iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I also went ahead and did this with music, too. Having a limit of 9 songs was CRUEL for this one.

My 9 Tracks That Shaped Who I Am

"Angel" by Lionel Richie
"Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane
"I Feel It Coming" by The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk
"Smooth" by Santana feat. Rob Thomas
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson
"Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai
"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
"Something in the Orange (Z&E's Version)" by Zach Bryan
"Lonely Space Age" by Madeon

Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Sure, why not? 9 games that helped define me during my youth. AMA about any of these games in the replies and I'll tell you why.

My 9 Games That Shaped Who I Am

Mario Party 4
Super Monkey Ball 2
Sonic Adventure 2: Battle
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Kirby Air Ride
Kingdom Hearts II
Pokémon Pearl Version
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Super Mario Galaxy 2

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

ANYWAYS, here's a really good 3D platformer that WASN'T made by a soulless evil corporation that loves money over people. For $2, you're getting a short but sweet romp through incredibly well designed and stylized levels that reward your speed with incredibly fun movement tech. Buy it yesterday.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Translation for non-corrupt CEOS: Team, We don't care about creatives and would rather you starve to death than make worthwhile products for our customers. It lines up our pockets, and that's what truly matters. Have a slow and painful death while we laugh at you. Matt

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I can't even imagine what it's like being an Xbox fan at this point. With how this studio has constantly drained their reputation year after year and how little they actually care about games, I struggle to see who this brand is for anymore other than investors.

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Tuta @tuta.com · 31/08/2026

If you have a Gmail account, you need to read this. Google's AI now scans your emails and attachments, bank statements, tax files, medical letters, all of it. It turned on by default, and there's a class-action lawsuit over how. Here are 5 moves to shut it off, the switch is hidden in two places:

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

There are absolutely things to criticize Nintendo for these days, but with how much I've seen people make up problems that don't exist to justify them being old and miserable, I'm genuinely convinced now that most hate they get compared to everyone else is just manufactured outrage for views.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Sony: We're killing your right to ownership because we want all the money to go to us. Kick rocks and die! Microsoft: We're proud to support the killing of all Palestinians with your money. Kick rocks and die! Nintendo: In Kirby and the World Beyond, you can traverse the environment on bombs.

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RainDing 🌧 @raindingrandom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

This sounded better in my head, but here's a random little edit I did anyway 😅 #Kirby #YTPMV #VideoEdits

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9BH...

Matthew's hyperventilating in excitement on the left with Sword Kirby looking up in curiosity on the right. The background is a green meadow and the text below says "AAAAAAAAAAA".

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Is RTX Ocarina of Time looking good or is it going overboard? Let's talk about it on Matthew's Game Cube. youtu.be/cMn-T8Tn2d8

Hyrule Field is in the back with Death Mountain in the distance. Matthew is shocked on the left with Young Link sitting on a tree stump hanging out with Navi on the right. White text with a green outline says "Is this too far?".

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The other day, I joined @reecee.bsky.social, Demeech, and Anton Retro on their fun podcast, @perkyplanetpodcast.bsky.social, to discuss the discourse surrounding Nintendo Directs and the balance between hype and responsibility. We also debate Pop-Tarts at some point. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z23l...

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

I wish David Zaslav a very happy "kick rocks and cry".

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

What does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's recent update mean for Mario Kart World? I talk about that in the newest Matthew's Game Cube video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKx1...

Matthew is driving a blue go-kart in the middle with two renders of Mario in a red go-kart sandwiching him (Mario Kart World on the left, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the right). Text on the top says "BOTH Can Co-Exist" with "BOTH" highlighted in green. N64 Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the background.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

This one hurts hard. Dolly is irreplaceable as a human being, a musician, an activist, and everything else in between. Even if you hate country music, you owe it to yourself to give Jolene a listen. It's easily one of the most pure and timeless records I've ever heard. Fly high, Mrs. Parton. 🕊️

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Gonna bump this in case you haven't tuned in. I'm actually really proud of this discussion.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Despite what Sony wants you to believe, physical video games DO still matter, and I'm joined by @aquatwist00.bsky.social on Matthew's Game Cube to properly discuss why. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq35...

