My Journey with Online Poker

My Journey with Online Poker 

Today I want to talk about online poker. This is a game I've been playing for about nine years now. I'll never forget the day I found out you could actually make real money by playing a simple game of cards.

Mind you, I was never into card games growing up. Sure, I knew how to play Crazy 8s and Go Fish, but I never fell in love with any of them—until I discovered poker.

Realizing I could play a game online and possibly make money from it? That was a game-changer. How cool is that to discover? Well... there’s just one thing: it ain’t that easy. 😂

When I first learned the hand rankings and the basics of how to play, I had fun—even though I was losing almost every day. For me personally, it took many years before I finally sat down and said, “I don’t want to lose anymore.”

That’s when I started seeking help from poker pros online. YouTube? Yup. Tons of content, but also incredibly overwhelming.

Eventually, I discovered a poker pro named BlackRain79, and everything started to click. I moved away from tournament poker and focused on cash games instead. Next thing you know, I was making $200 to $300 a month... then $400 to $600. I couldn’t believe it—I was actually winning.

But then came the catch: it literally consumed my life. I love the game, but not to the point where it's all I do. I enjoy video games, hockey, and spending time with family. I just couldn’t keep up the consistent grind. So, I had to slow things down.

Once I did, the losses started rolling in again. In fact, I just lost a tournament with a full house before writing this post.

Another thing I’ve noticed: poker really affects your mood. When you're winning, you're the happiest person in the room. When you're losing, you can’t help but feel down and give off bad vibes.

I’ve come to accept that I have a love-hate relationship with poker. My advice? Only play when you truly want to. Whenever I play just to chase money, the results are never good.

I’d love to hear your poker stories or your take on online poker. I personally play on GGPoker—in my opinion, it has the best software and an excellent rakeback system. If you're new to poker or this site, I promise you'll enjoy it.

I've added a link at the bottom of this post that will take you straight to the GGPoker app, or you can access it on your PC as well.

Anyway, thanks for reading. Until next time—see you soon!

GG POKER LINK

Are Retro Home Arcade Cabs Still Alive?

Are Retro Home Arcade Cabs Still Alive?

Hey guys, welcome back to another blog post with yours truly!

As a huge fan of retro games and collectibles, this is a topic that keeps popping up in arcade communities. Are retro home arcade cabinets still alive?

As most of you know, a company called Arcade1Up completely dominated this space during the COVID era, making it financially possible to own your very own mini arcade. Whether you live in an apartment, house, loft, or garage, you could set up your own retro arcade at a reasonable price.

Well… you used to. 😅

Times have changed, and so have the prices.

Arcade1Up got the ball rolling with cabinets featuring our favorite childhood arcade games. These things were selling like hotcakes at one point. But now? Not so much.

The big issue? They haven’t been delivering many new titles or securing the licenses we’ve been waiting for. Where’s WWE WrestleFest? That would be a dream to play online with others!

Now, with other companies trying their hand at making cabinets, I really wish Arcade1Up would get back to innovating—not just re-releasing Pac-Man for the thousandth time. (Seriously, we get it.)

But anyway, back to the main question:

Are retro home arcades still alive? In my opinion — absolutely, yes.

Even without new titles or cabinets, there’s still a strong community. People like me are constantly watching our favorite content creators for updates and sneak peeks. We’re all waiting for that next exciting cabinet to drop — the one we’ve been dreaming of.

Personally, I currently own four cabs and one pinball cab from AtGames. I often find myself watching creators like MichaelBTheGameGenie, hoping for news that something awesome is on the way. My dream pick? WWE WrestleFest online. But I’d happily settle for Donkey Kong or Popeye by Nintendo to round out my setup.

There’s no doubt in my mind — home arcades are still exciting and desirable, especially for people in my age group. We just need something new to be excited about.

Until then, all we can do is keep dreaming of affordable, awesome cabs that spark that same childhood joy.

Thanks again to everyone who reads my posts each week! I’d love to hear from you — what’s in your personal arcade collection, and what titles do you want to see hit retail stores?

Until next time — see you later, everyone!

My Memory Of Hulk Hogan

Today, I want to step away from my gaming posts and talk about what Hulk Hogan meant to me as a kid.

I was a huge wrestling fan in the '80s and '90s, with tons of wrestling toys, collectibles, video games, and posters. Even today, I still find myself collecting WWE figures to add to my collection.

The question is: If Hulk Hogan didn’t exist, would WWE be as big as it was—or is—today? For me, I don’t think so.

