The arrival of a dramatically improved PSSR prompts many questions about the future of Sony ML features and the relationship with AMD. Meanwhile, the team tackle the baffling issue of no Crimson Desert Intel graphics support at launch, whether John can ever be tempted away from his CRTs and how future tech will balance dynamic resolution and dynamic frame-gen. Meanwhile, what's going on with diminished Xbox coverage? 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Supporter Q1: Which games actually have dedicated PSSR 2 patches? 06:23 Supporter Q2: Could AMD?s Ray Regeneration be implemented in Crimson Desert for PS5 Pro? 11:01 Supporter Q3: Will we have another PSSR upgrade this generation? 12:32 Supporter Q4 What is the long-term future of PSSR for PS6? 14:43 Supporter Q5: Is it acceptable for Crimson Desert to ship without Intel Arc support? 19:50 Supporter Q6: Is DF shunning Xbox coverage? 28:42 Supporter Q7: If OLEDs get an Nvidia Pulsar equivalent, will John ditch CRTs? 32:23 Supporter Q8: How do you balance between DRS and dynamic frame gen? 38:44 Supporter Q9: What acronym should Sony use for their PlayStation frame gen tech? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another big Direct! John talks base PlayStation 5 Crimson Desert mere hours after its launch, the team talk PSSR based on a new interview with Mark Cerny, while Oliver checks out the new handheld boost option for Switch 2 - and it's good! Cyberpunk 2077 is getting a PS5 Pro upgrade - but what is it? And finally, John enthuses even more about G-Sync Pulsar with its new 60Hz support feature! 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:38 News 1: Crimson Desert base PS5 impressions 0:25:59 News 2: Our interview with Mark Cerny on the upgraded PSSR! 0:54:05 News 3: Nintendo adds Switch 2 ?Handheld Boost? 1:08:44 News 4: Cyberpunk 2077 poised for PS5 Pro patch 1:18:25 News 5: G-Sync Pulsar monitors patched to support 60Hz games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a wild few days. When we posted about DLSS 5, we were impressed with the technology and what it was doing - but we posted too soon. When generative AI is so divisive and with the future of games development possibly at stake, we should have taken the time to get the story straight and to analyse what we saw more thoroughly drawing on the thoughts of the whole team. In this video, we try to do just that while tackling the big questions raised by our supporters. 00:00 Explaining our initial DLSS 5 video 02:26 How can developers maintain artistic control with DLSS 5, especially for faces? 15:40 When the game industry is hurting, what are the ethics of using DLSS 5? 23:23 Why show off DLSS 5 now? Why call it DLSS 5? 30:38 Our technical reactions to DLSS 5 47:15 Dealing with harassment and concluding thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After months - no, years - of speculation, we finally have proper information from Microsoft on the nature of its next generation Project Helix console - but how much is actually new? Meanwhile, Pearl Abyss share lavish detail on Crimson Desert specifications, while Nvidia talks The Witcher 4 with RTX Mega Geometry and Path Tracing. Rich is taken aback by Intel's Core 200 Ultra Plus announcement, Oliver has a new monitor and John pops up to talk more about our Crimson Desert PS5 Pro coverage. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:53 News 1: Microsoft reveals Project Helix at GDC 0:35:41 News 2: Crimson Desert console and PC specs drop 0:45:06 News 3: Witcher 4 gets RTX Mega Geometry, path tracing 0:53:36 News 4: Intel launches Core Ultra 200S Plus series 1:01:20 News 5: Oliver?s new Apple Studio Display XDR 1:10:01 Content discussion: Crimson Desert exclusive PS5 Pro review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fourth Q+A show, the team dive deeper into Xbox Project Helix and share their thoughts on potential performance vs PS6 along with hopes for what Microsoft will reveal this week at GDC. In the wake of Sony's reported change in PC strategy, where does that leave Nixxes? And what about the alleged "dynamic pricing" on the PlayStation Store? Oliver's getting a new display for the workplace, and Will Judd returns to Digital Foundry. And... can Sony justify releasing a PlayStation 6 Professional? 00:48 Supporter Q1: Will Project Helix dual boot Windows and Xbox OS, or will it rely more on virtualization? 12:14 Supporter Q2: Does Project Helix seem meaningfully more powerful than PS6, based off rumoured specs? 20:56 Supporter Q3: What will Nixxes do, given their reduced porting portfolio? 27:34 Supporter Q4: What do you think of dynamic pricing for digital game stores? 32:00 Supporter Q5: Are you impressed by the Pokémon Winds/Waves trailer? 35:16 Supporter Q6: Is the Apple Studio Display XDR any good for gaming? 41:32 Supporter Q7: Can Sony justify releasing a PS6 Pro? 46:43 Supporter Q8: How is Will doing, and when will you let him back on DF Direct? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the run-up to GDC, Microsoft has given the new Xbox a codename - Project Helix - and there's confirmation that it'll run PC games too, but what else will be revealed and how much will it cost? Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that Sony's stepping back from bringing its triple-A singleplayer games to PC, John tries Marathon and bemoans RT changes made to RE Requiem, and Rich wonders what's going on with the reported RTX 5050 9GB. Finally, Pearl Abyss stands by the quality of Crimson Desert on consoles - and says that Digital Foundry will have full access to review code. Nice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third Q+A show, the DF team have lots to discuss - there's a bunch of big questions on the "PSSR2" reveal and we can share what we think about what's to come next month. Meanwhile, in the wake of Phil Spencer's departure from Xbox, there are many more queries about the nature of the next-gen machine and Microsoft's strategy. But there's more! Are we already seeing the limits of Switch 2 RT and what if Microsoft had partnered with Nvidia for Xbox Series machinery - could that have changed the outcome of the console "war"...? 00:55 Supporter Q1: What games are you excited to test with the new PSSR? 06:14 Supporter Q2: Is the new PSSR override a game-changer for PS5 Pro? 10:39 Supporter Q3: With new PSSR imminent, why won?t AMD release their INT 8 version of FSR 4? 14:41 Supporter Q4: Can DF remain fair and impartial on new PSSR? 20:38 Supporter Q5: Will Windows on next-gen Xbox be ?full-fledged?? 24:20 Supporter Q6: Should Microsoft change tack on next gen Xbox and release a Series S replacement? 27:25 Supporter Q7: Is ray tracing on Switch 2 too much for AAA games like Resident Evil: Requiem? 36:36 Supporter Q8: What would Xbox Series look like if Microsoft had opted for Nvidia tech over AMD? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's Direct, new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma tells us that "the plan's the plan until it's not the plan" - so is there actually a new strategy at all? Meanwhile, with Bluepoint cut loose from Sony, could the firm deliver the remasters/remakes that Xbox needs? The team discuss Death Stranding 2 specs and the "quietening" of PlayStation PC releases more generally before moving on to reaction to the Mario Wonder Switch 2 Edition reveal? There's a new PSSR patent worth talking about and... finally... what did we know about RE Requiem's new PSSR tech pre-review? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:34 News 1: Where Next For Xbox? Asha Sharma First Interview 0:30:47 News 2: Should Microsoft hire Bluepoint? 0:42:21 News 3: Death Stranding 2 PC specs drop 0:50:55 News 4: Super Mario Wonder Switch 2 Edition previewed 0:57:21 News 5: Could new Sony upscaler tech replace DRS? 1:06:39 Content discussion: reflecting on Requiem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our second spin-off Q+A show, we tackle the gaping hole in DF Direct Weekly #252 - the gigaton news that Phil Spencer is retiring from Xbox, Sarah Bond is leading and Asha Sharma is in as EVP and CEO. The team share their initial reactions to the next and wonder what happens next. Beyond that, Sony's strategies are under the microscope, there's a focus on PS5 Pro's fortunes when PS6 appears and finally, will the RAM crisis go as far as impacting game design? 00:00 Supporter Q1: What do you make of the sudden departure of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond from Microsoft? 20:09 Supporter Q2: Should Sony change their PC strategy and offer a game launcher? 27:12 Supporter Q3: Will the PS5 Pro prove its worth in the PS6 era? 33:23 Supporter Q4: How will Sony more aggressively monetize their install base? 37:20 Supporter Q5: How will RAMageddon impact game design? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Direct was recorded pre-Phil Spencer retirement news, but we'll be on that imminently. In the meantime, Rich, John and Alex talk Bluepoint Games, a prospective PS6 delay, Steam Deck stock issues, Square-Enix's plans for FF7R Part 3 multiplatform deployment, DLSS winning blind tests against native rendering and FSR 4 and some bizarre IQ issues with Xenoblade Chronicles X on Switch 2. And finally, Alex tells all about his back issues and his journey towards a healthy, pain-free recovery. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:25 News 1: Sony closing Bluepoint Games 0:25:25 News 2: Report: Sony considering 1-2 year PS6 delay 0:36:10 News 3: Steam Deck goes out of stock in multiple regions 0:45:03 News 4: Director: FF7R part 3 won?t be compromised by multi-plat strategy 0:52:53 News 5: ComputerBase blind tests peg DLSS 4.5 as upscaling champ 0:58:50 News 6: Xenoblade Chronicles X has bizarre Switch 2 image quality 1:06:08 Content Discussion: Alex?s spine struggles and new standing desk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our first spin-off Q+A show, it's pretty clear what the community is discussing: what's going on with Unreal Engine 5 games in terms of image quality and performance? Are compromised experiences now "part of the furniture" or can/will something be done? Beyond that, we discuss how YouTube quality issues impact our work, whether gaming laptops serve any purpose in the era of the handheld, whether you should play Death Stranding 1 before Death Stranding 2 and if Nvidia really has left the gamer behind. And finally, if we could bring back/remaster/remake any old game, what would it be? 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Supporter Q1: Should we challenge Unreal Engine performance issues more often?  23:14 Supporter Q2: Why do people mistake YouTube issues for game issues?  31:03 Supporter Q3: Do gaming laptops make sense in an era of Switch 2 and PC handhelds?  39:04 Supporter Q4: Is Death Stranding 2 a good point to jump in if you haven?t played the original?  41:50 Supporter Q5: Why is Nvidia skipping new consumer GPU releases this year?  52:02 Supporter Q6: Which game would you rescue from obsolete hardware? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a big State of Play reaction video as Sony spills the beans on a colossal range of games across a 72 minute magnum opus. John, Oliver and Rich share their thoughts on all the key games that were revealed or showcased in more depth before moving on to other matters. Rich gets a look at DLSS dynamic multi frame-gen and starts to get more of an idea of where graphics technology is heading, while Oliver and John discuss the Unreal Engine 5 image quality/performance comments raised by the audience in the wake of the High on Life 2 review. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:17 News 1: Sony?s jam-packed State of Play: God of War Trilogy Remake, God of War: Sons of Sparta 0:09:46 Saros 0:15:59 Death Stranding 2 PC 0:22:31 Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2, Castlevania: Belmont?s Curse 0:36:38 Silent Hill: Townfall 0:42:01 Star Wars: Galactic Racer 0:48:40 Kena: Scars of Kosmora, Control Resonant, 0:58:08 Crimson Moon, Yakoh Shinobi Ops, Project Windless, Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, Rev. NOiR, Untitled John Wick Game, 007 First Light 1:07:56 News 2: Rich tries DLSS Dynamic Multi Frame Gen! 1:20:13 DF Content Discussion: Did we go too easy on High on Life 2? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a slightly extended 250th episode, Rich is joined by Oliver, Alex and John for a huge discussion across a range of topics. Valve's still not able to tell us when Steam Machine is coming out, but the projected Q1 release now seems to be H1 instead. Meanwhile, AMD's Dr Lisa Su says that the next-gen Xbox SoC is on track for a 2027 console release... but will the console actually release in 2027? Beyond that, all the reaction to the big Nintendo Direct Direct, Rich reveals that Intel Panther Lake can beat Xbox Series S at 30W, while Alex's tests on the latest Resident Evil 4 update for PC suggest that new DRM can have an impact on game performance. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:38 News 1: Valve: RAM and storage shortages will affect Steam Machine 0:15:51 News 2: AMD: we can support a 2027 Xbox launch 0:32:54 News 3: Nintendo Partner Direct: Oblivion Remastered 0:39:27 Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle 0:50:13 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth 0:58:51 Pragmata 1:07:36 Rave Racer, Goemon, Orbitals, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Tales of Arise 1:11:09 News 4: Co-op Horizon game breaks cover 1:21:34 News 5: Intel Panther Lake tested at 30W! 1:33:55 News 6: New Resident Evil DRM hurts performance 1:44:47 Supporter Q1: Could the UE5 denoiser issue affect other upscalers like PSSR? 1:50:15 Supporter Q2: Could path tracing trample on a developer?s artistic vision? 1:53:59 Supporter Q3: Is Genie 3 the end of game development? 2:00:12 Supporter Q4: What are the rules of the OptiPlex challenge? 2:11:52 Supporter Q5: What?s hiding in the 61K unread emails in Oliver?s inbox? 2:15:20 Supporter Q6: Happy 250th episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bit of a quiet week, where even the launch of the new CPU gaming champion doesn't quite live up to its billing. Rich talks 9850X3D, John talks 9800X3D system building, while a custom-built handheld PS4 perhaps gives us a hint of the PlayStation handheld to come. John's been playing the Banjo-Kazooie decompilation project and memories are shared on the event of Duke Nukem 3D's 30th birthday. And a current-gen console upgrade for Kingdom Come: Deliverance? Sounds like a good idea! 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:32 News 1: AMD releases chart-topping 9850X3D processor 0:19:19 News 2: Can you build an affordable PC in 2026? 0:41:58 News 3: Banjo-Kazooie recompilation released 0:52:17 News 4: Modder builds portable PS4 handheld 1:00:04 News 5: Kingdom Come: Deliverance current-gen enhancement leaks 1:08:08 News 6: Celebrating Duke Nukem 3D?s 30th anniversary 1:25:10 Supporter Q1: Why doesn?t AMD release an RDNA 4 based SoC for handhelds? 