Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and John share their WWDC wishes for macOS and visionOS.
On AppStories+, John explores how Apple hardware and software got so out of sync when it comes to AI use cases.
NPC: Next Portable Console
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.
This week on NPC XL, a cautionary tale from Federico’s experience installing SteamOS on the Lenovo Legion Go. Plus, Federico wants to know which handhelds will John take with him to WWCC in June.
Ruminate
HMRC have a problem with poppadoms, Robb started a sticker shop, they talk about PS2 emulation, and finally Apple might like gaming again?
This episode is sponsored by:
Inoreader – Boost Productivity and Gain Insights with AI-Powered Intelligence Tools
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and John interview Apple’s VP of Developer Relations, Education, and Enterprise, Susan Prescott, along with Amy Key and Omar Firdaus, Distinguished Swift Student Challenge Winners. Then, they also share their 2025 wishes for watchOS and tvOS.
This episode is sponsored by:
Play – Save and Organize Videos to Watch Later. New subscribers can use the code MACSTORIES2025for 50% off their first year of Play Premium.
NPC: Next Portable Console
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.
This week on NPC XL, I update listeners on my Xbox streaming tests and experience with Nintendo Virtual Game Cards before Federico and I discuss the sale of Polygon and what it means for online media.
Ruminate
Robb had a family Ruminate moment, I have some new buttons, and we both talk about some upcoming games.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and I tackle tracking apps. From database apps to media trackers, we consider what makes a good tracking app no matter what you’re tracking.
This episode is sponsored by:
WaterMinder – The Best Water Tracker App for Your Hydration Needs!
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, looming tariffs cause more handheld makers to pause shipments to the U.S., demand for the Switch 2 outstrips supply, I explain what the U.S. pre-order process was like, and we marvel at the restoration of a vintage Game Boy kiosk.
This week on NPC XL, Brendon shares his brief time with the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and all three hosts compare videogame streaming notes from GeForce NOW on handhelds to Game Pass on an LG TV.
Ruminate
I have a hot headphone tip, then we discuss the Slate EV truck, and finally how we go about setting up new Macs.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and I survey our favorite calendar apps, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week on NPC, the trio analyzes how tariffs have disrupted Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. Then Federico, Brendon, and I dissect 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.
NPC XL
In this episode of NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and I dig into the details of Nintendo’s newly announced Zelda Notes companion app for the Switch 2. Also this week, I weigh in on the Ayn Odin 2 Portal TPU Grip and we discover that Federico is a Collector not a Builder.
Ruminate
This week I try yet another Kettle chip flavor, Robb bought more mystery Pringles, I play Prince of Persia on all the platforms, Robb bought a pen, and they both discuss terminal apps.
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.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and I take listeners on a tour of the wide variety of automations they’ve been working on so far this year, including shortcuts, Claude projects, and Zapier zaps.
Notion – Try the powerful, easy-to-use Notion AI today.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, Brendon, Federico and I analyze the latest Nintendo Direct and what it reveals about the Switch 2’s rumored June launch. Then, we dissect 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 console. In the latest handheld news, we also cover an EmuDeck update, AYA NEO’s confounding mini PC, and an intriguing foldable from Huawei that’s perfect for DS emulation.
NPC XL
This week, Brendon and I share our first impressions of the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller 2, Brendon has additional thoughts about the Ayn Odin 2 Portal as a streaming device and details his living room docking setup, and I take the Mechanism gaming pillow plunge.
Ruminate
Robb brings a huge bag of snacks while I considers signature drinks, then we discus a gaming and stationery collab, followed by some Switch 2 hopes and dreams.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and I explore a collection of Shortcuts helper utilities that extend functionality beyond the built-in system actions, sharing how these apps address gaps in Apple’s Shortcuts implementation across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
This episode is sponsored by:
Incogni – Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code APPSTORIES with this link and get 60% off an annual plan.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, Brendon, Federico, and I 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, they cover SteamOS news, AYANEO’s confusing new teaser for the “Pocket Ace,” examine important new reports of Microsoft’s collaboration with ASUS on an Xbox-branded Windows handheld.
NPC XL
This week, Brendon prepares for a two-month trip to Japan and needs advice on assembling the perfect portable gaming setup. Federico and I lend a hand, suggesting which handhelds to take along and how to maintain a podcast recording workflow away from home.
Ruminate
I bring the snacks, Robb brings the Lego news, and we both get excited for new Pebbles for the second time in ten years.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and I examine the widening gap between consumer and enterprise apps, asking what happened to prosumer and small business app market.
This episode is sponsored by:
Incogni – Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code APPSTORIES with this link and get 60% off an annual plan.
NPC: Next Portable Console
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.
NPC XL
Then on NPC XL for Patreon backers, Federico, Brendon, and I share our love of the Sony PSP, from Federico’s long-time obsession to Brendon’s more recent journey down the rabbit hole, to my very first PSP, the gang covers the PSP’s history, their experiences, and the PSP’s impact on handheld gaming.
