DECKED UP: A Tech and Gaming Podcast

Today we're diving into Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage on the Nintendo Switch 2! We're going to find out if Virtua Fighter's debut on a Nintendo platform is a win or if it needs to go back to the drawing board.#virtuafighter6 #FGC #nintendoswitch2

Is the NYXI Hyperion 3 the ultimate upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2… or just another overhyped accessory? 🎮In this review, I break down everything you need to know after hands-on time with NYXI’s latest magnetic Bluetooth controller. From ergonomics and Hall Effect sticks to RGB, macros, and gyro support, this controller brings a LOT to the table—but it’s not without its flaws.If you’re thinking about ditching the Joy-Con for something more comfortable and feature-packed, this is the review you don’t want to miss.

#Switch2 #NYXI #Hyperion3 #nintendoswitch2

Thank you to Capcom for providing the game!Pragmata is a fascinating mix of familiar structure and fresh ideas. It’s a game that doesn’t rely on scale or spectacle to stand out. Instead, it leans into smart design, strong mechanics, and a surprisingly heartfelt core. It’s tight. It’s creative. And when everything is firing at once, it’s downright exhilarating. Not every experiment lands. But this one? This one sticks.Affiliate LinksWalmart: https://walmrt.us/4wlItpoAmazon: https://amzn.to/4eDK6Z8Best Buy: https://bestbuycreators.7tiv.net/B5P251#pragmata

What's up everybody, Mekel Kasanova here back with another video! Today we're diving into the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race wheel and pedal system. If you're into simracing or obsessed with Forza Horizon 6 gameplay, you'll want to see this racing game setup in action. This steering wheel has made my gaming experience truly immersive.Buy HEREWalMart: https://walmrt.us/49WIZjWBest Buy: https://bestbuycreators.7tiv.net/jRyz06#TurtleBeach #forzahorizon6 #VelocityOneRace

What's up everybody, Mekel Kasanova here with a new video, this time focusing on the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II. As someone who uses the previous model daily, I'm excited to share my gaming headset review and thoughts on this new wireless gaming headset. We'll be diving deep into its features and comparing it to other options to see if it truly is the best gaming headset out there. Get ready for some serious gaming audio analysis!

#TurtleBeach #headset #gaminggear

Forza Horizon 6 delivers a bold new direction for the franchise, shifting from festival spectacle to a more immersive underground street racing experience. Set in a massive and highly detailed Tokyo-inspired city, the game stands out as one of the most visually impressive racing titles to date.With improved traffic density, enhanced sound design, and a more grounded progression system, early gameplay suggests a deeper and more rewarding driving experience. Forza Horizon 6 shows strong potential to redefine what players expect from open-world racing games.Thank you to Xbox for the opportunity to cover this! #giftedbyxbox 🔥 Don’t forget to like, subsc...

Most of what you thought you knew about today's gaming industry is upside down. #IndieGames #MixtapeGame #gamingnews

You’ll discover the shocking truth behind Mixtape’s deep-pocketed Hollywood ties—funded by Megan Ellison, daughter of Oracle’s co-founder—turning what’s marketed as a grassroots indie into an industry plant. We break down how select outlets and influencers are pushing this “game” as a revolutionary masterpiece, despite practically zero gameplay, relying instead on cut scenes and a tongue-kissing mini-game. The industry’s hypocrisy is on full display as titles like Pragmata, with controversial themes, get casually dismissed or attacked, while Mixtape receives endless praise. We analyze how these narratives are less about creative innovation and more about redefining w...

In this episode of Decked Up, our gaming podcast, we dive deep into the latest gaming news. We discuss the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 price increase, a significant development in the world of video games, and also examine PlayStation's recent financial results, particularly concerning the playstation bungie acquisition. It's a critical look at corporate gaming and its impact on the industry.

#NintendoSwitch2 #Nintendo #PlayStation

Thank you to Xbox for providing me the game!Double Fine is back with something completely different… and Kiln might be one of their most unique ideas yet. From crafting your own clay pots to battling it out in team-based chaos, this game blends creativity and competition in a way that genuinely stands out.In this review, I break down everything you need to know — from the surprisingly deep creation system to the fast-paced multiplayer gameplay, and whether it’s actually worth adding to your game night rotation.If you’ve been looking for something fresh, fun, and easy to jump...

Most gamers complain about Nintendo but hypocritically support its recurring remakes—are we truly fans, or just cult followers? In this unfiltered episode, Mekel Kasanova dives into the chaos surrounding the new Star Fox reveal and exposes the entitlement, hypocrisy, and social media outrage that’s poisoning gaming culture.You’ll discover how Nintendo keeps revisiting beloved classics like Star Fox and Metroid to introduce them to new audiences—and why this irritates certain fan groups who demand original content they refuse to support.

