Digital Foundry Direct Weekly

The team shares their excitement and concerns about the Halo Campaign Evolved reveal, especially regarding Unreal Engine 5's early issues. Microsoft hints at a 'premium, high-end' next-gen Xbox, sparking debate about its implications. A new DF Retro Super Show is announced, while there are discussions on the decline of games journalism and what it means for the industry. The podcast questions whether Microsoft’s aggressive margin targets are impacting its strategy and whether Sony can succeed with its rumored new handheld.

The hosts dive into their hands-on experience with the ROG Xbox Ally X, discussing its hardware feel and performance benchmarks in exciting games like Cyberpunk and Doom. They explore the implications of recent game updates, like how Black Myth: Wukong's new patch impacts PS5 performance. A lively debate ensues about whether older PC games stutter less than modern titles, linking it to design and streaming complexities. Rumors about next-gen consoles spark discussions on potential power gains and developer responses, alongside insights on upcoming AMD collaborations.

Microsoft reassures fans that the next-gen Xbox is not canceled, sparking debates on credibility and strategy. Excitingly, a Red Dead Redemption 2 remaster for next-gen consoles is heavily rumored, raising questions about potential upgrades. Meanwhile, Yooka-Replaylee impresses with its modern design and fluid gameplay. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the Halo franchise and the intriguing possibilities of Xbox handheld devices. Curiosity surrounding the Switch 2's performance continues as speculation about its hardware underclocking persists.

The hosts dive into Mark Cerny's Project Amethyst update, exploring cutting-edge GPU technology for the PlayStation 6. Key topics include neural arrays for machine learning, Radiance Cores enhancing ray tracing capabilities, and universal compression techniques designed to tackle bandwidth issues. They compare AMD's roadmap to NVIDIA’s, discuss cross-generation development challenges, and speculate on future console cycles. Industry collaboration between Sony and AMD aims for scalable solutions that benefit developers while emphasizing the need to communicate the value of ray tracing.

The discussion kicks off with the controversy surrounding Microsoft's significant Game Pass price hikes. Is it a move to sustain the service, or a blatant cash grab? The team also digs into a new PS5 teardown, revealing intriguing design tweaks and storage downsizing. Meanwhile, Rich highlights native Steam Deck ports, showcasing improvements in Baldur's Gate 3, while Cronos experiences some unexpected performance issues. Lastly, John's journey from Japan uncovers the excitement of the Tokyo Game Show and its indie highlights.

Dive into the latest gaming buzz as the hosts evaluate the Wolverine gameplay trailer and discuss Insomniac's impressive visuals. They lament the lack of real gameplay in the Forza Horizon 6 reveal while dissecting the challenges of urban environments. A look at Flight Simulator 2024, its adaptation for PS5, and the Xbox ROG Ally X pricing raises questions about its market position. The performance of Silent Hill F across platforms is analyzed, and the unexpected delay of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 sparks a debate on technical struggles.

Dive into the impressive performance of Dying Light: The Beast on PC and PS5 despite review code challenges. Discover the surprising Intel/Nvidia partnership and how it could reshape the industry. Listen as the team tests a leaked FSR4 INT8 version, revealing intriguing benchmarks across popular games. The controversy surrounding Gearbox's response to Borderlands 4 performance critiques adds drama, while a sneak peek at the pricing for the powerful GPD Win 5 hints at the future of handheld gaming.

Oliver McKenzie from Digital Foundry joins the discussion as the team dives into the performance issues plaguing Borderlands 4 on PC. They share highlights from Nintendo's latest Direct, celebrating Super Mario's 40th anniversary with exciting new titles. The conversation shifts to the impressive capabilities of GeForce Now's 5080 tier, alongside Microsoft's cloud gaming advancements. Cautious optimism surrounds the rumored PS6 with a detachable Blu-ray drive, sparking debate on future gaming innovations and console designs.

The podcast dives into the exciting potential of the Switch 2's ray tracing capabilities showcased by Star Wars Outlaws. However, concerns arise over the performance limitations of its game cartridges compared to internal storage. Meanwhile, news about a storage downgrade for the PlayStation 5 raises eyebrows. The hosts also showcase the thrilling gameplay of 007 First Light and discuss the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, sparking enthusiasm among gamers.

Get ready for a hands-on dive into the Xbox Ally and Ally X, with insights on their ergonomic design and quirks. The hosts dissect Tim Sweeney's controversial comments on UE5 performance issues, revealing a deeper look at developer challenges. Exciting graphics breakthroughs from SIGGRAPH are discussed, along with the innovative Shader Glass that revives nostalgic CRT visuals. Plus, they explore the competitive landscape of AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, and brainstorm fun ideas for future content!