Hulk Hogan was wrestling at the time I started watching. No offense to other wrestlers—I loved many others in the WWE—but like him or not, Hulk Hogan was the GOAT of this industry. His presentation, his strength, and his words to kids were a huge deal for all of us watching him back then.

Funny enough, he wasn’t even my personal favorite wrestler… but I just had to see him.

I’ll never forget the time my brother took me to the Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens for a WWE event. We sat in the second row, and I watched Hulk Hogan vs. King Haku. For me, it was electric—to be that close and see the sheer size of Hulk in real life.

With this post, I definitely don’t want to get into the things Hulk dealt with later in life. I honestly felt the media made him look horrible. I’m referring to the sex tapes and all that garbage. Watching him in court, and losing his wife through it all… it was tough to see.

How many of us are perfect? Have we all made great choices in life? Haven’t we all done wrong at some point?

At the end of the day, the man is human. I refuse to look at him any other way than as The Hulkster—the larger-than-life star who sent a great message to all of us at a time when wrestling had a wholesome quality to it.

From watching him in movies like Rocky and No Holds Barred, to seeing him on arcade games like WrestleFest and Royal Rumble for Sega Genesis… Hulk was everywhere. There are so many other games and moments I haven’t even listed here.

To those of you reading this blog—I’d love to hear your stories of what Hulk meant to you during your time on this planet. Please comment! It would be great to hear your experiences.

I’ve included a couple of pics in this post of the figures I have as collectibles. Unfortunately, I’m still missing my old-school rubber Hulk figure—man, I loved those days. Haha.

Anyway guys, I’m grateful you took the time to read this. I hope you have a great day.

RIP Hulk Hogan.

Thank you for the memories. 

Is The Nintendo Switch 2 Worth 629.99 CAD?

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Worth $629.99 CAD?

Let’s get right to the big question: Is the Nintendo Switch 2 really worth $629.99 in Canada?

My answer? Yes—but I totally understand why many people would say no.

That’s a steep price for any piece of technology, especially one that’s relatively easy to break and not as powerful as some alternatives. In today’s economy, not everyone can—or wants to—drop that kind of money on a gaming console. Fair enough.

But for hardcore gamers, the temptation is real. For many of us, it’s impossible to ignore a system like this.

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What Makes It Worth It (For Me)

What I really love is that Nintendo stayed true to the original Switch concept—a hybrid console that works both as a home system and a handheld. That idea was genius back in 2017, and it still is today.

Only now, the Switch 2 is smoother, faster, and more powerful than ever. Games run better, load times are shorter, and overall performance is improved.

Still, I was caught off guard by the price. I expected something closer to $499.99, especially since that’s what I paid for my PlayStation 5 when it launched. And let’s be real—the PS5 is a far more powerful machine than the Switch 2.

So yeah, the value comparison is tough. But there's more to the story.

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The Future of Gaming (and Its Price Tag)

Let’s zoom out a bit.

Whether you think the Switch 2 is too expensive or not, this is the new normal. Gaming is getting more expensive across the board.

Take the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro, which is expected to retail for around $949.99 CAD. And when the PlayStation 6 drops? Don’t expect it to go back down in price. That’s just not happening.

Nintendo knows people will buy the Switch 2 anyway. In fact, it already broke records—3.5 million units sold in the first four days after its June 5th release.

Bottom line: If you’re a gamer in 2025, you’re going to have to deal with high prices from here on out. Sure, you might find second-hand or refurbished units down the line—but even those won’t be cheap.

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Final Thoughts

So here’s my take: I’ve really enjoyed using the Nintendo Switch 2—even if I don’t love it quite as much as my PS5. But it’s a fantastic console for travel, vacations, and those on-the-go gaming moments.

In fact, I brought it with me to the cottage last week. I was right in the middle of a Mario Kart World race when I got yelled at because breakfast was sitting there for five minutes! (Rolls eyes) Gotta love it... haha.

At the end of the day, life is expensive, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have fun. If you’re a gamer and you love Nintendo titles, the Switch 2 is definitely worth picking up—eventually.

Thanks for reading, and if you’ve got any thoughts, feedback, or opinions—drop them in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, good or bad.

Until next time—game on!

