Jon Irwin
@winwinirwin.bsky.social
Writer/Teacher.
Words in Kill Screen, Paste, Men's Health, The Atlantic, Billboard, Variety, Washington Post, Inverse and more.
https://about.me/jonirwinis
Words in Kill Screen, Paste, Men's Health, The Atlantic, Billboard, Variety, Washington Post, Inverse and more.
https://about.me/jonirwinis
Pinned
Jon Irwin
@winwinirwin.bsky.social
· Feb 13
Jon Irwin is feigning optimism on about.me
I am a writer and teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. View my portfolio.
about.me
Hello!
Until I land that lucrative book contract with publisher-funded website, here is my free online landing page.
about.me/jonirwinis
Until I land that lucrative book contract with publisher-funded website, here is my free online landing page.
about.me/jonirwinis
I could have sent this as a screenshot BUT I saved it as a video so you could listen to the sweet menu lounge tune.
More importantly: After an hour in SPL-T I can only manage 174 splits. Who can beat me/help me do better?
Happy Launch Day, @simogo.com
More importantly: After an hour in SPL-T I can only manage 174 splits. Who can beat me/help me do better?
Happy Launch Day, @simogo.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:42 AM
I could have sent this as a screenshot BUT I saved it as a video so you could listen to the sweet menu lounge tune.
More importantly: After an hour in SPL-T I can only manage 174 splits. Who can beat me/help me do better?
Happy Launch Day, @simogo.com
More importantly: After an hour in SPL-T I can only manage 174 splits. Who can beat me/help me do better?
Happy Launch Day, @simogo.com
Worth the browse just to stumble upon [REDACTED] Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Go and buy some LPs + help KC!
Go and buy some LPs + help KC!
Doing my annual viny fundraiser for those unhoused and hungry in the KC area. Rare/well-loved items up for sale through the Discogs website, and every dollar goes directly to area organizations. Looking for something for yourself/friend in the soundtrack/rock world? www.discogs.com/seller/riots...
Buy Vinyl Records and CDs from riotsmile at Discogs Marketplace
Check out our shop on Discogs, the biggest online music marketplace in the world, and add some gems to your collection!
www.discogs.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Worth the browse just to stumble upon [REDACTED] Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Go and buy some LPs + help KC!
Go and buy some LPs + help KC!
It's a minor miracle any one game ever gets completed and released at all.
Scroll through this Best Of list from @npr.org and be gobsmacked at the sheer depth and breadth of good games from 2025.
www.npr.org/2025/12/03/n...
Scroll through this Best Of list from @npr.org and be gobsmacked at the sheer depth and breadth of good games from 2025.
www.npr.org/2025/12/03/n...
The best games of 2025, picked by NPR's staff
From indies like Blue Prince to big console exclusives like Donkey Kong Bananza, NPR staff members and contributors round up their favorite games of 2025.
www.npr.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
It's a minor miracle any one game ever gets completed and released at all.
Scroll through this Best Of list from @npr.org and be gobsmacked at the sheer depth and breadth of good games from 2025.
www.npr.org/2025/12/03/n...
Scroll through this Best Of list from @npr.org and be gobsmacked at the sheer depth and breadth of good games from 2025.
www.npr.org/2025/12/03/n...
Reposted by Jon Irwin
FYI: Extending this sale through 12/26! Get a full year of Bright Wall/Dark Room for less than $20 - or gift it to your movie loving friend this holiday season :)
Black Friday/Holiday Sale!
All first-time or returning subscribers can now purchase an annual subscription for $10 off their first year—which means just $19 for a full year of access to BW/DR and our entire 143 issue archive!
Also: you can gift it!
coupon code: HOLIDAY2025
All first-time or returning subscribers can now purchase an annual subscription for $10 off their first year—which means just $19 for a full year of access to BW/DR and our entire 143 issue archive!
Also: you can gift it!
coupon code: HOLIDAY2025
Subscribe - Bright Wall/Dark Room
Subscribe for $29 a year Subscribe now to receive immediate access to each new essay we publish, plus our entire 140+ issue archive. Bright Wall/Dark Room is 100% independent, runs no ads, and strongl...
www.brightwalldarkroom.com
November 29, 2025 at 9:04 PM
FYI: Extending this sale through 12/26! Get a full year of Bright Wall/Dark Room for less than $20 - or gift it to your movie loving friend this holiday season :)
These dev insights are always interesting even if the game isn't your speed.