1:30:48 Supporter Q2: Why might Rockstar delay a physical GTA 6 release? 1:36:56 Supporter Q3: If PS6 is delayed to 2029, will Sony improve the hardware? 1:43:21 Supporter Q4: Will cross-gen PS5/6 titles run at 30fps on PS5? 1:49:59 Supporter Q5: What are your expectations for Nvidia?s 6000 series GPUs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best gaming showcase event returns - Xbox Developer_underscore_Direct has a proven track record of delivering excellent presentations of impressive games, and the latest is no exception. Rich, John and Oliver discuss Forza Horizon 6, Fable, Beast of Reincarnation and Kiln, before moving onto a brace of Switch 2 enhanced titles, plus a look at the Xbox versions of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. And yes - Sega Saturn ray tracing. It's real and it's spectacular. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:00 News 1: Developer_Direct 2026 - Forza Horizon 6 0:16:00 Fable 0:31:27 Beast of Reincarnation 0:37:27 Kiln 0:45:50 News 2: DKC Returns gets fixes, Switch 2 boosts + Animal Crossing?s odd Switch 2 Edition 0:58:49 News 3: Final Fantasy 7 Remake tested on Xbox Series! 1:06:43 News 4: Modder builds 3-in-1 Switch/Xbox/PlayStation 1:17:41 Supporter Q1: Why hasn?t Microsoft announced more Switch 2 games? 1:22:03 Supporter Q2: Should Rockstar give PS5 Pro a 40fps mode in GTA 6? 1:27:58 Supporter Q3: Could Microsoft pull out of gaming hardware in favour of cloud gaming? 1:33:52 Supporter Q4: What?s a game everyone loved, but you hated? 1:41:22 Supporter Q5 Is RDNA 5 hyped too much? 1:45:46 Supporter Q6: Now that the Saturn can do ray tracing, should we ditch our current-gen machines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another week, another controversy surrounding Monster Hunter Wilds PC performance - but perhaps this time we're looking at more of a silly bug than a game-breaking issue. John clues us in on a remarkable port of Super Mario 64 for the Sega Dreamcast (!), offers up opinions on Code Vein 2 on PS5 and shares his excitement for the latest Resident Evil Requiem disclosures. There's comment on the RTX 5070 Ti discontinuation reports and general bafflement on what's going on with 007 First Light's PC specs. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:00 News 1: Monster Hunter DLC checks drag PC performance 0:19:37 News 2: RE Requiem trailer showcases dual protagonist gameplay 0:27:34 News 3: RTX 5070 Ti ?discontinuation? fracas 0:44:27 News 4: Super Mario 64 ported to Dreamcast 0:56:27 News 5: 007 First Light gets updated PC requirements 1:05:10 News 6: John previews Code Vein 2! 1:09:37 Supporter Q1: How should we pick between DLSS 4.0 and 4.5? 1:19:27 Supporter Q2: What?s a tech that you championed early - for better or for worse? 1:32:57 Supporter Q3: Why do Unreal Engine games on consoles have no shader gathering issues? 1:35:52 Supporter Q4: After the Switch 2 rumour cycle, have you changed your approach to evaluating unverified info? 1:42:55 Supporter Q5: Did Alex ?raw dog? his trip to CES? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Direct from Las Vegas, A Redbull-powered Alex Battaglia and Oliver Mackenzie share their thoughts on everything they saw at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026, while also discussing all of the big announcements. Nvidia, AMD and Intel announcements, the latest TVs and monitors and... the weirdness. Plus, what is Crimson Desert and why should be excited about it? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:07 News 1: Nvidia, AMD, and Intel: chipmaker announcements 0:15:37 News 2: PC hardware: laptops, desktops, and accessories 0:28:49 News 3: TVs: MicroRGB, OLED, MicroLED, ?Laser?, HDMI 2.2 0:54:54 News 4: Monitors: new QD-OLED coatings, RGB OLEDs, 5K2K ultrawides 1:02:46 News 5: Crimson Desert demo 1:08:37 News 6: CES weirdness: Project AVA, fighting robots, AI saturation, RCA and RadioShack revival, AR avatars, Lego Panther Lake, recumbent chairs, China pavilion 1:36:50 News 7: Reflections on Las Vegas and CES 2026 1:42:54 Supporter Q1: How will new CES tech be affected by RAM scarcity? 1:46:06 Supporter Q2: With new price constraints, is pushing graphics tech unsustainable? 1:51:23 Supporter Q3: Where?s Nvidia?s Reflex 2? 1:54:32 Supporter Q4: Is 30fps with frame gen a good idea for Ark on Switch 2? 2:01:00 Supporter Q5: Are monitors advancing too fast for GPUs? 2:05:28 Supporter Q6: Should games mask #StutterStruggle with tear-jerking content? 2:07:38 Supporter Q7: With Nvidia continuing to innovate, why should people buy AMD GPUs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last DF Direct video of the year, Rich, Oliver and Alex join forces to discusses their experiences of the best gaming hardware of 2025. Handhelds dominate, and while Switch 2's mega sales cannot be denied, Rich makes the case for the crazy GPD Win 5, while Oliver opts for the SteamOS-based Lenovo Legion Go S. Beyond portables, it's all about the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, RTX 5090, the Blackwell and RDNA 4 launches in general and - finally - green shoots of hope in what looks to be a grim 2026. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:53 GPD Win 5 0:11:07 Asus ROG Xbox Ally X 0:15:40 Lenovo Legion Go S 0:18:44 MSI Claw 8 AI + 0:19:45 Nintendo Switch 2 0:28:59 AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 0:38:52 Nvidia Blackwell 0:51:11 AMD RDNA 4 0:59:58 Expectations for 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Need we saw more? As we draw to the end of another remarkable year in video games, the Digital Foundry team sit down to pore over the technological showcases of the last 12 months in an attempt to answer the immortal question: What were the best game graphics of the year? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:09 Honourable Mentions: Kirby Air Riders, Mario Kart World, Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2), Fast Fusion 0:11:45 Routine 0:16:35 Earthion 0:20:00 Silent Hill f 0:25:50 Mafia: The Old Country 0:32:18 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond 0:39:00 Ghost of Y?tei 0:46:11 Dying Light: The Beast 0:56:32 Top Three Discussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A critical mass of rumours is strongly suggesting that Half-Life 3 will be a launch title for Steam Machine - but how does that work when the RAM crisis is making any kind of hardware launch so challenging? Meanwhile, Oliver pops in to talk about an actual patch for the woeful Switch 1 port of Batman: Arkham Knight, while Tom makes a similarly cameo-sized appearance to talk about Skyrim's anti-latency patch - which isn't quite what we were hoping for. And that's just the tip of the iceberg for what is an absolutely colossal Direct which will also be the last we produce in the year of our lord 2025. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:33 News 1: Is Half-Life 3 a Steam Machine launch game? 0:14:45 News 2: Batman: Arkham Knight patch brings Switch 2 boosts 0:26:28 News 3: Skyrim Switch 2 patch improves input lag - at a cost 0:34:57 News 4: Ayaneo announces Strix Halo uber-handheld 0:45:56 News 5: Bungie exhibits Marathon in new video 0:58:46 News 6: Avatar gets DLSS Frame Generation and Ray Reconstruction 1:14:27 News 7: Blur Busters releases TestUFO 3.0 1:22:42 News 8: Presenting the Digital Foundry 2025 Community Awards! 1:44:13 Supporter Q1: Will future handhelds be fast enough to run path-traced games? 