Digital Foundry Direct Weekly

Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass streaming on Fire Stick 4K sparks debate. OG Xbox gets a 1.4GHz CPU upgrade. Ace Combat 7 and frame generation tested. Analysis of Black Myth: Wukong RT assets. Future video ideas and speculation on new handheld gaming devices.

In the new DF Direct, the team discuss the growing importance of VRR in console gaming - but are we reaching the point where it's becoming essential for good performance? Meanwhile, Rich has some positive things to say about Microsoft's Auto SR upscaling technology, John has much to share on the new Crazy Taxi, and there are some interesting discussion points raised in a recent Mark Cerny interview. Meanwhile, what on Earth is going on with the latest Elden Ring patch notes?0:00:00 Introduction0:01:04 News 01: Has VRR become a crutch for good performance?0:20:00 News 02: Auto SR impressions!0:37:26 News 03: New Crazy Taxi is open world, massively multiplayer0:47:43 News 04: Mark Cerny dishes on PS5 architecture, games1:03:22 News 05: Sony killing off recordable disc production1:11:19 News 06: Elden Ring patch notes suggest odd performance fix1:19:43 News 07: OutRun steeply discounted on Nintendo eShop1:29:16 Supporter Q1: When do you think we’ll hear more about the PS5 Pro?1:36:55 Supporter Q2: Could DF provide technical context to Eurogamer or IGN game reviews?1:47:42 Supporter Q3: Why does the PS5 only support VRR over HDMI 2.1?1:54:15 Supporter Q4: Why do many developers only offer software Lumen in their UE5 games?1:56:40 Supporter Q5: Whatever happened to SLI and CrossFire?2:02:23 Supporter Q6: How should console versions of games expose graphical options?2:06:17 Supporter Q7: Is there a place for cinematic trailers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest DF Direct Weekly, we take a very early first look at FSR 3.1's improved spatial upscaling, which 'dropped' just prior to recording. The team discuss Capcom's reveal of a NEW Dead Rising remaster/remake, while we have first impressions on a potentially game-changing patch for Dragon's Dogma 2. And just why is PlayStation 5 so technically competitive with Xbox Series X, despite having less horsepower? It's been a mystery for years, but we may finally have some answers.0:00:00 Introduction0:02:00 News 01: FSR 3.1 tested!0:10:56 News 02: Dead Rising remake in development0:22:55 News 03: Dragon’s Dogma 2 patched0:30:12 News 04: Project Keystone details revealed0:38:16 News 05: Forza Horizon 4 to be delisted0:49:38 News 06: SGSSAA appears in new game0:58:46 News 07: Unity 50Hz physics issue returns1:07:55 Supporter Q1: Why haven’t more reviewers noted the issues with Elden Ring? And is it really fair to pile so much technical criticism on From Software?1:27:03 Supporter Q2: What should our expectations be for a potential PS3 emulator on PS5?1:36:05 Supporter Q3: Why is the Series X still sometimes outperformed by the PS5 in cross-platform games?1:45:54 Supporter Q4: Could something like Auto SR be implemented on consoles for backwards compatible games?1:50:00 Supporter Q5: Why do low settings in games look a lot better than they used to? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some practical tests in this week's episode of DF Direct as Rich examines the modded performance modes cropping up for the Xbox Series S version of Starfield - while his £2,000 investment in a Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite translates into some truly awful gaming. Meanwhile, John's been checking out the new PlayStation 2 and PSP emulators for PS5, while Alex isn't particularly happy about Game Pass versions of PC games missing DLSS and other upscaler support.0:00:00 Introduction0:01:22 Starfield Series S high frame-rate mods tested!0:09:26 PS2 and PSP emulation on PS5 analyzed0:24:58 Snapdragon X Elite gaming performance disappoints0:44:34 Still Wakes The Deep ships without FSR, DLSS, XeSS on Game Pass0:54:17 LRG3 showcase features re-releases, remasters1:05:04 How can I age as gracefully as the Switch?1:13:55 Would you still recommend the Steam Deck over the new ROG Ally X?1:16:46 Could the PS5 last 8 or 9 years as Sony’s flagship console platform?1:23:25 Do you think a 1080p screen could be too much for a next-gen Switch?1:28:46 Do you think any unannounced first party games will be released around launch for Switch 2? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just when we thought the summer festival of gaming events was over, Nintendo comes out of nowhere with a brand-new Direct featuring a wide rage of excellent titles - not bad for a system reaching the end of its life cycle. John Linneman and Oliver Mackenzie team up to share notes on the Direct, including a tech-orientated argument about how it's definitely NOT Switch 2 delivering the Metroid Prime 4 footage!0:00:00 Introduction0:01:42 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond0:14:08 The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom0:22:43 Lego Horizon Adventures0:29:44 Mario & Luigi: Brothership0:35:47 Funko Fusion, Nintendo Switch Online updates, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics0:45:42 Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, Fantasian: Neo Dimension0:55:37 MIO: Memories In Orbit, The Hundred Line: Last Defence Academy, Super Mario Party Jamboree, ぶっとバード, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection1:05:24 Evaluating the Direct and looking forward to Switch 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John, Alex and a freshly returned Rich deliver a 'come down' Direct that's a little more relaxed after the mania of the summer showcase events. The team bemoan the state of the Ubisoft Forward stream quality, ruining the visual quality of some great games, then move onto the discourse surrounding the Gears of War: E-Day cinematic. John's excited about the UE5 Riven remake, while Alex is even more excited about Sweeney's Prophecy - a brand new store leak promising a range of intriguing PC releases.0:00:00 Introduction0:01:58 News 01: Star Wars Outlaws demo analyzed!0:28:11 News 02: Assassin’s Creed Shadows unveiled0:46:24 News 03: Clarifying the Gears of War cinematic trailer0:54:34 News 04: Epic Games Store leaks upcoming games 1:00:34 News 05: Riven demo released1:08:28 Supporter Q1: Has any console generation been more boring than this one?1:13:12 Supporter Q2: Was Microsoft showing Series X or PC footage at their games showcase?1:19:49 Supporter Q3: Is delaying a physical release the best option for modern games? 1:26:35 Supporter Q4: Will you make an updated PC Gaming on a Budget video? 1:34:01 Supporter Q5: Do you have ambitions for growing your audience? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts break down Xbox 2024 Showcase, discussing games like Fable, Perfect Dark, and Metal Gear Solid remake. They analyze the hardware lineup, Phil Spencer's multi-platform strategy, and games like Call of Duty, STALKER 2, and State of Decay 3.

The podcast discusses Summer Games Fest showcases, removal of 8K label from PS5, PC adaptor for PSVR2, and Microsoft's AutoSR upscaling tech. They also touch on optimizing Windows text rendering, frame-rate & VRR, and recommendations for PS VR2 vs. Meta Quest. Nostalgic reflections on iconic games like Half-Life 2 and Gears of War are shared, along with challenges of playing on outdated hardware.

Sony's State of Play reactions from Astro Bot to Concord, Sony's PC strategy to sell PS5s through ports, and the big news about COD Black Ops 6 on Game Pass. Discussions on silent hill 2 remake, VR experiences, game trailers, PS5 Pro launch anticipation, GPU technology, and a delightful dining experience at Nando's restaurant.

Gaming expert Tom Morgan discusses the arrival of TopSpin 2K25 and Paper Mario Switch. FSR3 frame generation tested on consoles, Hellblade 2 review reaction, IGN buys Gamer Network, Snapdragon X Elite launch, and more exciting topics covered.