Mekel breaks down the longevity of series remakes and why not supp...

In this episode, we’re breaking down the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, a premium gaming headset designed to do something most audio gear can’t—handle everything at once.

From Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio and Active Noise Cancellation, to true multi-platform connectivity across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile, this headset isn’t just about sound—it’s about control.

We dive into:

If you’re a gamer, creator, or someone juggling multiple devices daily… this might be t...

In this episode, Mekel Kasanova dives into SAROS, the latest high-intensity roguelike shooter from Housemarque, the studio behind Returnal.

Set on the mysterious planet Carcosa, SAROS throws players into a relentless cycle of combat, death, and rebirth. This isn’t just about surviving—it’s about mastering the chaos. From fast-paced bullet-hell encounters to deep progression systems and weapon builds, the game constantly challenges your skill and decision-making.

But while the gameplay loop is addictive and rewarding, does the story hold up? And how does SAROS truly compare to Returnal?

In this episode, we bre...

Most companies push their gaming “ownership” to the limit — now Sony’s quietly rolling out a 30-day online check-in that could leave you locked out of your own library. If you think owning a physical game means you’re safe, think again — the digital future is here, and it’s more invasive than ever.In this eye-opening episode of Decked Up, we dissect Sony’s latest move to enforce mandatory online license checks for digital games purchased after a March 2026 update. Surprisingly, this isn’t uncharted territory — Microsoft tried the same thing 13 years ago with the Xbox One, and gamers responded wit...

Most gamers are about to lose access to their digital PlayStation games if they go offline for more than 30 days — a move that echoes Xbox’s old, heavily criticized DRM policies. Why is PlayStation pulling the same stunt after nearly 13 years of Xbox facing the heat? And more importantly, why are gamers largely silent about it?In this eye-opening episode, we dive into Sony’s recent system update that requires online check-ins to play your purchases, regardless of your primary console status. We unpack how this mirrors the controversial Xbox One policies, the silent outrage among PlayStation fans, and what i...

What’s up everyone, Mekel Kasanova here, and today we’re taking a deep dive into the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 Gen 1 — a powerful business laptop that blends classic ThinkPad reliability with modern flexibility and AI-powered performance.Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, a vibrant 14” touchscreen display, and a fully convertible design, this might be one of the most versatile productivity laptops available today. Whether you’re a content creator, business professional, or someone looking for a premium 2-in-1 device, the ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 delivers a compelling experience.In this review, I break down:✔️ Performance & AI capabilities✔️ Display quality...

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 AI is here, and it’s redefining what a compact gaming laptop can do. In this review, I break down everything you need to know about this 14-inch powerhouse featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, NVIDIA RTX 5060 GPU, and a stunning 2.8K OLED display.From real-world gaming performance to thermals, AI-powered features, and whether this can truly replace a full gaming setup… we’re putting it all to the test.Is this the best portable gaming laptop of 2026? Let’s find out.🔥 What You’ll See In This Video:RTX 5060 gaming performance & DLSS 4OLED display quali...

ADAPTIVE GAMING & TECH DISCUSSION: THE FUTURE OF CONSOLE LAUNCHES, INDUSTRY HYPOCRISY, AND INFLUENCER POLITICS

In this episode, Mekel Kasanova dives into the latest leaks about the PlayStation 6, industry behaviors like favoritism and hypocrisy, and the controversy surrounding influencer kits from Xbox. This analysis offers a candid perspective on how industry narratives are shaped and the realities behind console pricing, leaks, and marketing strategies.

Key topics:

It's time to step back into the squared circle and strive to become not only the world champion, but the BEST IN THE WORLD! Excited to announce that I am covering #WWE2K26! The Show NEVER Stops!

Thank you to WWE Games for providing me with WWE 2K26!

In this episode, Mekel Kasanova dives into his hands-on preview of Forza Horizon 6, breaking down first impressions after spending time behind the wheel in Xbox’s latest open-world racing experience.

From a massive Tokyo-inspired city to a darker, underground street racing vibe, Forza Horizon 6 feels like a bold evolution of the franchise. Mekel shares his thoughts on the game’s stunning visuals, improved traffic density, immersive sound design, and how the early gameplay experience compares to Forza Horizon 5.

Is this the most beautiful racing game ever made? Does the new progression system make races more chal...

South of Midnight is one of the most unique action-adventure games in recent years, blending Southern gothic folklore, emotional storytelling, and a striking art style into a 12-hour experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll.In this full review, I break down everything you need to know about South of Midnight—from gameplay and combat to story, worldbuilding, and performance. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre mechanically, its identity, atmosphere, and cultural depth make it one of the most memorable games this generation.Is South of Midnight worth your time? Let’s talk about it.🔥 Topics Co...

