient Rome. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Textastic: The Powerful Code Editor for iPad and iPhone — Now Free to Try Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Groundhog…

1
Midnight Chaos: Switch 2 Pre-Order Demand Outstrips Supply 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

This week, looming tariffs cause more handheld makers to pause shipments to the U.S., demand for the Switch 2 outstrips supply, John explains what the U.S. pre-order process was like, and we marvel at the restoration of a vintage Game Boy kiosk. Links and Show Notes Follow Up Playdate, Season 2 Preorders The Latest Portable Gaming News Tariff Updat…

1
He's Acting Like a Bird 18:58

4M ago18:58

18:58

This week, Federico gets silly with the Vision Pro, and John learns about crypto – typical Unwind stuff. Links and Show Notes Goodwill for Electronics The GRID Picks Federico’s Pick: ResMed Kontor Head Strap Forwardvia John’s Pick: Number Go Up by Zeke Faux Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon M…

1
Handheld Gaming's Bright Summer: Mario Kart World, Playdate Season 2, and More 34:05

5M ago34:05

34:05

This week, John and Federico hold down the fort without Brendon, discussing U.S. Switch 2 pre-orders, Super Mario Kart World, upcoming hardware from Epilogue, Playdate’s Season 2, Razer Remote Play, and more. Links and Show Notes Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders in the U.S. Switch 2 Breath of the Wild will add weapon repairs through Zelda Notes Super Ma…

1
You Look Great in OLED 26:11

5M ago26:11

26:11

This week, Federico shares all the details about his new 4K OLED display, and John is obsessed with documentaries about the Barkley Marathons. Links and Show Notes Picks Federico’s Pick: ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM John’s Pick: The Barkley Marathons The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young The Finisher: Jasmin Paris and the Barkley Marathons…

1
The Switch 2: New Discoveries and Marketing Stumbles 41:35

5M ago41:35

41:35

This week on NPC, the trio analyzes how tariffs have disrupted Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. Then Federico, John, and Brendon dissects new details that have emerged about the upcoming console, debate Nintendo’s game pricing, ponder what console exclusivity means in 2025, and share their excitement for the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Links and …

1
Bio Grifters and Side Quests 22:20

5M ago22:20

22:20

This week, we consider whether the dire wolf has actually been “de-extincted” and recommend a show on Apple TV+ and an excellent four-movie bundle. This episode is sponsored by: Rogue Amoeba: Makers of incredibly useful audio tools for your Mac. Use the code MS2504 through the end of April to get 20% off Rogue Amoeba’s apps. Links and Show Notes Th…

1
Nintendo Switch 2: Unpacking the Direct 46:50

5M ago46:50

46:50

This week, Federico, John, and Brendon Bigley dive into Nintendo’s reveal of the Switch 2, analyzing the technical specifications, Mouse Control, the camera accessory, the new Pro Controller, Game Share, Nintendo’s strategy shift, and more. Programming Note: We’re releasing this episode early while the Switch 2 news is still fresh. Therefore, there…

1
Switch 2 Tech, Games, and Cutting-Edge Battery Packs 18:34

5M ago18:34

18:34

This week, the latest on the NVIDIA tech driving the Switch 2 and a new Donkey Kong game brings back podcast memories, plus Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and a super-slim Qi battery pack for your iPhone. Links and Show Notes Nintendo Switch 2 and NVIDIA Nintendo Switch 2 Leveled Up With NVIDIA AI-Powered DLSS and 4K Gaming NVIDIA Blog Nvidia c…

1
Bridging to Switch 2: Rumors, Virtual Game Card Questions, and Nintendo's Today App 39:33

5M ago39:33

39:33

This week, Brendon, John, and Federico analyze the latest Nintendo Direct and what it reveals about the Switch 2’s rumored June launch. Then the trio dissects the many questions that Nintendo’s upcoming Virtual Game Cards system raises, explores the features of the Nintendo Today app, and debate the reported three-phase launch strategy for the next…

1
Summertime Drinks, A Tech Gear Update, Media Picks, and More 20:34

5M ago20:34

20:34

This week, Federico and John each share a couple of drink discoveries and John has updated his video recording and gaming setups, before they share a TV show, documentary, and movie deal. This episode is sponsored by: Fello AI – All-In-One AI Chat Client for macOS. Download it on the App Store today. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Dropping …

