Digital Foundry Direct Weekly

This week features a deep dive into the intriguing pricing of the upcoming Steam Machine, sparking debates about its target audience and upgrade potential. The hosts discuss the surprising performance drops caused by a recent Windows update, revealing significant FPS regressions in games. There's excitement over the new Linux FSR 4 support via Proton, especially for older GPUs. Plus, they explore the latest on Red Dead Redemption's re-releases and take a look at the visually stunning Horizon Steel Frontiers, before recommending the addictive twin-stick shooter, Sektori.

Valve's Steam Machine is causing quite a stir, with its pricing and specs still shrouded in mystery. The team debates its potential impact on Microsoft and the gaming landscape. They delve into the details of the Hawk Point 2 CPU and its relevance for gaming. Concerns arise about 8GB of VRAM and the choice of GPU. The conversation also covers challenges like anti-cheat solutions for Linux and the excitement around future Valve IP launches, possibly even Half-Life. Plus, a look at the innovative streaming-first Steam Frame hints at exciting possibilities!

Oliver McKenzie, a technology and VR specialist, dives into Valve's groundbreaking Steam Frame VR headset. He shares hands-on impressions, highlighting its unique ability to stream games as well as run them natively using an x86 to ARM translation. The discussion covers impressive specs like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 2160x2160 displays, along with features like foveated rendering and modular design. Oliver also explores the headset's standalone capabilities, expandable storage, and its compatibility with the Steam ecosystem, making it a game-changer in VR.

Dive into the excitement of Valve's Steam Machine, a next-gen PC/console hybrid. Discover its impressive specs, including a powerful six-core Zen4 CPU and RDNA3 GPU. Hear firsthand impressions of gaming performance from demos at Valve HQ. The new Steam Controller boasts enhanced ergonomics and connectivity features. Learn about the device's design for living room use, and the implications for the gaming landscape. Plus, insights on potential third-party options and the device's future in the Steam ecosystem!

Big news kicks off the discussion with the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 now pushed to November 2026. The team delves into the implications of this delay for fans and the market. They also review the PS Portal's cloud streaming capabilities, noting its strengths and weaknesses. In a surprising turn, Silent Hill 2 seems set to arrive on Xbox. Meanwhile, Nintendo's Switch 2 is breaking records, becoming the fastest-selling console ever. The podcast wraps up with thoughts on tech advancements in console generations and the potential rivalry between Valve and Microsoft.

After a year of the PlayStation 5 Pro, the hosts dissect its performance with thrilling games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Gran Turismo 7 shining through. They categorize titles into hits and misses, noting the impact of patches on gameplay quality. Some games, like MGS Delta, struggled but improved post-launch, while others like Silent Hill F faced PSSR pitfalls. As they look towards the future, excitement builds over major titles like GTA 6 and hopes for better Pro support. It's a deep dive into whether the Pro truly elevates the gaming experience!

In this discussion, guest Tom Morgan, a contributor known for his sharp insights on gaming, dives into the recent patch for Metal Gear Solid Delta, revealing significant improvements but lingering issues. The crew examines Oliver's frustrations with Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2, and the mixed reception for Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Switch 2. Tom shares excitement for Lumines Arise's innovative design, while they question Satya Nadella's thoughts on gaming facing short-form video competition. Plus, they explore the re-emergence of the long-delayed game Routine.

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.