Podcast Rewind: Automation, Nintendo Today and Virtual Game Cards, Fanta, and Games

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.

This episode is sponsored by:

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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.

AppStories, Episode 429, ‘Pick 3: Automations’ Show Notes

Pick 3: Our Latest Automations

Federico’s Audio Transcription Automation

Xaiomi Buds 5 and 5 Pro

Hazel

Aiko

AI Actions

John’s Fetch Podcast Details Shortcut

Zapier

Todoist

PastePal

ChatGPT

Federico on Using AI Actions with Newer AI Models

AI Actions

Ask Claude using AI Actions app

Unread’s Shortcuts Integration

Readwise Reader

Todoist

Federico’s Use of a Simple API for Transcribing of YouTube Videos

YouTubeTranscript.io

John’s Podcast Clips Claude Project

Also mentioned

Stecker

Lingon X

AppStories+ Post-Show

The iPad’s Sweet Solution

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On AppStories+, Federico and I dig a little deeper into some of the more complex automations that we’ve been working on in 2025.

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NPC, Episode 26, ‘Bridging to Switch 2: Rumors, Virtual Game Card Questions, and Nintendo’s Today App’ Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

EmuDeck 2.4 launches, with support for new emulators, improved BIOS checkers and more

Update AYANEO AM01S mini PC has a retro design, a 4 inch flip-up display, and AMD Strix Point inside

Huawei Pura X

Huawei Pura X launched, a foldable phone with 1610 widescreen

Huawei’s new flip phone is weirdly wide

Nintendo’s Switch 2 Launch Plans

Insider Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 expected June 2025, launch to have 3-phase plan

Nintendo’s “3-Phase Launch Plan” for Switch 2 - Wavelengths

Also, Best Buy says preorders for Switch 2 open on April 2nd

Nintendo’s March 27, 2025 Direct

NPC XL, ‘Controllers, Docks, and Gaming Pillows: A Handheld Hardware Roundup’

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.

Ruminate, Episode 204, ‘Fanta Scientists’ Show Notes

New Fanta Flavor! Tutti Fruitti Is Coming to the U.K. | Sporked

Koikeya Kara Mucho Hot Chilli Flavour Ridge Cut Potato Crisps | Oriental Mart

Doritos Bits Honey BBQ 30g

Cream Cheese & Chive Chips - Carolina Kettle - Made in NC, LLC

‘Coke and beer – in one glass, please’: my gut-churning search for a signature drink

The Pen Addict #657: Are You Coming For Me? - Relay

I Am Obsessed With this Tomb Raider Pen • Robb Knight

Nintendo Direct

What are Nintendo virtual game cards?

Portal Kombat

Hack Pompey

Ships Whistle

NPC: Next Portable Console and NPC XL - MacStories