Exciting updates from the world of gaming news! 🎮 According to recent ps6 leaks, the highly anticipated playstation 6 release date is rumored for holiday 2027, featuring 1TB SSD storage and no optical drive to keep costs down. Furthermore, sony is reportedly developing a new handheld gaming device, promising an intriguing next gen experience for players everywhere. Stay tuned for more details!#PlayStation6 #PS6 #PlayStation #Gaming

Step into one of the most haunting experiences in survival horror with Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake (Nintendo Switch 2). In this review, I break down how this remake of a legendary horror classic delivers a chilling blend of psychological storytelling, refined gameplay, and immersive audio design that stays with you long after you put the controller down.From its roots in Japanese horror and yurei folklore to its unique Camera Obscura combat system, Fatal Frame II Remake stands apart from modern horror titles like Resident Evil by focusing on atmosphere, tragedy, and emotional weight over action. But does...

🎮 Dive into the world of Nintendo's latest cinematic adventure! In this episode, we explore how the new Mario movie balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling, featuring iconic characters like Star Fox, Princess Peach, and Rosalina. Discover the hidden Easter eggs and game references that make this film a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. 🎬

Join us as we discuss Miyamoto's influence, the movie's clever nods to classic games, and what the future holds for Nintendo's cinematic universe. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the franchise, this episode offers a fresh perspective on Mario's world. 🌟

The gaming community is loud… but is it consistent? 🎮

In this episode, we dive into the contrasting reactions between Sony increasing the price of the PlayStation 5 and the heavy backlash Microsoft faced when the Xbox Series X saw similar moves.

Why does one spark outrage while the other barely trends?
Are we witnessing selective accountability, media influence, or straight-up fake outrage?

This is a real conversation about brand loyalty, perception, and how narratives are shaped in gaming.

🎧 Tap in and decide for yourself.

#GamingPodcast #PS5 #Xbox #GamingNews #ConsoleWars #Sony #Mi...

My Thoughts on Society, Gaming, and Content Creation

In this episode, Mekel Kasanova shares his candid reflections on the current state of society, social media culture, and the gaming industry. Emphasizing the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and meaningful engagement, he challenges listeners to think critically about influence, authenticity, and the distractions that divert us from what truly matters.Main Topics Covered:

Resident Evil Requiem is the latest entry in Capcom’s legendary survival horror franchise, and it might be one of the most ambitious Resident Evil games yet.In this review, Mekel Kasanova breaks down everything you need to know about Resident Evil Requiem including gameplay, story, combat mechanics, and how the game balances the classic survival horror roots of Resident Evil with the action-heavy evolution that began with Resident Evil 4.Featuring dual protagonists Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft, Resident Evil Requiem delivers two distinct gameplay styles that combine intense action, terrifying horror, and some of the most atmospheric en...

This episode covers Xbox's Project Helix announced at GDC 2026, the future of Xbox gaming, and the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame hardware. We analyze the implications for gamers, developers, and the industry, comparing Xbox's strategy with PlayStation and Nintendo.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Project Helix and Xbox's Future

03:41 The Impact of GDC 2026 on Xbox

08:39 Xbox's Strategy: Cross-Platform Play and Backward Compatibility

12:26 Technological Innovations in Project Helix

18:09 The Competitive Landscape: Xbox vs. PlayStation and Steam Machines

23:16 The Future of Xbox: A Unified Presence<...

In this episode, Mekel Kasanova discusses the latest Xbox Project Helix, PlayStation's strategic moves on PC, and the evolving landscape of gaming technology. He shares insights on industry biases, AI advancements, and the future of gaming consoles, providing a comprehensive overview for gamers and tech enthusiasts.

Topics

Chapters

00:00 Xbox Project Helix Announcement

Gaming hardware is evolving faster than ever, but delays and misconceptions still dominate the conversation. This episode of Decked Up uncovers the truth behind the delay of Valve’s Steam Machine — and reveals why the hype around next-gen consoles like PlayStation 6 and Xbox in 2026 misses the bigger picture. If you’re tired of the noise and want to understand the real forces shaping gaming in 2026, this episode is your essential guide.You’ll discover how global RAM shortages driven by AI and Bitcoin mining are impacting hardware launches, and what that means for your gaming plans. We break down the curr...

Mekel Kasanova is back with a tech review of the Lenovo LOQ Tower 2680R10, a gaming pc that offers a fantastic balance between entry-level and enthusiast options. This prebuilt gaming pc delivers solid performance and modern hardware, making it an excellent choice for a budget gaming pc. It's truly a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup without breaking the bank.