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Playstation 5

NINTENDO SWITCH 2 VS PLAYSTATION 5  

So heres a topic I often searched up online to fetch specs bettween these monster company's consoles.  But in this blog I dont wanna cover the specs, I would like to cover my personal experiences with these consoles as I have them both.  I love both Sony and Nintendo in different ways, and this is what I comes down too.  Playstation 5 all these years has been stunning to me.  I still have zero issues with speed and functionality, where with the Playstation 4 pro I did.   It really slowed down after 4 years to the point the games wernt even playable.  Playstation 5 however, is running solid and my games are always looking great on my LG NEO 4K T.V.  I am absolutely true fan of competitive video games such as NHL 25, MLB The Show and Call of Duty.   The list can go on but I'll stop it there haha.  But heres where I wanna bring in Nintedo Switch 2.  One thing Playstation 5 can't do is be mobile, where as we all know Nintendo Switch 2 can.  I can literally Hotspot internet connection with my phone n play top notch games!  And to me they look amazing special with the added screen size.  The fact that they are gonna bring Call of Duty to the table at some point is amazing to think about!.  If only they could bring EA Sports NHL to Nintendo Switch 2 I would probably melt.  

TO THE POINT  

I can go on n on here but I dont wanna make a super long post for you readers.  When it comes down to a winner, there really is no winner overall.  If we're talking about power?  PS5 wins hands down.  Mobility?  Nintendo Switch 2.   If you have the money I say have both but if you could only buy 1, it completely depends on your everyday life style.  If your always on the run, long work trips or you tour the world cause your a travel bug, then definitely Nintendo Switch 2 is the one for you.  If your a 9 to 5 worker n you just come home, cook dinner then looking to game, then PS5 is the one for you.  One thing I would like to add with Nintendo is they really are their own entity.  Nintendo has their own games that Playstation, PC and Xbox can not touch.  That's if your into Donkey Kong and Mario, which many of us are.   Anyways guys there's no wrong in either choice in my opinion.  Would love to hear feed back on this blog and tell me what you think of these 2 beasts.  Until next post, Happy gaming!

Is The Nintendo Switch 2 Worth $629.99 Canadian?

 

Where do we start?  Do I go right to the point?  Do I answer this blog question quickly?  The question is, is the Nintendo Switch 2 Worth $629.99 Canadian?  Well..... hmm, I would say yes.  However, many people would say no, and that's completely understandable. $699.99 is a high price point for a piece of technology that's easy to break.  On top of that, many people don't have this kinda money to put towards a gaming console as the world continues to get more and more expensive.  I totally get it!.  But for the hardcore gamers out there, it is far too tempting to shy away from never picking this up.  I love the fact that they never drifted away from the original concept of Switch.  The idea of a console turning into a handheld as well as a home console is absolutely brilliant!.  Only this time, it holds a lot more power and plays so smoothly.  But back to that $649.99, I was not expecting this price at all.  I was thinking $499.99, considering that was the same price I paid when I bought my Sony PlayStation 5 years ago!.  Keep in mind how much more powerful a PlayStation 5 is compared to a Nintendo Switch 2.  

FUTURE OF GAMING 

I would like to break this up here and just explain my thoughts moving forward with the future of gaming.  Whether you think the Nintendo Switch 2 is far too expensive or not, count on every console and game being just as expensive or more as time goes on.  Look at the PlayStation 5 Pro, for example, coming in at a $949.99 price.  Do you really think the PlayStation 6 is gonna go back down to the PlayStation 5 price point?  Not a snowball's chance in hell.  Nintendo knows people are gonna buy this console regardless of the high price.  The Nintendo Switch 2 has shattered the sales record with 3.5 million units sold in just four days after its June 5th release.  My point is, if you're a gamer and want to continue to game, you are gonna simply be dealing with high prices til the end of time.  Now I'm sure there are second-hand options or refurbished options to knock the price down for ya, but that's as good as it's gonna get.  

FINAL THOUGHT  

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I wanna end this blog to say I personally have enjoyed the Nintendo Switch 2.  Not as much as my PlayStation 5, but it's a great unit for taking away on vacations or trips.  As I did when I went to the cottage last week.  Gotta love my Mario Kart World, I got yelled at cause I was in the middle of a race and breakfast was ready and sitting there for 5 minutes.  ( Rolls Eyes ) women.... haha.  Life is just expensive, but you gotta have fun while you are here. If you love to play video games, I definitely would suggest picking up the Switch 2 at some point.  That's all I have right now for this blog.  If you guys have any suggestions or comments about anything, please feel free to do so.  Love to hear the feedback, whether it's good or bad!.  Till next blog, I will see you guys then! 

 

                      

     

     

     

How to Create a Profitable Video Game Blog

Level Up Your Income: How to Create a Profitable Video Game Blog

Are you passionate about video games? Do you love sharing your insights, tips, and experiences with other gamers? If so, starting a video game blog isn't just a fun hobby – it can be a lucrative venture! The gaming industry is booming, and with the right strategy, your blog can tap into this massive market.

