Nintendo Power Podcast Debuts: Deep Dive into Nintendo Switch Launch and Breath of the Wild Development

Nintendo has officially launched the Nintendo Power Podcast, marking a revival of one of gaming’s most iconic brands in a fresh, digital format.

Released on December 21, 2017, the inaugural episode reflects Nintendo’s commitment to building a stronger community connection through in-depth discussions about its latest hardware, top games, and the minds behind them.

The debut episode is hosted by Chris Slate, former editor-in-chief of Nintendo Power magazine, and features insightful commentary alongside special guests Kit Ellis (co-host of Nintendo Minute) and Damon Baker (then Head of Publisher and Developer Relations at Nintendo of America). Central to the episode is a comprehensive breakdown of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo’s hybrid console that launched in March 2017 to widespread acclaim.

Chris Slate guides listeners through the console’s successful rollout, reflecting on its early software lineup and the innovative features that propelled the system into the spotlight.

Since its launch, Nintendo Switch has redefined portable gaming, surpassing significant sales milestones worldwide and establishing itself as a major player in both home and handheld gaming markets. One of the podcast’s highlights is an engaging discussion around the development of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a seminal title for the Nintendo Switch.

Speaking with special guest Eiji Aonuma, the game’s longtime producer, the hosts unravel the creative challenges and bold design choices that shaped Breath of the Wild’s open-world experience.

According to the episode, Aonuma shared reflections on how the team approached the game’s expansive freedom and innovative gameplay loops, helping set new benchmarks for action-adventure titles on the Nintendo platform. Listeners can expect ongoing episodes featuring interviews with key Nintendo representatives, deep dives into development stories, and detailed looks at landmark software and hardware announcements distributed through popular channels like Nintendo Direct and the Nintendo eShop.

The Nintendo Power Podcast serves as an informative resource not only for dedicated Nintendo fans but also for industry insiders interested in behind-the-scenes perspectives from Nintendo’s ever-evolving ecosystem. For fans wanting to relive the highlights of 2017—including Nintendo Switch’s historic launch and the industry-shaping debut of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild—the first episode of the Nintendo Power Podcast is available now on official channels and podcast platforms.

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