2026 Gaming Anniversaries, The Playground Xbox Direct # 476

2026 Gaming Anniversaries, The Playground Xbox Direct # 476

Author: Sean Garmer January 13, 2026 Duration: 1:23:55
It's our first regular episode of Video Games 2 the MAX for the year, and already there's plenty to discuss and celebrate as well, as Sean and Marc bring up the 2026 Gaming anniversaries, this includes: The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Persona, Castlevania, Animal Crossing, Halo, Gears of War, and more. Will they get a new game announcement for the anniversary?

Also, Microsoft announced the 2026 edition of the Xbox Developer Direct is happening on January 22, and Playground is bringing not just Forza Horizon 6, but also Fable to the party as well. Does this mean we can be sure both games release this year then? Also, how excited are we for Beast of Reincarnation from Game Freak?

Plus, Sean has thoughts on two indie games he's reviewing that release this week in Big Hops and Cassette Boy. Marc's been playing some games as well. Nintendo is monitoring the RAM shortages when it comes to Switch 2, PlayStation patents an A.I. that can play games for you, a bunch more Xbox news, could a Final Fantasy VI remake actually happen, and more!

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5361143667490816

You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/yIHRPUiNHoQ

Listen as a podcast and give us a review on these platforms...

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
Amazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/

Check out other W2M Network Shows

Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/Qb4oMfjJn90

Radulich in Broadcasting's Wake Up Dead Man: Knives Out Review: https://youtube.com/live/ZoMHLQEn8UE

Radulich in Broadcasting's Five Nights At Freddy's 2 Review: https://youtube.com/live/bsN0GmgYWBo

Follow on X (Twitter), Blue Sky, Instagram & TikTok

Sean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSean
Sean on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/w2msean.bsky.social
Sean on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sgarmer05
Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgarmer05/
Marc on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HumanityPlague

Follow Us on all W2M Network Social Media

Follow us on Twitter:

Each week on Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer brings his perspective as a longtime veteran of games journalism to the table. He’s often joined by semi-regular co-host and seasoned reviewer Marc Morrison, or sometimes a guest, for conversations that dig into the entire world of interactive entertainment. The discussion naturally flows from the games they’re currently playing and reviewing into the biggest news stories shaping the industry. Every episode also carves out space for a deeper dive on a special topic, giving the analysis room to breathe beyond just the headlines. Given that games don't exist in a vacuum, the dialogue occasionally branches into related films and television shows, all filtered through a gamer's lens. This isn't a rushed recap; it's a considered chat between knowledgeable voices who have been around the block. The result is a podcast that feels like sitting in on a conversation between friends who just happen to have a wealth of experience. You’ll hear genuine opinions, informed debates, and the kind of context that only comes from years of paying close attention. Whether it's a blockbuster release or a niche indie title, the focus remains on thoughtful commentary over simple hype. Tune in for a comprehensive, yet personal, take on everything happening in gaming and the pop culture that intersects with it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Video Games 2 the MAX
Podcast Episodes
Xbox Console Prices Going Up Again!, Palfarm Gets Announced # 462 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:28
It feels like deja vu has hit all over again, with Microsoft announcing yet another price increase on Xbox consoles. Is it really all about macroeconomic conditions? Should we be concerned about what the next-gen Xbox co…
Nintendo Summons a Big Direct # 461 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:28
Nintendo surprised with an announcement of a 60-minute Nintendo Direct that happened on Friday, and boy did they have some things to announce, including the title of the next Mario Movie being Super Mario Galaxy, a new F…
PlayStation 6 Portable at Launch? # 459 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:00:52
Apologies for being a day late, as the Labor Day holiday delayed the episode. But at least there's plenty to discuss on this episode, mainly PlayStation, as a leak has surfaced from the reliable Moore's Law is Dead, stat…
Mafia The Old Country Impressions, Hollow Knight Silksong Soon! # 458 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:32
Post Gamescom 2025, there are even more games coming soon, whether it be this holiday season or beyond into 2026. Perhaps the most anticipated title of all, Hollow Knight Silksong FINALLY has a release date and its soon…
The One About Gamescom ONL 2025 # 457 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:42
On a day we don't normally do an episode, Sean and Marc discuss the Gamescom Opening Night Live event and which announcements they are excited about from the show. But also, was it something you really need to go out of…
What's the Big Deal About Game Key Cards # 455 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:00:40
The beginning of a new month brings with it a sense of excitement about what lies ahead, while also putting the previous month's issues in the rear view. However, for Nintendo, there's one thing that seemingly will not g…
Donkey Kong Bananza Impressions, Zelda Movie Has its Leads # 453 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:17
It's safe to say that Sean has gone Bananas for Donkey Kong Bananza as he has impressions of the first weekend with the game. How fun is all the destruction? Do the transformations make it even better? And does it deserv…