This post will guide you through building a profitable video game blog, from choosing your niche to monetizing your content.

1. Find Your Winning Niche: Don't Be a Jack of All Games

The gaming world is vast. Trying to cover everything will dilute your efforts and make it hard to stand out. To be profitable, you need to find a specific niche where you can become an authority. Consider these ideas:

 * Genre-Specific Deep Dives: Are you obsessed with RPGs, competitive FPS games, indie horror, or classic retro titles? Focus on one genre and become the go-to source for news, reviews, and guides within it.

 * Platform Powerhouse: Specialize in a particular console (e.g., Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox) or PC gaming. This allows you to target a dedicated audience looking for content specific to their preferred platform.

 * Nostalgia & Retro Gaming: There's a massive market for classic games. Dive into game history, review beloved titles, discuss their cultural impact, and explore emulation or modern remasters.

 * Esports & Competitive Play: If you're skilled at a particular competitive game, focus on strategy guides, pro player analysis, tournament recaps, and news within that esports scene.

 * Game Development & Indie Spotlights: Appeal to aspiring developers or those interested in the behind-the-scenes world by reviewing indie games, interviewing developers, or discussing game design principles.

 * Gaming Hardware & Tech: Review the latest gaming peripherals, build guides for PCs, or discuss new gaming technology like VR and AR.

Why a niche? A niche audience is easier to target for marketing, builds a loyal readership faster, and makes your blog more attractive to relevant advertisers and affiliate partners.

2. Craft Compelling Content: Value is Your High Score

Once you have your niche, it's time to create content that keeps readers coming back for more. Think about what problems you can solve or what entertainment you can provide for your target audience.

 * In-Depth Reviews: Go beyond a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Analyze gameplay, story, graphics, sound design, and replayability. Be honest and provide a balanced perspective.

 * Comprehensive Guides & Walkthroughs: For popular or challenging games, detailed guides (e.g., "How to Beat Boss X," "100% Completion Guide for Game Y") are evergreen content that drives consistent traffic. Use screenshots and videos for clarity.

 * Tips & Tricks: Share your expertise! Whether it's optimization tips, character build strategies, or hidden secrets, gamers love to learn how to improve their skills or discover new things.

 * Lore & Deep Dives: Many games have rich narratives and expansive lore. Explore character backstories, plot theories, and the hidden meanings within game worlds.

 * Opinion Pieces & Editorials: Share your unique perspective on industry trends, game controversies, or the future of gaming. This helps build your brand voice and connect with readers on a deeper level.

 * News & Updates (with a twist): While timely news is important, put your own spin on it. Don't just regurgitate press releases; analyze the implications of announcements or updates within your niche.

 * Community Spotlights: Feature fan art, modding projects, or popular discussions from your niche's community. This fosters engagement and makes your blog a hub for like-minded gamers.

Pro-Tip for Evergreen Content: Focus on "how-to" guides, "best of" lists (e.g., "Best RPGs of All Time"), and lore explanations. These types of posts remain relevant for a long time, bringing in consistent organic traffic from search engines.

3. Monetize Your Masterpiece: Turn Pixels into Profit

Now for the fun part: making money! There are several proven ways to monetize a video game blog. Combining multiple strategies is often the most effective approach.

 * Affiliate Marketing: This is often the most profitable method for gaming blogs.

   * Amazon Associates: Link to games, consoles, peripherals, and other gaming merchandise on Amazon. You earn a commission on sales made through your unique links.

   * Gaming Retailers: Partner with digital storefronts like Green Man Gaming, Humble Bundle, or even specific game publishers if they have affiliate programs.

   * Hardware & Tech Companies: If your niche is hardware, promote specific brands of GPUs, CPUs, monitors, or accessories.

   * How it works: You include special tracking links in your content. When a reader clicks your link and makes a purchase, you get a percentage of the sale. Always disclose your affiliate relationships transparently.

 * Display Advertising: Once your blog gains traction and traffic, you can place ads on your site.

   * Google AdSense: A common starting point for display ads.

   * Premium Ad Networks: As your traffic grows (e.g., 50,000+ page views per month), consider joining premium ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive, which offer higher CPMs (cost per mille/thousand views).

 * Sponsored Content & Reviews:

   * As your blog grows in authority, game developers, publishers, or gaming accessory companies might pay you to create sponsored posts or review their products.

