Digital Foundry Direct Weekly

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 team grapples with the fallout from massive job cuts at Xbox, examining the emotional impact on employees and the future of the brand. Meanwhile, AMD and Sony tease exciting developments for the PlayStation 6. The conversation also touches on the end of driver support for older GPUs, revealing the challenges gamers face. Finally, they discuss the surprising arrival of Helldivers 2 on Xbox Series consoles, which stirs up excitement and speculation in the gaming community.

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

The team dives into the exciting partnership between Xbox and AMD, pondering the future of Xbox hardware and the potential for a PC-like experience. Nintendo's vibrant 'Donkey Kong Bananza' also gets attention, showcasing impressive graphics and gameplay mechanics. Innovations in neural texture compression are highlighted, promising to enhance gaming visuals. The challenges facing the Switch 2, particularly with ports like 'Ark: Survival Evolved,' spark discussion about power and performance in the next-gen gaming landscape. A thrilling showdown between AMD and NVIDIA adds more intrigue!

Dive into a detailed analysis of the Nintendo Switch 2, where hardware strengths meet significant flaws. Discover insights on its portable display, including contrast and motion blur issues. The team critiques HDR performance and Variable Refresh Rate in gaming. Learn about loading times across different storage options and impressive Wi-Fi and ethernet enhancements. While the console shows promise with backward compatibility, challenges with game performance and a clunky user interface raise concerns. Get excited about future games and what they could bring!

This week, the troubled launch of MindsEye takes center stage, revealing both its striking visuals and performance issues. Meanwhile, the Switch 2 astounds with 3.5 million units sold in just four days! Speculations about a next-gen PlayStation handheld emerge, promising exciting features. Stellar Blade's performance on PC is noteworthy, while retro gaming discussions spark nostalgia, highlighting the surprisingly smooth 60 FPS of Mortal Kombat 2 on 3DO. Dive into a mix of challenges and advancements in the evolving gaming landscape!

The summer gaming events continue with the arrival of the Xbox Showcase. Microsoft has had a stellar 2025 and has delivered some exceptional events over the last few years - but this one doesn't quite make the grade. Rich, John and Oliver talk Ally handhelds, the pick of the games shown, the 2026 teases and we have capture and analysis of the "shadow dropped" port of Final Fantasy 16. The summer gaming events continue with the arrival of the Xbox Showcase. Microsoft has had a stellar 2025 and has delivered some exceptional events over the last few years - but this one doesn't quite make the grade. Rich, John and Oliver talk Ally handhelds, the pick of the games shown, the 2026 teases and we have capture and analysis of the "shadow dropped" port of Final Fantasy 16. Join the DF Supporter Program for pristine video downloads, behind the scenes content, early access to new videos, early access to DF Direct Weekly and much, much more: https://bit.ly/3jEGjvxGo here to check out DF merch! https://store.digitalfoundry.netSubscribe for more Digital Foundry: http://bit.ly/DFSubscribe0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:43 Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X 0:15:51 Xbox full-screen experience on Windows 11 0:30:19 Final Fantasy 16 shadowdropped on Xbox - and we’ve tested it! 0:39:35 Ninja Gaiden 4 0:44:40 Persona 4 Revival 0:52:12 Beast of Reincarnation 0:56:46 Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 1:04:13 2026 teases: Fable, Forza, Gears of War - and Halo? 1:09:02 Thoughts on the showcase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts dive into the highlights of the Summer Game Fest and Sony's State of Play, sharing excitement about major game announcements like Resident Evil Requiem and thrilling trailers. They celebrate the fix for PS5's VRR stuttering issue and ponder the unexpected Xbox release of Black Myth: Wukong. The trio has a lighthearted discussion on game reveals, the rise of 'sad dad' characters, and the advancements in VR gameplay. Meanwhile, they reflect on the evolving nature of game development challenges and the implications for upcoming titles and console innovations.

Anticipation builds for the Nintendo Switch 2 as intriguing retail leaks reveal insights into its boot procedure and user interface. Meanwhile, Microsoft shifts focus from a dedicated Xbox handheld to improving Windows 11 for gaming. The podcast dives into F1 25's impressive path tracing upgrade, enhancing the game's visual appeal. Exciting discussions also cover GeForce Now's new app for Steam Deck, pushing the boundaries of game streaming performance. Fun banter and community insights round off this engaging exploration of the gaming landscape.

In a deep dive into new gaming tech, the hosts analyze 37 minutes of Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay on the Switch 2, comparing it to older consoles. AMD's RX 9060 XT is revealed, promising impressive performance against NVIDIA's range. They also discuss the exciting FSR Redstone project and share insights on the PC performance of 'Doom: The Dark Ages.' With hints at potential issues surrounding the next Mario Kart and revelations about Hellblade 2's capabilities on PS5, the episode is a treasure trove for gaming enthusiasts!