Here's what I need: For you to read this interview & then, interest adequately piqued, try the Demo & THEN, after seeing how cool it is, download the game. I need more online combatants.
www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/...
Here's what I need: For you to read this interview & then, interest adequately piqued, try the Demo & THEN, after seeing how cool it is, download the game. I need more online combatants.
www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/...
December 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM
These dev insights are always interesting even if the game isn't your speed.
Here's what I need: For you to read this interview & then, interest adequately piqued, try the Demo & THEN, after seeing how cool it is, download the game. I need more online combatants.
www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/...
Here's what I need: For you to read this interview & then, interest adequately piqued, try the Demo & THEN, after seeing how cool it is, download the game. I need more online combatants.
www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/...
Reposted by Jon Irwin
As somone who did subscribe to pretty much every US video game magazine from roughly 1995 - 2005, this post got me thinking of the changing economics of "paying for video game journalism" over the years
Thread time.
bsky.app/profile/luke...
Thread time.
bsky.app/profile/luke...
December 2, 2025 at 4:19 PM
As somone who did subscribe to pretty much every US video game magazine from roughly 1995 - 2005, this post got me thinking of the changing economics of "paying for video game journalism" over the years
Thread time.
bsky.app/profile/luke...
Thread time.
bsky.app/profile/luke...
Fascinating to see DeNA so high up here and remember they were meant to herald this new pillar of original Nintendo Mobile games... but now they help develop apps (Today!, Music, Switch App, Store) that supplement Nintendo's primary console business. "Touch Points" I believe they call them.
For those interested in more info, here's the list of publicly traded companies that Nintendo had the biggest stakes in, as of the end of March
Several game companies in there
Several game companies in there
December 2, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Fascinating to see DeNA so high up here and remember they were meant to herald this new pillar of original Nintendo Mobile games... but now they help develop apps (Today!, Music, Switch App, Store) that supplement Nintendo's primary console business. "Touch Points" I believe they call them.
Reposted by Jon Irwin
Everyone can be a Simogo troubadour! Here's how to play a short song from The Sailor's Dream. Simogo Legacy Collection is out today! www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkBf...
The Sailors Dream – Midnight Sketches tutorial (Simogo Legacy Collection out now!)
YouTube video by Jonathan Eng
www.youtube.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Everyone can be a Simogo troubadour! Here's how to play a short song from The Sailor's Dream. Simogo Legacy Collection is out today! www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkBf...
That the same primary team is responsible for this collection of games AND the more recent Sayonara Wild Hearts + Lorelei & the Laser Eyes is utterly baffling.
If all you know is SWH, pay the pittance of an entry fee and explore 15 years of creative abandon
If all you know is SWH, pay the pittance of an entry fee and explore 15 years of creative abandon
Simogo Legacy Collection is OUT NOW
15th anniversary = 15% launch discount
Steam
s.team/a/3817040
Nintendo Switch
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
Nintendo Switch 2
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
15th anniversary = 15% launch discount
Steam
s.team/a/3817040
Nintendo Switch
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
Nintendo Switch 2
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
December 2, 2025 at 6:27 PM
That the same primary team is responsible for this collection of games AND the more recent Sayonara Wild Hearts + Lorelei & the Laser Eyes is utterly baffling.
If all you know is SWH, pay the pittance of an entry fee and explore 15 years of creative abandon
If all you know is SWH, pay the pittance of an entry fee and explore 15 years of creative abandon
Reposted by Jon Irwin
This would be a bargain at three times the price. As it is, it's absurdly generous. As close to a must-buy as you'll get, even – perhaps especially – if you've played these games before.
Simogo Legacy Collection is OUT NOW
15th anniversary = 15% launch discount
Steam
s.team/a/3817040
Nintendo Switch
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
Nintendo Switch 2
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
15th anniversary = 15% launch discount
Steam
s.team/a/3817040
Nintendo Switch
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
Nintendo Switch 2
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
December 2, 2025 at 5:09 PM
This would be a bargain at three times the price. As it is, it's absurdly generous. As close to a must-buy as you'll get, even – perhaps especially – if you've played these games before.
Having only scanned a handful of MP4:B reviews, I'm most excited for the novel-plus-accurate mouse controls on Switch 2. Love when an old franchise leverages new input methods to give you a fresh way to play.