   * Be selective and only work with brands and products that genuinely align with your niche and that you can honestly recommend to your audience. Transparency is key here – always clearly label sponsored content.

 * Digital Products:

   * E-books/Guides: If you've created comprehensive guides, consider compiling them into a downloadable e-book that you sell directly from your site.

   * Gaming Presets/Templates: For specific games (e.g., custom character builds for an RPG, settings for an FPS), you could sell premium guides or templates.

 * Patreon/Donations: If you build a strong, loyal community, some readers might be willing to support your work through platforms like Patreon, where they can offer recurring donations for exclusive content or perks.

4. Promote Like a Pro Player: Get Your Blog Seen

Even the best content won't make money if no one sees it. Develop a solid promotion strategy:

 * Search Engine Optimization (SEO):

   * Keyword Research: Identify what terms your target audience is searching for (e.g., "best open-world RPGs," "Elden Ring build guide"). Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush.

   * On-Page SEO: Optimize your titles, headings, and content with relevant keywords.

   * Technical SEO: Ensure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy for search engines to crawl.

 * Social Media Marketing:

   * YouTube: Create video versions of your reviews, guides, or analyses. Embed them in your blog posts.

   * Twitch/Streaming: If you stream, use it to promote your blog and drive traffic.

   * Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok: Share snippets of your content, engage with other gamers, and participate in relevant discussions.

   * Reddit: Find relevant gaming subreddits to share your posts, but be mindful of community rules about self-promotion.

 * Email List Building: Offer a valuable incentive (e.g., a free mini-guide, a cheat sheet) for readers to sign up for your email list. This allows you to directly notify them of new posts and exclusive content.

 * Guest Posting & Collaborations: Write for other gaming blogs or collaborate with gaming YouTubers. This exposes your blog to new audiences.

5. Build a Community: Your Guild of Gamers

A loyal community is the backbone of a profitable blog.

 * Engage in Comments: Respond to reader comments and questions on your blog.

 * Social Media Interaction: Be active on social platforms, answering questions and participating in discussions.

 * Create a Forum or Discord Server: For highly engaged audiences, providing a dedicated space for discussion can foster a strong community.

The Grind Pays Off

Building a profitable video game blog takes time, effort, and consistency. But by choosing a smart niche, creating valuable content, strategically monetizing, and actively promoting your work, you can turn your passion for gaming into a rewarding and profitable venture. Good luck, and happy blogging!

Nintendo Switch 2 ( My 1 Month Exsperience )

     Hey guys, welcome to my first blog in a long time.  Its a slow day today at my regular job, and all I could think of is writing about my first 4 weeks owning a Nintendo Switch 2.  So here in Canada I bought the Mario Kart bundle at 679.99.  Was not exspecting this high in price but this is the way our world is going now.  I may write a blog post revolving around video game prices next! Haha.  Let me keep this on topic.  I am absolutely impressed with the console itself aside from the price.  This switch it built far better then Switch one.  The new magnetic controller attachment is amazing.  It just feels so much stronger and the size has increased also.  Then there is the screen size which is bigger!.  Now I never owned the Oled model of Switch 1, but from word of mouth the screen was awesome.  I also heard that the Switch 2 should have had a Oled screen, however getting back to the price they would need to charge way more to make it a Oled and I just think that would decrease sales as the price is high enough.  Regardless of the Oled screen, this new screen is gorgeous to me!  Its so much brighter and colorful.  I really cant complain, its a beautiful thing.  Time to step away from the console and talk about the games that I have played.  Mario kart, Zelda and street fighter 6 are the games I have bought for the switch 2.  Mario kart world and Zelda have been played the most.  I personally love it!  Playing online Mario kart is so much fun and beautiful to look at.  Zelda was mostly played by my wife which technically she's put way more hours into this thing then me.  She absolutely loves the switch 2 and Zelda at that.  So far my exsperience with Switch 2 has been great.  No complaints other then its price.  The games are way to high in price along with the console.  But here's the thing you must keep in mind.  Switch 2 has broken records in sales already and the gaming market is always increasing.  Playstation 5 pro is 949.99 Canadian as we speak.  So what do you think Playstation 6 price will be if the Pro is 949.99??  Its not just Nintendo guys.  Here on out to the rest of our life span, we will be paying premium prices for gaming entertainment.  So if you have the money and love Nintendo and its games, I suggest you buy it and forget about the price.  The way I look at it, we don't know how long we have, you may as welcome enjoy your time while you still have your health.  I promise you, you will enjoy the Switch 2.  Till next blog post, have a great one and I hope to read comments on this post!   Take care :)