Tim “PKSparkxx” Gladden: From Philly to Nintendo Stardom
Gladden’s playful gaming persona is balanced by maturity, stepping up to address trolling during co-op gameplay.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tim “PKSparkxx” Gladden is a content creator who has carved out a unique niche in the world of gaming. With his infectious humor, energetic personality, and unwavering passion for Nintendo classics, he has built a dedicated following of over 64,000 Twitch followers and over 200,000 subscribers on YouTube. His journey from kitchen worker to full-time gaming entertainer is a story of creativity, community, and a love for Mario that knows no bounds.
Gladden is far from your typical gaming personality. Known for his larger-than-life reactions and trademark exclamation, “SON OF A BISCUIT!”, he blends lighthearted humor with serious gaming prowess. Whether dominating in a Mario Kart race, laughing through a co-op session, or teasing friends over their gaming missteps, his streams are a joyful mix of nostalgia, competitiveness, and comedy.
But there’s more to him than his playful, childlike energy. Gladden has shown a mature and serious side when necessary, often stepping in to mediate during co-op games. In his New Super Mario Bros. Wii playthrough, for example, he firmly addressed trolling behaviors with remarks like “Guys, seriously, FOCUS. No trolling.” This balance between humor and leadership makes him a standout figure in the gaming community.
His love for Nintendo shines in every aspect of his content. His passion for Mario games is unmatched, and his frustration when others fail at them—particularly his friend Cobi—has become a recurring comedic theme. One infamous moment saw him become furious after Cobi declared that “Sonic is better than Mario” during a Wii U Chat video. Beyond Mario, he has a deep appreciation for other Nintendo franchises, including The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Starfox, Kirby, and Super Smash Bros.
This devotion extends to his streams on both YouTube and Twitch, where he frequently plays
games like Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. for Wii. One of his standout live Let's Plays was The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D for the Nintendo 3DS, a series that delighted his fans and showcased his skill and enthusiasm.
Gladden’s charisma and sociability have made him a beloved figure in the gaming world. He has collaborated with fellow creators like Cobanermani456 and BlahBlahLPs, bringing a dynamic energy to co-op playthroughs and multiplayer sessions. At Screenwave Media, he refined his skills as an Influencer Manager, handling sales, supporting 150-250 influencers, and crafting promotional campaigns.
His leadership was instrumental in guiding Smashadelphia, a Philadelphia Smash Bros. national tournament, to its largest turnout at the TooManyGames convention. Screenwave Media, the YouTube influencer agency for video games and pop culture, connects brands with engaged audiences through its content creators. By combining in-depth platform knowledge and enthusiastic staff, the agency delivers results by identifying and documenting client goals, schedules, and requirements to align brands with the most applicable creators and their engaged fans.
With 16 years of experience in digital media and gaming, Gladden has built a YouTube channel
with over 200,000 subscribers and emerged as an esports community leader. Through commentary, interviews, and event organization, he has cemented his status as a prominent figure in the gaming world.
For many fans, Gladden’s streams are more than just entertainment—they’re a nostalgic haven. Filled with references to 90s and 2000s pop culture, from Yu-Gi-Oh! Battles to iconic gaming moments, his content resonates deeply with millennials and Gen Z audiences alike. It’s a space where fans can relive the joys of their childhood while connecting with a community that shares their passion.
In an era where online communities are vital sources of connection, Gladden stands out as a creator who offers more than just gaming content. His streams are a blend of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt interaction, providing a space where fans feel genuinely welcomed. From his playful antics to his moments of seriousness, he embodies the idea of turning a passion into a thriving career while staying true to oneself.
Tim “PKSparkxx” Gladden isn’t just a gaming personality; he’s a Philadelphia-born entertainer, a community builder, and an ambassador for the enduring charm of Nintendo classics. Whether shouting “SON OF A BISCUIT!” or leading his Smash Bros. team to victory, he continues to inspire and entertain with every stream.
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Aaron Brokenbough Jr.
Aaron Brokenbough is a Philly filmmaker, producer, and writer covering community, culture, and storytelling. He produces award-winning films and develops projects like Redefining Safety, highlighting Black, queer, and immigrant voices.
