Artifacts: Stories from the Emotional History of the Internet

The Memory Cards We Couldn't Bear to Lose

September 18, 2026·9 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Enjoying the show? Support it here.There was a time when saving a game meant writing down a password, carefully copying a code from the screen, or trusting a little piece of plastic not to lose your progress.In this episode of Artifacts, I look at how memory cards changed the way we played and what happened when our game saves became something we could carry with us, from the early days of dedicated memory cards to the wonderfully weird Dreamcast VMU. And why, years later, those tiny cards can still take us straight back to the people and places we were when we used them.Get InvolvedIf you enjoy Artifacts, you can support it with either a one-off tip, or become a monthly Archivist.No commitment - just a simple way to say thanks. Show your support here.If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast app!And please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts or their preferred podcast app, or online at Artifacts Podcast.The ArchiveThe sister newsletter to the Artifacts podcast, sharing a story that didn't quite fit into an episode, a forgotten corner of the internet I've stumbled across, or a memory that deserves preserving before it quietly fades away.Get the Artifacts NewsletterProducts I Use for ArtifactsNote: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.My equipment:RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser micRodecaster Pro II audio production studioSony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor HeadphonesElgato Wave Mic Arm Low ProfileRecommended resources:Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetizationHindenburg Pro recording and editingAuphonic mastering tool for audio post productionBeehiiv email marketing

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