Matthew is excited on the left while Aqua is presenting on the right. The games Astro Bot on PlayStation 5, Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox Series X, and Kirby Air Riders on Nintendo Switch 2 are displayed in front of a rainbow background. Text is displayed on top saying "THESE MATTER".

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

36?????? Life really is just blatantly unfair sometimes. Rest well, Hayden. 🕊️

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

It's even worse when you watch the video to find out that the guy actually has really nice things to say about half the songs here. I can understand clickbaiting a little bit for the views, but when you're blatantly lying for an extra buck, what does that say about your integrity as a creative?

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Listen, I get it. I and everyone else are sick of soulless suits shoving AI down our throats. But when the discourse reaches a boiling point where you claim anything you don't like is AI or "worse than" AI, I genuinely start to question if you even respect art in the first place.

A thumbnail of a Rick Beato video called "Why Does Spotify Top 10 All Sound Like AI?", with Rick looking concerned on the left, and Morgan Wallen on the right.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

This isn't to say I would've loved the later episodes either way, but I used to take everything so personally and was heavily influenced in bad faith. With time and healing, though, I built up enough confidence to forge my own path and never let anyone or anything push me to that degree ever again.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

You know, I was heavily involved in the SMG4 space during the show's most controversial years. It led me to become a salty miserable sap about the show and said community. I finally parted ways in 2023 after a traumatic experience, and that really helped me watch the show end on a positive note.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Guys, I think I've cracked the NintenDeen code. If the game wasn't an instant success, it was obviously a terrible game from evil greedy Nintendo. If the game WAS a huge success, it doesn't exist because it doesn't fit my narrative. I never want to hear anyone say he's not a grifter ever again.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Scary warning: Nintendo fan reacts to Nintendo game! www.youtube.com/watch?v=aue6...

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Why even bother trying to get your foot into the mainstream entertainment scene? Your project ends up being a massive flop? You get laid off. Your project is one of the most successful the company's ever made? You get laid off. I'm glad I never pursued this path if this is the new normal.

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The Lazy Responsible Programmer @tlrp-45.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Well, in the last few weeks, when I've been away, I've made the biggest art I've ever made in all my years in Blender. [1/3]

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Twitter: "Bluesky is garbage. We support free speech." The free speech in question: Anti-Semitism, ageism, racism, joke policing, and Epstein spam all from a clip of Scott The Woz saying "Wii U bad" (it is). Ah yes. Completely normal and morally acceptable behavior. Why would I ever want to leave?

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

I will say this until my dying days. Corporations are not the ones that build communities. People do. And never let anyone or anything bully or gaslight you into believing otherwise.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

At this point, I genuinely think the suits (derogatory) just keep doing this because they know they can and they take pleasure in ruining people's lives because of it. And the more these stories come out, the more I inch closer and closer to never wanting to consume any non-indie media ever again.

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Wave (Slime 64) @waveparadigm.com · 29/06/2026

🚨🚨 SLIME 64 IS COMING IN 2027 🚨🚨 It's a retro-inspired 3D collect-a-thon platformer with an emphasis on exploration and schmoovement. Play as elemental slimes who combine their powers, collect Bells & Whistles, and take down a robotic enterprise threatening the world!