(This is why I'll always defend Other M, since I loved the odd 2D/3D Wiimote controls)
(This is why I'll always defend Other M, since I loved the odd 2D/3D Wiimote controls)
December 2, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Having only scanned a handful of MP4:B reviews, I'm most excited for the novel-plus-accurate mouse controls on Switch 2. Love when an old franchise leverages new input methods to give you a fresh way to play.
(This is why I'll always defend Other M, since I loved the odd 2D/3D Wiimote controls)
(This is why I'll always defend Other M, since I loved the odd 2D/3D Wiimote controls)
Reposted by Jon Irwin
Happy Giving Tuesday! This is the one time of year where we directly ask for financial donations to keep the VGHF going strong. I'm proud to say that we only need $30k to reach our goals for 2026...and we're already 25% of the way there! Please share, and give if you're able.
It's Giving Tuesday at the VGHF! We've had an incredible 2025, but we need your help to make sure we can continue doing our charitable work in 2026 and beyond. We just launched our annual Winter Fundraiser campaign, please give if you're able (and share this post!). http://gamehistory.org/donate
December 2, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Happy Giving Tuesday! This is the one time of year where we directly ask for financial donations to keep the VGHF going strong. I'm proud to say that we only need $30k to reach our goals for 2026...and we're already 25% of the way there! Please share, and give if you're able.
I audibly gasped.
This is one of those “Haven’t listened yet but I recommend you listen anyway” recommendations.
This is one of those “Haven’t listened yet but I recommend you listen anyway” recommendations.
Today, we’re joined by Mark Cerny, one of the most influential creators in the history of video games. Designer of iconic Marble Madness; founder of the team behind Sonic the Hedgehog 2; and lead architect of the PS4 and PS5 consoles that have defined a generation.
Don’t miss it: bit.ly/4ophkg1
Don’t miss it: bit.ly/4ophkg1
Mark Cerny, lead system architect, PlayStation 4 & 5.
My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin · Episode
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I audibly gasped.
This is one of those “Haven’t listened yet but I recommend you listen anyway” recommendations.
This is one of those “Haven’t listened yet but I recommend you listen anyway” recommendations.
Very excited to read about the latest Nintendo news of the day
<<scrambles to find info on Drag x Drive update>>
<<scrambles to find info on Drag x Drive update>>
December 2, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Very excited to read about the latest Nintendo news of the day
<<scrambles to find info on Drag x Drive update>>
<<scrambles to find info on Drag x Drive update>>
Reposted by Jon Irwin
Obvs indies are cool and where you're likely to find the freshest design ideas, but can we do away with the wah wah about 'modern gaming' and the idea that AAA is passionless, as I can show you thousands of 'big studio' devs who really care and are always pushing to do *more* in their work. Ta.
December 1, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Obvs indies are cool and where you're likely to find the freshest design ideas, but can we do away with the wah wah about 'modern gaming' and the idea that AAA is passionless, as I can show you thousands of 'big studio' devs who really care and are always pushing to do *more* in their work. Ta.
Reposted by Jon Irwin
Last week when Elon was talking about Thanksgiving plans with Jacob in the police station, he mentioned the third Hawthorne brother working for the Detroit Police Department. Which reminds me, Y&R also has an in-universe Detroit connection #beyondthegates
As a fellow Detroit-er (via suburbs and moved away 20 years ago but the soul still burns) and BtG fan, I need to know about this linkage.
December 1, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Last week when Elon was talking about Thanksgiving plans with Jacob in the police station, he mentioned the third Hawthorne brother working for the Detroit Police Department. Which reminds me, Y&R also has an in-universe Detroit connection #beyondthegates
Reposted by Jon Irwin
Metroid Prime 3 came out 18+ years ago. Prime 4 comes out this week. Some fun stats:
That time after the original Metroid's release included Metroid II, Super, Prime 1, Fusion, Zero Mission, and Prime 2
That time before Metroid's release, we were still a solid year away from the moon landing.
That time after the original Metroid's release included Metroid II, Super, Prime 1, Fusion, Zero Mission, and Prime 2
That time before Metroid's release, we were still a solid year away from the moon landing.