1
A Portal Surprise, ONEXSUGAR Chaos, and A Steam Deck Miracle 49:46

5M ago49:46

49:46

This week, Brendon shares his surprising early impressions of the Ayn Odin Portal. Then Federico, John, and Brendon dive into Nintendo Switch 2 pricing rumors, explore the performance issues of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on M4 Macs despite being Steam Deck verified, and break down Qualcomm’s confusing new G-series chips powering upcoming handhelds. T…

1
Vibe Coding in Another Life, a Live Album, and an Emo Tribute 16:53

6M ago16:53

16:53

This week, Federico wonders whether John would have been a vibe coder if he started building an app today, and they share music picks along with a movie trilogy deal. Links and Show Notes A Vibe Coder Before the Term Was Coined Blink Effortless Affiliate Link Generation on iOS Blink 2.0 iPad Multitasking Support and Removing Small Frustrations A Co…

1
Retroid's Rocky Road and Microsoft's Portable Plans 54:01

6M ago54:01

54:01

This week, Brendon, Federico, and John dive into the ongoing Retroid Pocket Mini controversy, discussing the scaling issues, community reactions, and what it means for consumers in the retro handheld space. After addressing Retroid’s troubles, they explore the Retroid Pocket Classic and pricing information for the Flip 2. To wrap up the week’s news…

1
Escape From the Echo Chamber 20:26

6M ago20:26

20:26

This week John is tricked by Daylight Savings, Federico and he reflect on how to avoid getting stuck in a creative echo chamber, share movie and music picks, along with a movie deal, and digress into the world of European cartoon theme songs before calling it a day. Links and Show Notes Avoiding the Creative Echo Chamber Picks Federico’s Pick: Live…

1
Holey Controller Batman: Samsung's Prototype Handheld 47:39

6M ago47:39

47:39

John, Brendon, and Federico are back for another week of handheld news, including a tiny bit of Switch 2 news, an up and down week for Retroid, DS handhelds inch forward, Samsung wonders if thumbholes are the perfect complement to thumbsticks, and AYANEO decides thumbsticks aren’t worth the trouble. Plus, Brendon shares NextUI and the 8BitDo Ultima…

1
From Red Beans and NPC's Expansion to British Spies 20:08

6M ago20:08

20:08

This week, Cajun cooking, behind-the-scenes of the launch of NPC XL, another great British spy drama, and a classic sci-fi deal. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment John Cooks Red Beans and Rice Recipe Crock Pot Slow Cookers Introducing NPC XL - More NPC, Every Week NPC: Next Portable Console is now weekly for everyone. Enjoy a new episode packe…

1
AYANEO Cancels Then Resurrects the Flip 46:07

6M ago46:07

46:07

This week, Retroid Pocket Flip 2 specs are out, the Legion Go S disappoints, and we try to decipher what AYANEO is doing before reminiscing over a PictoChat clone on the iPhone and discussing the benefits of having a personal videogame shopper in Japan, and Brendon’s experience with the black Miyoo Flip. Links and Show Notes Introducing NPC XL - Mo…

1
A Question of Character 17:03

6M ago17:03

17:03

This week, Federico questions John’s character before discovering the joy of audiobooks, while John has been listening to more podcasts and has a question for listeners about which TV show he should watch next. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Federico digs into John’s history as a sports fan. Picks Federico’s Pick: Co-Intelligence: Living an…

1
Brick Gang 53:17

6M ago53:17

53:17

On the latest NPC, ASUS gaming phones, Retroid’s big surprise, and more Nintendo emulation drama, plus 8BitDo tries to solve the iPhone vertical controller problem, Federico weighs in on the Any Odin2 Portal, and the whole gang has nothing but love for the TrimUI Brick. Links and Show Notes Follow-Up Bazzite Potential Effect of Tariffs on Retro Han…

1
A Food Extremist 20:06

7M ago20:06

20:06

This week on Unwind, Federico and John offer a peek behind what it’s like to wait for an Apple press release to drop, Federico critiques an Italian’s recommendations of what to buy at Costco and shares a videogame pick, and John has a new movie for listeners. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Apple Reveals New iPhone 16e with Face ID and 48MP Camera C…