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Jon Cartwright @jon.gvg.io · 08/07/2026

I've been through the 5 stages of grief with all the news about the industry lately and I'm calmly calling it quits. I'll still be around playing physical media but when even Nintendo backs out I'll sit back and enjoy what 40+ years of talented people have already made youtu.be/Xq3aO9CNtlg

youtu.be

My Favorite Hobby Is At a Breaking Point

YouTube video by GVG

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The one time I watch a World Cup game in full, and U.S.A. fumbles the bag so hard you'd think you were watching people from the retirement home playing. 🥀

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

I myself can vouch for Kero Kero Cowboy. I backed it on Kickstarter and had numerous talks with the dev, @metagamemike.bsky.social, during development. The guy is so passionate about what he does, and it's genuinely up there as one of the best Game Boy Color games. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oQ_...

youtube.com

Kero Kero Cowboy, a NEW Game Boy Color game! Release Trailer

YouTube video by MetagameMike

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

So if you wanna support some cool games that WEREN'T made by a soulless corporation, this 7 game bundle is active for 2 more days for only $15. You paid Sony billions to treat you like dirt. Now go pay these guys for their good games, or I'll send pipe bombs to your house. itch.io/b/3757/indie...

itch.io

Indie Collab x Itchio Summer Sale 2026 by RikOclon, Sleeping Panda, Timbo Johnson, Daikon Games, MetagameMike

Indie Collab x Itchio Summer Sale 2026: 7 games for $15.00

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

We talking Splatoon Raiders today. That's it. That's the post. www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBJ8...

Matthew is determined on the left, while an inkling mechanic is using a giant brush to spray ink on the right, with text on the bottom saying "GOOD?". The background is a landscape of the Spirhalite Islands with giant forks sticking out of the water.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

I might not get to experience new favorites in franchises that I love, but I can still play those classic favorites regardless. And given my backlog, if they never put out a new game again, I could still find stuff for me to play until I'm bedridden for life. Good games are good regardless of age.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

You know, maybe this is really easy for me to say since I got my dream game in Kirby Air Riders last year. But given the direction we're heading down, the Switch 2 might genuinely be the last modern console I ever buy. And as sad as this sounds, part of me is okay with that.

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Zal @zalman.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

"It was inevitable" "Been saying this for years" "I'm all digital anyway" Please leave. This will mean fewer options for consumers, more control for publishers, and a huge part of gaming culture vanishing just like that You can still buy physical movies. You will not be able to buy physical games

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Do you remember the 21st night of September? Pepperidge Farm remembers. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HA2...

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Mina the Hollower is $20. I just thought someone needed to hear that today. 🙂

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

You channeled so much of your heart and energy into Caine with zero restraint, and it worked so well. I can tell just how much you love the character, and your personal experiences as described here really make the performance shine so much more. I know you'll keep going places, man.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Was the Nintendo Direct last week genuinely good, or did Miyamoto spite me specifically? Find out on the new Matthew's Game Cube video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAYB...

Matthew is thinking in the middle. Shigeru Miyamoto is happy in a green shirt on the left, while he's concerned in a red shirt on the right. The text above says "GREAT or STINKY". The background is an open landscape from Xenoblade Genesis.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

I won't bog this image down with all the stuff I don't care about. But I think there's just enough here to keep me fed for a good bit, and in the case of Kingdom Hearts, for generations.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

KINGDOM HEARTS 4 LIVES!!!! youtu.be/4gQORVK7ER4

Matthew is bewildered on the left, with Sora holding the Kingdom Key on the right. The text says "He's Alive!".

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

We're manifesting the worst Nintendo Direct announcements together! 🙏 www.youtube.com/watch?v=87UL...

Matthew is blushing on the left, with the text from top to bottom saying...
"Let 'em Cook"
"Animal Crossing Warriors"
"Nintendo Direct"
The background is Smashville from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

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Ultimate Pullahoko @pullahoko.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

This is what every game developer sounds like right now.

A chef insisting that his cake made with diarrhea is perfectly fine to consume.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Tomorrow I'll be streaming with THE Mr. People Online himself, Sir Musty, as we play Mario Kart World for the Switch 2's one year birthday and discuss all things related to the console so far! It all starts on Matthew's Game Cube tomorrow at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET / 7 PM UK. See you then.

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Matthew Smart @matthewsmart.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Ocarina of Time continues in 20 with Goron City. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn9N...

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