December 1, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Metroid Prime 3 came out 18+ years ago. Prime 4 comes out this week. Some fun stats:
That time after the original Metroid's release included Metroid II, Super, Prime 1, Fusion, Zero Mission, and Prime 2
That time before Metroid's release, we were still a solid year away from the moon landing.
That time after the original Metroid's release included Metroid II, Super, Prime 1, Fusion, Zero Mission, and Prime 2
That time before Metroid's release, we were still a solid year away from the moon landing.
Reposted by Jon Irwin
Only one day left 😱
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
December 1, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Only one day left 😱
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
For some reason this makes me wish they'd gone with
MARIO KART 8: DELUXE in 2017
MARIO KART 8: DELUXE in 2017
Re-upping my assertion that “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” is a dopey title and they should have just gone with “Metroid Beyond.” It’s been too long to care about retaining the “Prime.”
December 1, 2025 at 7:33 PM
For some reason this makes me wish they'd gone with
MARIO KART 8: DELUXE in 2017
MARIO KART 8: DELUXE in 2017
Mr. @drewgmackie.bsky.social reminds us that even in the year of our lord 2025, the people are thinking about SUPER MARIO BROS. 2.
www.thrillingtalesofoldvideogames.com/blog/doki-do...
www.thrillingtalesofoldvideogames.com/blog/doki-do...
There’s Super Mario DNA in Doki Doki Panic — Thrilling Tales of Old Video Games
And becoming Super Mario Bros. 2 was just a return to its roots.
www.thrillingtalesofoldvideogames.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Mr. @drewgmackie.bsky.social reminds us that even in the year of our lord 2025, the people are thinking about SUPER MARIO BROS. 2.
www.thrillingtalesofoldvideogames.com/blog/doki-do...
www.thrillingtalesofoldvideogames.com/blog/doki-do...
Reposted by Jon Irwin
This lil guy i drew in Canva has something to say
December 1, 2025 at 5:18 PM
This lil guy i drew in Canva has something to say
I remember playing this on my iPod Touch way back when. Wasn't sure how it would hold up in the year of our lord 2025... but it still gets its hooks in and is a great lil' reminder of the promise of early mobile games that were fun, simple arcade-y action distilled into a single input.
Simogo Legacy Collection • Spotlight 1: Kosmo Spin
Available Dec 2! Wishlist:
Steam store.steampowered.com/app/3817040/...
Nintendo Switch www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
Nintendo Switch 2 www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
Available Dec 2! Wishlist:
Steam store.steampowered.com/app/3817040/...
Nintendo Switch www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
Nintendo Switch 2 www.nintendo.com/us/store/pro...
November 24, 2025 at 3:30 PM
I remember playing this on my iPod Touch way back when. Wasn't sure how it would hold up in the year of our lord 2025... but it still gets its hooks in and is a great lil' reminder of the promise of early mobile games that were fun, simple arcade-y action distilled into a single input.
Reposted by Jon Irwin
🚨 MORSELS REVIEW 🚨
Would love to get some eyes on this! I know it’s an uphill battle posting about a game with a small footprint post-launch, but I think it’s worth making space for reviews like this.
jakesteinberg.substack.com/p/morsels-re...
Would love to get some eyes on this! I know it’s an uphill battle posting about a game with a small footprint post-launch, but I think it’s worth making space for reviews like this.
jakesteinberg.substack.com/p/morsels-re...
Morsels Review
Don't Look Away
jakesteinberg.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:45 PM
🚨 MORSELS REVIEW 🚨
Would love to get some eyes on this! I know it’s an uphill battle posting about a game with a small footprint post-launch, but I think it’s worth making space for reviews like this.
jakesteinberg.substack.com/p/morsels-re...
Would love to get some eyes on this! I know it’s an uphill battle posting about a game with a small footprint post-launch, but I think it’s worth making space for reviews like this.
jakesteinberg.substack.com/p/morsels-re...
I just sat in my car to see if this was her real name or if my car’s radio was hallucinating. She’s real! Incredible.
November 19, 2025 at 10:46 PM
I just sat in my car to see if this was her real name or if my car’s radio was hallucinating. She’s real! Incredible.
Reposted by Jon Irwin
Today is the day to repost this meme about International Men's Day, one of the most unironically wholesome memes that has ever been made.
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
November 19, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Today is the day to repost this meme about International Men's Day, one of the most unironically wholesome memes that has ever been made.
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