The Random Encounter Podcast

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 175! Today we discuss PlayStation’s controversy from the last week surrounding DRM. We also discuss our anticipation of the Steam Controller launch the night before.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 174! Today we discuss all of the new changes coming down the pike thanks to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. We also discuss how we’re all going to be buying Valve’s new Steam Controller when it inevitably comes out (thanks to an accidentally released video review).----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 173! Today we discuss the recent announcement of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, as well as Capcom’s undeniably elite non-stop gaming releases in 2026.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 172! Today we take turns going over our picks for a template that got some some notice on social media this week (https://grids.fun/t/about-me-video-games-dcefq). We try our best go take no longer than 45 seconds per pick, but sometimes fail!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 171! Today is a James and Bryant only episode as we discuss some light news items, but mainly, Final Fantasy. We go into detail about our introduction to the series (1997’s Final Fantasy VII) as well as impressions of the entries since.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 170: Today we talk about the recent price increases for PlayStation products, NateTheHate’s supposed Nintendo leaks, and finally the Xbox Partner Preview from March 26th, 2026.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 169! Today we talk about the recent upgrade to PS5 Pro’s PSSR, Nintendo Switch 2’s newly implemented “Boost Mode” for Nintendo Switch backwards compatibility, as well as memories of the Game Boy Advance as it hits its 25th anniversary.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 168! Today we finish our thoughts on Resident Evil Requiem as all of us who played it, beat it. We also give our impressions on Microsoft’s attempted gaming redemption with the announcement of “Project Helix”.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 167! Today we discuss the newest entry in Capcom’s Resident Evil franchise with Resident Evil Requiem. We discuss other things too, but lets be real— this week’s episode is based in Raccoon City.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 166! Today we discuss the further erosion of AAA first-party gaming releases with the closing of Sony’s port/remake studio, Bluepoint. In a way, this also relates to Xbox’s leadership shakeup with Sarah Bond resigning and Phil Spencer retiring. What implications do these moves have on the further destruction of the Xbox brand and gaming at large? Lastly, is $19.99 too much for Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green rom releases on Nintendo Switch? ----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 165! Today we discussed the surprisingly strong PlayStation State of Play that broadcasted on February 12th, 2026. ----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 164! Today we talked about the Nintendo Partner Direct from 02.05.26 and what the overall vibe of the 3rd party announcements were. We also discussed news items like Sony’s latest stab at multiplayer synergy with Horizon Hunters Gathering, Overwatch 2 losing the “2” (which it never should have had), as well as what we think will happen to Valve’s Steam Machine’s price due to component shortages/inflation.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 163! Today we talk about what we’ve been playing, rumored PlayStation hardware, Virtual Boy coming to Nintendo Switch Online, Final Fantasy VII news, and the controversy surrounding the censorship of the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Dispatch.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 162! Today we talk about what we’ve been playing, the latest Ubisoft cancellations, and Ohsnap's MCON mobile gaming controller.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 161! Today we talk about what we’ve been playing (with a healthy dose of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as the demos for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and Pragmata). We end with a discussion on our main platform of choice when deciding where to play games.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 160! Today, we discuss our top three favorite games of 2025 as well as what we're looking forward to most in 2026.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 159! Today, we discuss the award winners from The Video Game Awards 2025 as well as the new video game announcements.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 158! Today, we discuss Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and the future of gaming in the world of ever-increasing hardware prices. We also discuss what we've been playing leading up to The Video Game Awards 2025!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 157! Today, we discuss the Xbox 360's impact on its 20th anniversary as well as where the Xbox brand is now. The bulk of this episode, however, is guessing who we think will win various categories at The Video Game Awards on December 11th as the nominees just dropped. Will there be some prize for who gets the most right? I guess we will find out!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 156! Today we talked about PlayStation’s State of Play (Japanese Edition), Metroid Prime 4: Beyond preview impressions, and finally, the exciting announcements of new hardware from Valve: the new Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 155! Today there is some big PlayStation news as the PlayStation Portal has gained the ability to play purchased games over the cloud. Also, it appears there may be some incoming ability to cross-buy between PC and PlayStation. We also have some Kirby Air Riders talk and brief discussion about the Grand Theft Auto VI delay.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 154! Today we talk a lot of PlayStation: The 25th Anniversary of the PlayStation 2 as well as Halo on PlayStation 5. We also discuss the recent embargo limitation of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake that prevented those that had the game prior to release from discussing the ending.Check out our live Podcast on Sundays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 153! Today we talk all Xbox: The newly released Xbox Ally X, the future of Xbox, and Microsoft's antagonism towards exclusivity. We also discuss what we've been playing, as well as other miscellaneous news items.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 152! Today James and Bryant talked a great deal about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the recent Pokémon leak, and the death of the Master Ninja. Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 151! Today we talked about Mark Cerny's PlayStation 6 comments and what they mean for the gaming industry going forward, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's future DLC announcement, and commentary on the October 2001 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly. Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 150! Today we talked about Xbox’s Game Pass price hikes and what we’ve been playing. Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 149! Today we talked about PlayStation's State of Play for September 24th, 2025, the new CEO of Nintendo, and the implications of the ASUS Xbox Ally X. Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 148! Today we talked about what we’ve been playing, our most anticipated games coming out the rest of the year, looking forward to next year, and a mini-game at the end of the podcast which admittedly may not be fun for audio listeners.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 147! Today is a single-topic podcast: the Nintendo Direct September 2025. To hear our takes on this very James-coded Direct, take a listen!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 146! Today we talk about rumors regarding a previous generation version of Resident Evil Requiem, a potential reveal of Insomniac’s Wolverine game, and an anticipated Sony State of Play/ “true” Nintendo Direct. Oh yeah, we’re also playing video games and talking about what it is we’re playing.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 145! Today we talk about the potential of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to usher in a new dynasty of turn-based RPGs, the lack of Nintendo Switch 2 dev kits/software updates, as well as what we’ve been playing.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 144! Today we talk about a lackluster gamescom 2025, Kirby Air Riders, and more Nintendo Switch 2 game update woes (or rather, the lack thereof), Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 143! Today we talk about the Tales of Xillia leak, the prospect of a new Dissidia game, and another round of What’s That OST (Mini)?!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 142! Today we talk about the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, Sony hiring for more third party support, and more!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Ep. 141! Today we talk about Nintendo Switch 2 sales and the new DualSense controller update (amongst other things). We also have a spontaneous game of What’s That OST between James and Ash, as well as the return of Video Game 20 Questions.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Episode 140! Today is another largely one-topic show centered around our preliminary thoughts on the latest Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive release: Donkey Kong Bananza. We also discuss what we're playing like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the whereabouts of James' lost motorcycle in the original Death Stranding, as well as some fond memories of one of the best "gamers' consoles", the Sega Dreamcast.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!---NOTE---: The audio for the non-James members of the podcast is muted for the first 3-5 minutes of the show, but is corrected after.----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 139! It's pretty much another one main topic podcast today as we discuss the pros and cons of what the Nintendo Switch 2 means to us, one month out.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:X: @red_so_deep----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 138! It's pretty much a one-topic podcast today as we discuss the recent Xbox layoffs and what it means for the future of gaming.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 137! Today we talk about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Nintendo's questionable decisions, Xbox's future, and more!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 136! Today we talk about soft third-party Nintendo Switch 2 software sales, rumors surrounding a potential Stellar Blade release on Nintendo Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza and its potential implications for the series' lore, and more!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 135! Today we talk about the disappointment that was Summer Games Fest 2025, the surprisingly delightful Xbox Showcase, the intriguing Konami Presentation, and our adventures/impressions one week into Nintendo Switch 2.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 134! Nintendo Switch 2 has finally come! Hear from the guys about getting the Nintendo Switch 2 today, their experiences playing it, the hardware, and a fantastic Mario Kart World multiplayer session. Also, Bryant creates a game inspired by GameTrailers' Final Bets for Summer Games Fest 2025. Will Keighley and Kojima hug? We also have impressions/grades for Sony's PlayStation State of Play from June 4th. Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 133! Nintendo Switch 2 is only a week away! We talk about our purchasing plans, what we're excited for, and The Random Encounter's upcoming plethora of Switch 2-related streams. Also, what's up with the Persona 4: Golden voice actors confirming something that hasn't been confirmed? Summer Game Fest is also coming with a wide net of publishers, so, we discuss what we think may happen or what we would like to see (Square-Enix, looking at you).Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 132! Today we talk about the sunsetting of Sony's PlayStation Stars rewards program, new information regarding Mario Kart World, and Xbox software sales figures amongst other things.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 131! Today we talk about possible PlayStation price increases, wishful thinking Nintendo Switch Online GameCube games, Kingdom Hearts IV news, and of course, our progress in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 130! Today we talk about the new Grand Theft Auto VI trailer/delay, Death Stranding 2 hype, and some Nintendo's Switch 2 sales predictions.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 129! Today we talk about the newly implemented Microsoft Xbox price increases, Nintendo Switch 2 discourse , and of course, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 128! Today we talk about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order misadventures, and the future of physical games.Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 127! Today we talk about Mario Kart World, Fire Emblem's Anniversary, and even some Gundam!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠

Welcome to The Random Encounter Podcast Episode 126! Today we talk about some more Nintendo Switch 2 news, Lunar Remastered Collection, Marathon, and more!Check out our live Podcast on Thursdays and our group stream on Fridays. Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe!----------------------------------------------------James runs these:Twitch: therandomencounterpodcastYouTube: @therandomencounter----------------------------------------------------Check out Ash on:BlueSky: @ashdestroyum.bsky.socialX: @ash_destroyum----------------------------------------------------Check out Bryant on:BlueSky: @redsodeep.bsky.social----------------------------------------------------Check out Phan on:BlueSky: @phaneckswhy.bsky.socialX: @PhanEcksWhyTwitch: phaneckswhyYouTube: @phaneckswhy⁠