1:47:30 Supporter Q2: Are there realistic alternatives to UE5 for AAA games? 1:52:39 Supporter Q3: What do you think of Mega Man: Dual Override? 1:54:25 Supporter Q4: What are the best graphics of 2025 on low-end hardware? 2:00:31 Supporter Q5: How would you set up an Xbox 360 or PS3 in the modern era? 2:04:55 Supporter Q6: Should AI write supporter questions for DF Direct? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's that time of the year! The Digital Foundry team discuss the big reveals and the games that caught their eye at The Game Awards, with the traditional complaints about the volume of CG trailers. Beyond that, Rich shares his impressions on the first PS3 emulator for PlayStation 5, Alex gets to grips with the wobbly performance of FSR Redstone frame generation and Oliver shares some eyebrow-raising results from Skyrim on Switch 2. And as usual, questions are answered. Questions like: "Is Star Wars Outlaws more ?bespoke? on Switch 2 than Assassin?s Creed Shadows?" 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:12 News 1: The Game Awards: Control Resonant 0:08:42 Tomb Raider: Catalyst and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis 0:16:56 Total War: Warhammer 40,000 0:23:59 Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, Exodus, Divinity 0:34:23 Ontos, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, No Law, Pragmata, AUDIOMECH, TankRat 0:49:34 News 2: Devs ship PS3 emulator in PS5 game 0:59:09 News 3 Skyrim disappoints on Switch 2 1:07:21 News 4: AMD FSR Redstone launches 1:26:38 Supporter Q1: Will The Witchers 4, 5, and 6 be constrained by cross-gen limits? 1:35:14 Supporter Q2: Will Unified Memory Architecture appear on PCs? 1:39:21 Supporter Q3: Could Microsoft port their backwards compatibility solution to PS5? 1:44:31 Supporter Q4: Is there a way to install a streamlined Windows 11 cleansed of Microsoft services? 1:56:38 Supporter Q5: Is Star Wars Outlaws more ?bespoke? on Switch 2 than Assassin?s Creed Shadows? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nintendo didn't release Metroid Prime 4 Switch 1 review code to journalists, so how does it stack up against Switch 2? Rich does some digging. Meanwhile, the team lament the end of the iconic Crucial RAM, but there's better news about the return of some kind of 32-bit PhysX support for RTX 50-series GPUs. Oliver talks Sonic Racing Crossworlds on Switch 2, John's impressed by TimeSplitters Rewind - and just how bad have things got for HDR support in video games? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:55 News 1: Metroid Prime 4 tested on Switch 1! 0:29:22 News 2: Micron kills Crucial RAM 0:39:29 News 3: Nvidia partially brings back 32 bit PhysX for 50 series 0:45:34 News 4: Sonic Racing Crossworlds tested on Switch 2 0:51:00 News 5: CD Projekt plans fast release pace for Witchers 4-6 0:59:21 News 6: Veteran HDR dev bemoans state of HDR in games 1:14:23 News 7: TimeSplitters Rewind impresses 1:22:17 Supporter Q1: Will price hikes cause a gaming Dark Age? How are next gen consoles affected? 1:32:44 Supporter Q2: How could Cyberpunk 2077 be improved visually? 1:35:59 Supporter Q3: What games are ?Too Big for Steam Machine?? 1:39:46 Supporter Q4: Should Nintendo have tried to match Series S with Switch 2? 1:44:33 Supporter Q5: Do you have any fond PSP gaming memories? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's Direct, Rich gets to grips with Ghost of Y?tei's unlocked frame-rate and balanced mode upgrades, discovering some excellent results. The team discuss the seemingly soon arrival of a PC port for Death Stranding 2, while mulling over Ubisoft's details on its upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows Switch 2 port. John's highly excited by eXoWin9X and there's a celebratory round of applause for Panic Button - entrusted by Nintendo to upgrade some its most important games for Switch 2. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:32 News 1: Ghost of Y?tei gets unlocked VRR modes 0:19:58 News 2: Death Stranding 2 PC incoming? 0:27:06 News 3: eXoWin9x gets vintage PC games running on modern Windows 0:36:48 News 4: Assassin?s Creed Shadows Switch 2 version detailed 0:49:24 News 5: Panic Button handled key Switch 2 updates 0:55:25 Supporter Q1: Is Kirby Air Riders the game Mario Kart World should have been? 1:01:26 Supporter Q2: What?s the most unexpected feature announced for a product? 1:10:25 Supporter Q3: Will Steam Machine cement a performance target for game developers? 1:14:29 Supporter Q4: Will surging RAM prices doom the Steam Machine? What about PS6? 1:21:21 Supporter Q5: Does Nvidia need to concentrate more on Linux driver development? 1:26:39 Supporter Q6: Can Alex share a recent PC gaming experience that made him happy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A meaty new episode of DF Direct Weekly kicks off with a Valve double-header - reaction to news that Steam Machine may be heading for PC pricing, plus news of Linux FSR 4 support via Proton... including old GPUs. Meanwhile, Angry Alex is back and he's measured just how bad Windows performance in AC Shadows is impacted by a rogue update. Red Dead Redemption 1 returns once again, Oliver has opinions on Horizon Steel Frontiers and let's just say that we really think you should check out Sektori. 0:00:00 Introduction0:01:07 News 1: Steam Machine price: above $500?0:18:36 News 2: FSR 4 gets Proton support0:33:00 News 3: Windows update kills gaming performance0:50:10 News 4: Price hikes incoming: should you buy a GPU right now?1:05:21 News 5: Red Dead Redemption gets new round of ports1:11:06 News 6: Horizon Steel Frontiers announced1:17:52 News 7: Twin-stick shooter Sektori impresses1:23:00 Supporter Q1: On the system?s 20th anniversary, what are your favourite Xbox 360 games?1:32:20 Supporter Q2: Why is everyone so excited for Steam Machine?1:38:19 Supporter Q3: Is there a new sub-PS5 hardware tier developing?1:43:44 Supporter Q4: Will developers add new Steam Machine graphical presets?1:50:47 Supporter Q5: Is Switch 2 DLSS superior to FSR 3?1:55:49 Supporter Q6: Should Sony fret over Steam Machine competition? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valve's reveal of the Steam Machine has proven phenomenally popular to the point where our coverage is by far and away the biggest DF video of the year. But there's more information emerging post-embargo we had to share, plus plenty of discussion points to wade through. How much will it cost? Does this really cause problems for Microsoft? What is the actual make-up of the Zen 4 CPU? And is a spec that's comparable with PlayStation 5 really the best that could be done over five years into this generation? Rich, Oliver and Alex convene once again to talk about the Valve initiative. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:41 Steam Machine pricing 0:13:42 Potential impacts to Microsoft 0:25:18 CPU: likely Hawk Point 2 0:30:54 Hardware concerns and deficits 0:45:11 Should Valve have used Strix Halo? 0:51:41 8GB of VRAM and SteamOS efficiencies 1:03:04 Steam Frame and Valve?s push into ARM 1:14:25 Supporter Q1: Will Steam Machine have pre-loading of shader cache? 1:19:17 Supporter Q2: How can Valve solve the anti-cheat problem? 1:22:25 Supporter Q3: Will Valve drop Half-Life 3 for the launch of Steam Machine? 1:28:21 Supporter Q4: What is a proper punishment for Alex after his denigration of PS3? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the new Steam Machine PC/console hybrid has taken centrestage, it's not the only major hardware launch revealed by Valve today. Steam Frame is a state-of-the-art VR headset that not only streams games from your PC but can actually run them on the headset itself, with an x86 to ARM translation layer working in addition to Proton. Oliver's been hands-on and shares his impressions with John in this DF Direct Special. 00:00 Overview04:17 Internal specifications06:55 Displays and optics15:19 Foveated rendering and foveated streaming18:06 Modularity, controls, and audio24:52 Standalone gaming functionality32:30 Game streaming37:25 Analysis and conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the hardware we've been waiting for. Built on SteamOS, Valve's brand-new Steam Machine runs the same games that Steam Deck does, with 6x the graphics horsepower - all built into a super-cute, premium, cube-like design. Oliver visited Valve HQ to go hands-on with both the new PC/console hybrid and the new Steam Controller, reporting back with impressions, specs and insights from the engineers behind the project. 0:00:00 Introduction0:01:11 Steam Machine overview0:04:38 Specs and architecture0:22:38 Other specs and capabilities0:30:24 Steam Controller0:36:26 Analysis and conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aside from the monumental release of our brand new website, it was looking like a quiet week until the gigaton news that Grand Theft Auto 6 was delayed again quote-unquote dropped. The team discuss the implications in this week's Direct, before moving onto PS Portal cloud streaming impressions and the AMD marketing debacle that is the RDNA 1/2 driver situation. Silent Hill 2 is all but certain to arrive on Xbox, but what about Switch 2? Plus: kudos to Nintendo as it looks almost certain now that Switch 2 is the biggest console launch of all-time... within a three-month launch window at least! 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:53 Our new website - digitalfoundry.net! 0:09:13 News 1: GTA 6 launch delayed to November 2026 0:21:20 News 2: PS Portal now officially supports PS5 Cloud Streaming 0:39:17 News 3: AMD?s RDNA 1 and 2 driver debacle 0:55:30 News 4: Switch 2 is the fastest selling console of all time (so far) 1:04:09 News 5: Silent Hill 2 reportedly headed to Xbox 1:10:41 Supporter Q1: What do you consider ?retro?? 1:18:23 Supporter Q2: What is the most exciting console gen technologically? 1:23:09 Supporter Q3: Should Microsoft worry about Valve?s future devices? 1:33:46 Supporter Q4: Will Rockstar reconsider a simultaneous GTA 6 PC launch? 1:41:21 Supporter Q5: Will the upcoming PS handheld play PS6 games natively, or only via streaming? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the time of uploading this video, it has been one year to the day since PlayStation 5 Pro was available to buy. In a DF Direct Special, John, Oliver and Tom compare notes on a massive range of Pro-enhanced titles, putting them into buckets: successful, good but not great and straight-out bad. And with that out of the way, it's time to talk about the overall effectiveness of the system in delivering an enhanced experience - plus thoughts and hopes for PS5 Pro: Year Two. 0:00:00 Overview 0:01:19 Game Boost and PS4 Enhance Image Quality 0:05:41 Successful games: FF7 Rebirth, Control, Assassin?s Creed Shadows, Black Myth Wukong, TLOU, The Callisto Protocol, Gran Turismo 7, Ghost of Yotei, Horizon Forbidden West 0:25:11 Death Stranding 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Space Marine 2, Hellblade 2, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter Wilds, Stellar Blade, Forza Horizon 5, Battlefield 6 0:35:11 Unsuccessful and middling games: MGS Delta, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill F, Dragon?s Dogma 2, Alan Wake 2, Jedi: Survivor, The Outer Worlds 2, Helldivers 2, Doom: The Dark Ages, Astro Bot, Black Ops 6 0:58:03 Final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new patch has "dropped" for Metal Gear Solid Delta and there are big performance and feature improvements in some areas, but is the game actually fixed? Meanwhile, Oliver gets to grips with Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 and comes away disappointed, while John is highly impressed with Lumines Arise. The team try to work their way through a puzzling interview from Microsoft's Satya Nadella, while a promising game that first started development in 2012 now actually has a launch trailer - but what is Routine? And 13 years on, why should you be interested? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:49 News 1: Metal Gear Solid Delta patch shows performance bump 0:23:19 News 2: Bloodlines 2 tested on PS5 0:33:16 News 3: Assassin?s Creed Shadows trailer drops for Switch 2 0:41:34 News 4: Lumines Arise impresses in preview 0:47:34 News 5: Microsoft CEO: gaming?s competition is short-form video 1:04:53 News 6: Routine re-emerges in release date trailer 1:09:23 Supporter Q1: Could you add Linux coverage to your PC game reviews? 1:16:06 Supporter Q2: Why did Xbox lose this console generation? 1:26:49 Supporter Q3: Is the new Power Saver mode actually intended for the cloud? 1:33:57 Supporter Q4: Is Apple finally serious about gaming? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A gigantic new episode of DF Direct Weekly sees the team's reaction to the big Halo Campaign Evolved reveal - and some unfortunate Unreal Engine 5 issues already coming into view. Meanwhile, what does Microsoft actually mean by its "very premium, very high-end" next-gen comments and is the Xbox Ally X interface really the best way forward? Meanwhile, John and some familiar faces reveal our next big project - the DF Retro Super Show - our brand new video podcast. Beyond that, Rich talks PlayStation power saver with Death Stranding 1 and 2, while alarming stats are revealed about the decline of games journalism. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:12 News 1: Halo Campaign Evolved revealed! 0:23:03 News 2: Sarah Bond: next Xbox "very premium, very high-end" 0:55:55 News 3: Announcing the DF Retro Super Show! 1:01:46 News 4: Nvidia drops Bonsai tech demo 1:13:05 News 5: Death Stranding 1 + 2 tested in Power Saver mode 1:27:11 News 6: Game journalists rapidly departing industry 1:42:37 Supporter Q1: Is Microsoft making a mistake by muddling the definition of an Xbox? 1:50:50 Supporter Q2: Is Microsoft?s new 30% gaming margin target driving its recent woes? 1:57:17 Supporter Q3: Does pursuing the state of the art make sense in a cost-constrained, multi-platform era? 2:01:25 Supporter Q4: Is Sony?s new portable PlayStation doomed to the same fate as the Vita? 2:05:58 Supporter Q5: How can AAA game studios survive in an era of increasing console prices? 2:12:09 Supporter Q6: Did you ever hear the tragedy of Alex Battaglia the Wise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ROG Xbox Ally X is "in the house" and Rich describes his first couple of days in the review process. Alex answers the big question as to whether new PC games stutter more than older ones, while Oliver gets to grips with Black Myth Wukong's latest patch on PlayStation, complete with Lumen-free performance mode. Finally, next-gen Xbox and PlayStation spec leaks are gathering pace - so what do we make of them? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:54 News 1: ROG Xbox Ally X first impressions and benchmarks! 0:31:28 News 2: Black Myth: Wukong patch brings Xbox updates to PS5 0:42:23 News 3: Did old PC games stutter less? 0:57:52 News 4: Latest Xbox Magnus rumours suggest large, expensive die 1:10:38 News 5: New PS5 Pro features subtle revisions 1:16:35 Supporter Q1: What does Alex think of Mark Cerny?s recent Project Amethyst announcements? 