Best Buy: https://bestbuycreators.7tiv.net/e1O96j

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qsqDwK#Lenovo #LenovoLOQ #PCGaming #TechReview

This tech review dives into the Acer Nitro 27-inch gaming monitor, a really impressive display for any pc gaming setup. With its 1440p resolution, it offers crisp visuals for all your favorite titles. If you are looking for a monitor buying guide or are interested in what a good gaming pc setup looks like, this video is for you. 👍Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ql4d0g#pcgaming #Acer #AcerNitro #gaming

Thank you to Bandai-Namco for providing the game! Code Vein II is back, and this sequel is shaping up to be a major evolution of the anime Soulslike formula. In this video, I break down what makes Code Vein II feel bigger, deeper, and more customizable than the original, including exploration improvements, combat changes, and the new Partner system mechanics.We’re diving into the key systems that matter most, like HP/LP/Ichor/Stamina management, the Burden System that adds real risk vs reward to your build, and how quests now unfold across The Past, The Present, and Fr...

In this episode of "Decked Up: A Gaming and Tech Podcast," host Mekel Kasanova dives into the highly anticipated release of the Steam Machine, exploring the challenges posed by RAM shortages and its impact on the gaming industry. Join us as we discuss the future of gaming consoles, the success of the Switch 2, and the evolving landscape of PlayStation and Xbox. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the latest tech trends and what they mean for gamers worldwide.

#SteamDeck #SteamMachine #SteamFrame #SteamController #Steam

We dive into the Lenovo Legion 9, an 18-inch gaming laptop, in this detailed tech review. This laptop review highlights why it's considered a best gaming laptop, showcasing its powerful performance. Discover if this best laptop, featuring an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and an RTX 4090, is the right choice for your setup! #PCGaming #PCSetup #Techreview #LenovoBuy here: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/legion-laptops/legion-9-series/legion-9i-gen-10-18-inch-intel/len101g0043?orgRef=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F&srsltid=AfmBOorCh1Nuj-V6rtHEr4eSqVEQErgHtsQcGWUPihbwsN0_XIiiurBh

I'm so so tired of Steam Deck fanboys and console wars nonsense. The talk of the Steam Machine being a threat to consoles is ridiculous. Let's Talk about it

KEYWORDS: Steam Deck,Steam Frame,Steam Machine,Steam Controller,PC Gaming,Gaming,PC Setup,Mekel Kasanova,Mekel,Kasanova,DeckedUP,DeckedUP Podcast,Podcast,Tech Podcast,Gaming Podcast#SteamDeck #SteamMachine #SteamFrame #SteamController #Steam

Learn more and wishlist now: https://steampowered.com/hardwareAnnouncing new Steam Hardware from Valve: Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame are coming in 2026. Just like Steam Deck, all three devices are optimized for Steam and designed for players to get even more out of their Steam library.KEYWORDS: Steam Deck,Steam Frame,Steam Machine,Steam Controller,PC Gaming,Gaming,PC Setup,Mekel Kasanova,Mekel,Kasanova,DeckedUP,DeckedUP Podcast,Podcast,Tech Podcast,Gaming Podcast#SteamDeck #SteamMachine #SteamFrame #SteamController #Steam

Thank you to Bandai-Namco for the review copy!Amazon: https://amzn.to/43aoblWBest Buy: https://bestbuycreators.7tiv.net/nXmmnaIn this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, exploring how this classic platformer has been revitalized for modern audiences. Join us as we discuss the game's colorful graphics, nostalgic gameplay, and the quality of life improvements that enhance the experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Pac-Man or new to the series, find out if this remake is worth adding to your collection. Tune in for a detailed review and share your thoughts on this beloved...

Thank You to EA for Sponsoring this review!Best Buy: https://bestbuycreators.7tiv.net/kOmoyxAmazon https://amzn.to/4r5RMY2In this episode, we dive into the action-packed world of Battlefield 6, exploring its return to form with a modern warfare setting. Set in the near future of 2027-2028, this installment brings back the franchise's roots with immersive combat, dynamic environments, and a gripping single-player campaign. Join us as we discuss the game's strengths, from its cinematic visuals and sound design to the strategic multiplayer modes that keep players engaged. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series...

Thank you to SteelSeries for sending these over for review!SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hAJwe4Best Buy: https://bestbuycreators.7tiv.net/GKLoJnJoin us as we explore the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2, a headset that promises to elevate your gaming experience. Discover the enhancements over its predecessor, including a 40% boost in battery life, dual wireless connectivity, and over 200 audio presets tailored for gaming. Whether you're a casual gamer or a gym enthusiast, this headset offers comfort, durability, and exceptional sound quality. Tune in to find out if the Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2 is the...