1:26:47 Supporter Q2: What does Microsoft?s collaboration with AMD look like? 1:33:59 Supporter Q3: Should Nintendo release a docked-only version of Switch 2? 1:36:43 Supporter Q4: Any thoughts on the recent Gamers Nexus animation error exposé? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's DF Direct, Microsoft deny rumours that its next-gen console has been cancelled - but to what extent are its statements credible in the wake of the infamous "four games" messaging? The existence of ports of Red Dead Redemption 2 for PS5, Xbox and Switch 2 are confirmed by the most reliable leaker in the business, while John shares his impressions of Yooka-Replaylee. And to what extent did Nintendo underclock the SoC for Switch 2? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:58 News 1: Microsoft: future Xbox console hardware re-confirmed 0:17:10 News 2: Yooka-Replaylee lands on current gen systems 0:27:51 News 3: Red Dead Redemption 2 remaster heavily rumoured 0:35:18 News 4: Ominous omens surround next Halo 0:47:16 Supporter Q1: If the next-gen Xbox is cancelled, what will have been lost? 0:52:47 Supporter Q2: Will competing consoles continue to launch at a similar cadence in the future? 0:59:27 Supporter Q3: Will developers focus on more advanced physics or mechanics to differentiate their games during cross-gen? 1:06:38 Supporter Q4: How will PS5 Pro fare in cross-gen software? 1:10:09 Supporter Q5: Should we consider Microsoft?s commercially unsuccessful consoles to be failures? 1:22:18 Supporter Q6: Is the Switch 1 or Switch 2 underclocked more heavily? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could this be the foundational GPU technology for the PlayStation 6? Mark Cerny's latest Project Amethyst update describes the building blocks of future graphics technology, with a strong focus on ray tracing and machine learning capabilities, along with bandwidth-enhancing features designed to reduce the need on massive memory controllers. John, Rich and Oliver discuss the tech and share more information from Mark Cerny via an email Q&A conducted in the wake of the video's publication. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest DF Direct is dominated by discussion of Microsoft's gigantic price hikes for Game Pass - proof positive that the previous prices were unsustainable, or a greedy cash grab from Xbox? And who exactly wants the new content added to the top-end tier? Meanwhile, the team share their thoughts on the new Austin Evans PS5 teardown video, while Rich reports on a brace of native Steam Deck ports: Baldur's Gate 3 and Cronos. The former shows big improvements, but there's confusion surrounding Cronos. Meanwhile, John's back with plenty of stories from his latest visit to Japan. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:27 News 1: Game Pass hit by massive price hikes 0:32:39 News 2: New PS5 Slim disassembled, examined 0:43:54 News 3: Native Steam Deck versions of Cronos, Baldur?s Gate 3 arrive 0:55:52 News 4: New DualSense reportedly features replaceable battery 1:02:14 News 5: John reports back from Japan 1:22:04 Supporter Q1: What do you think of the Panzer Dragoon Zwei remake? 1:30:12 Supporter Q2: Will the PlayStation handheld produce better visual results than Strix Halo handhelds? 1:36:32 Supporter Q3: What lessons can PC handhelds take from Switch 2 and its DLSS? 1:48:04 Supporter Q4: How do you think the PS6 will be initially received? 1:54:04 Supporter Q5: Do Wii games look good on a flatscreen with a typical remastering treatment? 1:58:41 Supporter Q6: What did everyone?s retro PC setups look like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, it's another episode of DF Direct Weekly and yes, once again it's two hours of content discussing the latest gaming and technology news. Marvel's Wolverine, Saros, Flight Sim 2024 and Deus Ex Remastered cover off what we want to talk about from the latest Sony State of Play, while there's reaction to what was essentially the non-reveal of Forza Horizon 6. We catch up with the state of Silent Hill f on Xbox following the late arrival of review code and - finally - the last minute indefinite delay to the release of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 had to be addressed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest exciting episode of DF Direct Weekly, Alex and Oliver share impressions on the PC and PS5 versions of Dying Light: The Beast in the wake of review code problems stopping us from delivering a full review. Meanwhile, the shocking news of an Intel/Nvidia partnership demands attention from the team, before Rich shares his experiences of testing the leaked FSR4 INT8 version on RDNA 3 hardware. There's eyebrow-raising disbelief around the Gearbox CEO's reactions to Borderlands 4 performance critiques, while pricing for the Strix Halo-equipped GPD Win 5 confirms that the most powerful handheld ever made will arrive with an elevated price-point to match. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:02 News 1: Dying Light: The Beast shows great PC, PS5 performance 0:20:28 News 2: Intel, Nvidia form chip partnership 0:32:58 News 3: Version of FSR 4 runs across wide range of GPUs 0:51:27 News 4: Combative Gearbox boss addresses Borderlands critics 1:10:17 News 5: GPD Win 5 arrives with hefty price tag 1:22:37 Supporter Q1: Can you explain Virtual Shadow Maps? 1:28:16 Supporter Q2: Shouldn?t you praise PSSR more for looking sharp in motion? 1:34:20 Supporter Q3: Do next-gen consoles need 50GB of RAM for AI? 1:40:15 Supporter Q4: Why do you think AMD Redstone is built to run without discrete AI hardware? 1:44:08 Supporter Q5: Could Intel and Nvidia produce their own console? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's gigantic DF Direct, Alex shares first impressions of Borderlands 4 PC performance, Oliver pops up for a guest appearance as the team summarise Nintendo's latest Direct, Rich enthuses about GeForce Now's new 5080 tier, while cloud coverage continues with a hands-on look at Microsoft xCloud's new 1440p streaming. Meanwhile, there's a cautious welcome for reports that PS6 will features a detachable, optional Blu-ray drive. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:09 News 1: Borderlands 4 suffers PC performance issues 0:25:11 News 2: Nintendo Direct: Mario Galaxy, Mario Wonder, Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book 0:33:11 Resident Evil Requiem 0:41:03 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Fire Emblem: Fortune?s Weave, Persona 3 Reload 0:52:20 Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, NSO Virtual Boy 1:05:43 News 3: GeForce Now RTX 5080 tested! 1:19:33 News 4: PS6 reportedly features detachable disc drive 1:30:18 News 5: 1440p streaming added to XCloud 1:40:28 Supporter Q1: Which two games would you combine to create gaming perfection? 1:46:33 Supporter Q2: Does Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 prove the RT haters wrong? 1:55:36 Supporter Q3: Is the future looking bright for demanding RT titles on Switch 2? 2:01:36 Supporter Q4: How should Sony handle game licenses on their portable PlayStation? 2:07:47 Supporter Q5: Is it too little, too late for Intel?s GPU efforts? 2:13:31 Supporter Q6: Will Alex review Jedi: Survivor on Switch 2? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest DF Direct, we finally get some idea of Switch 2's ray tracing capabilities via Star Wars Outlaws - and the team likes what they see. Meanwhile, details emerge of just how much slower Switch 2 carts are compared to internal storage and MicroSD Express - and it's a touch concerning. A reported storage downgrade for PlayStation 5 isn't exactly great news, and neither is the final death of Perfect Dark - but 007 First Night and Hollow Knight: Silksong have much to commend them. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:06 News 1: Star Wars Outlaws impresses on Switch 2! 0:23:58 News 2: Switch 2 carts are too slow for Star Wars Outlaws 0:34:43 News 3: Report: PS5 Digital to get storage downgrade 0:44:19 News 4: 007 First Light gameplay debuts 1:00:10 News 5: Take-Two fails to buy Perfect Dark 1:06:58 News 6: Hollow Knight: Silksong packs good PC tech 1:13:02 Supporter Q1: Has YouTube changed its video algorithms? 1:23:51 Supporter Q2: What?s up with HDR support in recent games? 1:30:16 Supporter Q3: Is software quality the real bottleneck for good performance? 1:38:52 Supporter Q4: Could Prey 2 get a Nightdive revival? 1:45:06 Supporter Q5: Why does Battlefield 6 scale oddly with higher core count CPUs? 1:50:41 Supporter Q6: Could DF hold an anniversary special to commemorate independence? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest DF Direct, Rich and Alex share their hands-on experiences of the Xbox/Asus ROG Ally X and non-X, while the team react to Epic's Tim Sweeney seemingly laying the blame on developers for sub-optimal Unreal Engine 5 games. Alex discusses a couple of his favourite SIGGRAPH graphics presentations. Finally, John's massively enthused by Shader Glass and is here to tell you why. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:55 News 1: Hands-on with the ROG Xbox Ally + Ally X 0:36:26 News 2 Tim Sweeney: devs to blame for poor UE5 performance 0:49:17 News 3: Alex?s SIGGRAPH selections 1:10:30 News 4: ShaderGlass enables CRT-inspired retro shaders 1:21:47 Supporter Q1: How much of #StutterStruggle is Microsoft?s fault? 1:26:37 Supporter Q2: With AMD purportedly targeting high-end GPUs next gen, will enthusiast GPUs become more competitive? 1:34:02 Supporter Q3: Should Arkham Knight be remastered for current-gen hardware? 1:39:37 Supporter Q4: Is frame-rate testing on fixed refresh displays still relevant? 1:45:32 Supporter Q5: What new video ideas should we introduce? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Rich unable to escape infection at #gamescom2025, it's down to John and Alex to share their impressions from the show, with Oliver completing the panel. The team share their thoughts on the Switch 2 ports of Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 Remake in the wake of very negative and very positive reactions from the showfloor. Alex is optimistic about Microsoft's proposed fix for StutterStruggle, while intriguing specs emerge of what may well be a Valve home console. Beyond that, there's more Gamescom reaction, plus thoughts on Kirby Air Riders. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:13 News 1: Elden Ring and FF7 Rebirth showcased on Switch 2! 0:11:11 News 2: Microsoft preps shader comp fix for Windows 0:27:21 News 3: Valve ?Fremont? console-like device leaks 0:36:49 News 4: Upcoming Capcom titles tested on PS5 Pro 0:49:26 News 5: Gamescom Opening Night Live impressions 1:00:02 News 6: Kirby Air Riders Direct reaction! 1:05:02 News 7: Gamescom hands-on impressions 1:20:30 Supporter Q1: What needs to happen to improve UE5 performance? 1:28:49 Supporter Q2: Should reviewers more heavily critique technical issues in games? 1:32:21 Supporter Q3: Should Microsoft have created a more console-focused Xbox handheld? 1:36:28 Supporter Q4: What are some great games to show off surround sound? 1:42:10 Supporter Q5: Bubsy 4D = GOTY? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the calm before the storm of Gamescom 2025, gaming and technology news is thin on the ground - and there's some degree of disappointment beyond the brilliance of the Battlefield 6 open beta. Drag x Drive on Switch 2 underwhelms, AMD releases an RX 9060 that you can't buy - and isn't really that much different to the 9060 XT. Light relief comes in the form of a monstrous modded RTX 4090 "handheld", while OneXPlayer's 120W Strix Halo tablet does - admittedly - look quite intriguing. Meanwhile, what would it take to get Tekken 8 running on Switch 2? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:50 News 1: Battlefield 6 tested on PC! 0:19:25 News 2: Drag x Drive launches on Switch 2 0:30:35 News 3: Tekken 8 director mulls Switch 2 release 0:38:56 News 4: RX 9060 non-XT benched 0:45:20 News 5: AMD discontinues 5700X3D, ending widespread X3D availability on AM4 0:54:57 News 6: New tablet integrates 120W Strix Halo 1:03:42 News 7: Modder crams RTX 4090 laptop GPU into PC handheld 1:11:37 Supporter Q1: How will next-gen Xbox systems pull PC gamers away from Nvidia? 1:18:45 Supporter Q2: If AI profits grow, could Nvidia stop producing gaming GPUs? 1:27:15 Supporter Q3: How will the Z1 Extreme be supported in the future? 1:33:47 Supporter Q4: What will a Steam Deck 2 look like? 1:38:52 Supporter Q5: What Switch 2 ports do you want to see? 1:47:58 Supporter Q6: Is a Series X or One X a better choice for Xbox 360 and Xbox One games? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many, many thanks for an amazingly positive reaction to our news that we've parted ways with IGN in favour of full independence! Rich spends some time talking about the reaction and answering Supporter questions on the changes, with actual gaming and technology news discussing nascent PS6 spec leaks, Apex Legends tested on Switch 2 and misconceptions on Sony's multi-platform plans. Meanwhile, Alex clues us in on AMD's Dense Geometry Format and excitement mounts on the news that Ashes of the Singularity is getting a sequel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazing news! Digital Foundry has parted ways with IGN and we've bought their shareholding in the business. What this means is that from now on, all aspects of DF are decided upon by DF. We answer to nobody but you, the audience. We are fully independent, we?re proud of that, we think it?s the future of games media - but how far we push, how ambitious we want to be... well, that's where YOU come in. Rich, John and Alex discuss the news in this brand new episode of DF Direct. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:01 Digital Foundry?s change in ownership and what we want to do differently 00:07:54 Why is independence important and what does it mean? 00:13:21 We want to make a new Digital Foundry website 00:16:28 What's happening now behind the scenes? 00:18:10 Let's talk Retro 00:22:10 How we can make a difference in PC gaming 00:27:14 Concluding thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new, gigantic Direct sees John, Rich and Oliver mull over what might be next generation Xbox silicon, bringing together consumer CPU and GPU parts into custom APUs that could genuinely shake up the PC market. The team react to the excellent-looking Battlefield 6 reveal, while there's a mixed reception to the latest Nintendo Direct. Meanwhile, John raves about a brand new Genesis/Mega Drive game from an industry legend while Oliver and Rich are staggered at the concept of AMD's huge Strix Halo APU slated to appear in not one but two gaming handhelds. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:54 News 1: AMD ?Magnus? APU reportedly leaks 0:22:12 News 2: Battlefield 6 multiplayer footage impresses 0:35:54 News 3: Nintendo Direct: Star Wars Outlaws 0:42:29 The Adventures of Elliot, Octopath Traveller 0 0:46:26 Persona 3 Reload 0:51:51 Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment 0:55:30 Final thoughts on the Direct and the Switch 2 rollout 1:06:29 News 4: Upcoming gaming handhelds feature AMD?s Strix Halo 1:20:08 News 5: Earthion blasts away on Sega Genesis 1:30:08 Supporter Q1: Will Switch 2 get clock bumps over time? 1:35:57 Supporter Q2: Is the PS5 power saving mode intended to be used as the default for less-demanding games? 1:40:00 Supporter Q3: Why do people downplay the need for graphical improvements? 1:45:39 Supporter Q4: Could FSR 3 Frame Generation be used on Switch 2 to reach 120fps? 1:48:51 Supporter Q5: Did prior rendering advances provoke gamer backlash like ray tracing has? 2:00:28 Supporter Q6: Does John have any cable draping tips for Switch 2? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The previously leaked PlayStation 5 Power Saving mode enters beta firmware, stoking rumours that it lays the groundwork for Sony's next generation portable. Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077's VRR "no show" on Xbox Series X gets official comment from CD Projekt RED and the team are enthused by an amazing "Fallout Bakersfield" teaser trailer. Oblivion Remastered 1.2 on consoles is tested, and as expected, shows virtually no improvement. Moving on, the team are fascinated by 8K ray-traced balls and celebrations begin for Crytek's 25th anniversary. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:51 News 1: Sony introduces power saving mode for PS5 0:18:30 News 2: Cyberpunk Xbox VRR is "working" as intended 0:24:12 News 3: Oblivion Remastered 1.2 update has little effect on console performance 0:41:21 News 4: Pure Pool Pro delivers native 8K balls on PS5 Pro 0:48:07 News 5: Fallout: Bakersfield trailer shows off GZDoom visuals 0:57:54 News 6: Crytek releases 25 year anniversary video 1:14:27 Supporter Q1: Are there any meaningful differences with windowed, windowed borderless, and fullscreen modes in Windows? 1:20:36 Supporter Q2: Will GTA 6 have a 60fps mode only on PS5 Pro? 1:28:08 Supporter Q3: Why is Microsoft getting rid of video purchases on Xbox? 1:33:24 Supporter Q4: What will the Switch 2 die shrink look like? 1:36:19 Supporter Q5: Is Nintendo institutionally opposed to TAA/DLSS? 1:42:27 Supporter Q6: Does the convergence of console design and decline of exclusives spell the end of the console war? 1:51:36 Supporter Q7: Have you been getting any unsolicited dock pics? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest DF Direct Weekly sees Rich get to grips with Cyberpunk 2077's console VRR - putting our work-in-progress VRR capture tools to the test. Meanwhile, Alex checks out the ray traced ambient occlusion that's been added to Space Marine 2 and investigates odd reports of broken UE4 ray tracing on RDNA 4 graphics cards. John shares more on Donkey Kong Bananza and tells us all about Limited Run Games' amazing new Doom SNES cartridge with upgraded SuperFX technology, courtesy of development legend, Randy Linden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Oblivion Remastered's 1.2 patch "dropped" promising performance improvements - but are its systemic stuttering problems fixed? Alex takes a look at the PC version, both moving to an analysis of Nintendo's recently published "ray tracing" patents - which aren't quite what they seem. Meanwhile, Oliver gets to grips with the Wild Hearts demo on Switch 2 - and speaking of the Nintendo hybrid, comments from a Virtuos studio put Switch 2 system performance into context against Series S and PlayStation 4 - but how do those comments match up against our platform comparisons thus far? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:05 News 1: Does the latest Oblivion Remastered patch improve performance? 0:14:44 News 2: Virtuos: Switch 2 GPU is close to Series S 0:35:41 News 3: Nintendo publishes new rendering patents 0:49:38 News 4: Wild Hearts demo tested on Switch 2! 0:58:21 Supporter Q1: Will Red Dead Redemption 2 get a ray tracing update? 1:04:51 Supporter Q2: Where?s all the Mac gaming hype? 1:13:26 Supporter Q3: What is the current state of DirectStorage? 1:20:04 Supporter Q4: Is Linux becoming a viable gaming OS? 1:27:51 Supporter Q5: Will next-gen consoles come with lots of RAM? 1:33:49 Supporter Q6: How does Alex configure his PC games? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the DF team is reeling after news of disastrous Xbox cuts resulting in untold job losses, the diminishment of celebrated studios and the cancellation of promising games - this follows on from controversy surrounding Xbox hardware strategy and speculation on future consoles. Meanwhile, AMD and Sony re-affirm the Project Amethyst initative while Mark Cerny drops hints on the timeframe for PlayStation 6. Beyond that, driver support for Maxwell, Pascal and Volta GPUs comes to an end while leaks start to emerge on the Nvidia Blackwell refresh. Finally, what does the team make of Helldivers 2 heading to Xbox Series consoles? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:00 News 1: Huge Microsoft Gaming cuts 0:30:07 News 2: Is Xbox hardware ?dead?? 0:47:56 News 3: AMD, Mark Cerny hint future PlayStation plans 0:54:05 News 4: Donkey Kong Bananza developed by Super Mario Odyssey studio 1:00:52 News 5: Nvidia dropping gaming driver support for Maxwell, Volta, Pascal 1:08:38 News 6: 5070 Super, 5070 Ti Super, 5080 Super reportedly leaked 1:18:18 News 7: Helldivers 2 is coming to Xbox Series 1:24:04 Supporter Q1: Are people unfair to multi frame gen? 1:37:09 Supporter Q2: Could the Switch 2?s authentication chip be an issue for VRR? 1:41:22 Supporter Q3: Why haven?t more Switch 2 games used 40fps modes? 1:44:57 Supporter Q4: Could Nvidia launch a competitive game console? 1:50:39 Supporter Q5: Does John own the 1997 PS1 game Ray Tracers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of criticism of DF's comments on Switch 2's motion blur display issues, independent benchmark data from multiple sources proves out our point, so what can be done? Meanwhile, John and Oliver share their impressions of Fast Fusion's "Pure" aka "DLSS Off" update, while Rich weighs in on the Nvidia RTX 5050 reveal specs. Hellblade 2's 60fps upgrade is discussed, while the team mull over the final HDMI 2.2 specifications. Finally, John and Oliver continue championing OLED and LCD displays respectively - and literally have the receipts to prove it. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:57 News 1: Objective testing: Switch 2 display is very slow 0:23:45 News 2: Fast Fusion adds ?Pure? visual mode without DLSS 0:34:24 News 3: Hellblade 2 to receive 60fps option on consoles 0:41:59 News 4: Nvidia announces RTX 5050 0:54:12 News 5 HDMI 2.2 spec revealed 1:05:42 News 6: John reviews his LG 5K2K OLED monitor! 1:23:21 Supporter Q1: Is it smarter to focus on raster lighting techniques on consoles instead of ray tracing? 1:31:05 Supporter Q2: Is low-level optimization dead in an era of multiplatform games? 1:36:12 Supporter Q3: Should developers build their games around achieving 60fps on consoles? 1:42:30 Supporter Q4: Should we be worried about Switch 2?s image quality in demanding games? 1:46:19 Supporter Q5: Will ray tracing remasters be a common sight in the PS6 era? 1:52:24 Supporter Q6: What is behind you when you record DF Direct? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices