In this podcast, the hosts discuss the PlayStation Portal and its remote play feature, compare it to the Steam Deck, and share their disappointment with recent game trailers. They also explore the performance issues of the PC version of EASWRC, highlight the immersive gameplay and impressive graphics of Assassin's Creed Nexus VR, and debate the potential release of a new powerful traditional console by Nintendo. Additionally, they delve into the importance of user experience and accessibility in game development and discuss old and rare computer peripherals from the 90s.

The podcast discusses the surprise reveal of the Steam Deck OLED, Rockstar's GTA 6 announcement, and the teardown of the new PS5 'Slim'. Other topics include Nintendo denying Switch 2 rumors, a CPU upgrade, leaks about RTX 40 Series 'Super' cards, experiments with in-home VR streaming, and listener questions on various gaming topics.

DF Direct Weekly #136: Rich tests Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on worst PS5 SSD, John talks Gran Turismo 7 updates and Super Mario RPG, Oliver shares thoughts on Apple M3 launch.

This podcast discusses topics like the anticipated game Alan Wake 2, Metal Gear Solid Master Collection's disappointing release, and Star Citizen's tech upgrades. They delve into the gameplay, visuals, and challenges of running GPU-heavy games on power-constrained devices. The hosts also share their thoughts on remastering games like Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last of Us 2 for the PS5.

Jörg Tittel, director and writer of C-Smash VRS, joins Alex Battaglia and John Linneman to discuss Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the prospects of TLOU2 and Horizon Zero Dawn Remakes, and the Alan Wake: Flashback concept. The podcast also covers AMD's AntiLag+ disabling, the state of virtual reality gaming, best GPU control panel settings, the rumor of a digital-only Nintendo Switch, game optimization for graphics drivers, and the release of Cities: Skylines 2 despite performance issues.

Sony confirms the release of PlayStation 5 Slim. Super Mario Wonder previewed with positive impressions. Redfall game receives 60fps upgrade on Xbox. Robocop: Rogue City demo surprises and captures essence of source material. Importance of mid-range processors for optimal gaming performance. DLSS technology and native 4K benchmarks examined. Desires for popular franchises to be revived under Microsoft ownership.

In another mammoth edition of DF Direct Weekly, Rich Leadbetter, Alex Battaglia and a returning John Linneman tackle the big topics head-on. Red Dead Redemption on PlayStation 5 gets a 60fps upgrade and Oliver provides us with a bunch of assets to look at. Meanwhile, the team discuss the initial marketing for Forza Motorsport vs the final game - and they've got some issues. Beyond that, could FSR 3 frame-gen work on current-gen consoles? Rich puts some tests together. Also: John spills the beans on his recent trip to Japan.0:00:00 Introduction0:01:25 News 01: 60fps Red Dead Redemption patch released on PS50:12:03 News 02: Forza Motorsport reaction - and what’s up with the game’s visual downgrade?0:28:56 News 03: FSR 3: could it work on consoles?0:43:42 News 04: Ubisoft adds Denuvo DRM to Assassin’s Creed Mirage post-release0:51:20 News 05: Horizon Forbidden West to be first 2-disc PS5 title1:03:03 News 06: Intel Arc A580 budget GPU leaks1:11:34 News 07: Nightdive mulling unofficial game enhancements1:17:30 Supporter Q1: John, how was your trip to Japan?1:32:08 Supporter Q2: Should Sony increase the internal storage on PS5?1:34:26 Supporter Q3: If the Switch 2 uses DLSS at low handheld-class resolutions, will this hurt image quality?1:37:30 Supporter Q4: What do you suggest to prevent OLED burn-in while gaming?1:43:07 Supporter Q5: Can you end the show with “This Is Digital Foundry, bidding you farewell und auf wiedersehen”? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A big DF Direct Weekly hoves into view in the wake of another week of BIG news in the gaming/technology space. Rich, Alex and Oliver discuss Jim Ryan's upcoming retirement from Sony and the legacy he leaves behind, and there's a sombre tone as the scale of Epic Games' staff layoffs becomes clear. In happier news, Alex shares more of his thoughts and hopes for Alan Wake 2, while the possibilities of the PC port of Horizon Forbidden West are talked through. Meanwhile... are we reading too much into the fact a new patch for the PC version of Batman: Arkham Knight is in development?0:00:00 Introduction0:00:53 News 01: Jim Ryan to retire as head of Sony Interactive Entertainment0:19:59 News 02: Epic Games lays off 830 staff0:39:51 News 03: New Alan Wake 2 footage released0:50:01 News 04: Horizon Forbidden West getting PC release0:58:59 News 05: Resident Evil 4 remake to cost $60 on iPhone1:07:09 News 06: Arkham Knight Steam update sparks remaster hopes1:16:01 Supporter Q1: How will CD Projekt Red fare with Unreal Engine 5? Will they be able to implement a path-traced renderer?1:23:36 Supporter Q2: How do the console versions of Cyberpunk 2077 stack up in terms of PC settings?1:29:07 Supporter Q3: Could Intel be in a position to deliver a next-gen console chip?1:34:03 Supporter Q4: Could Microsoft ship a next-gen Xbox handheld?1:37:00 Supporter Q5: What do you think of the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally? Will they last long?1:42:42 Supporter Q6: Is it better to buy a high-end GPU now, or wait until more AI features are implemented in hardware?1:48:11 Supporter Q7: Given how poorly Elon Musk’s tenure as Twitter owner has gone, are you considering switching to other social media sites?1:53:14 Supporter Q8: If Oliver’s TV died, would he switch to an OLED? And can he please grow his hair out longer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a packed show, it's Rich, Alex and Oliver at mics, discussing their first reactions to the Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion, the sorry state of Mortal Kombat 1 on Nintendo Switch, and what to expect from Switch 2 performance based on Bobby Kotick's comments. Meanwhile, downtime on The Matrix Awakens demo returns us to the topic of online DRM, while we ask our audience to weigh in with their thoughts on the process of reviewing graphics cards in the era of DLSS and reconstruction technologies.0:00:00 Introduction0:00:55 News 01: Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty reaction!0:11:36 News 02: We need to talk about GPU reviews0:34:00 News 03: Mortal Kombat 1 on Switch has performance, visual issues0:46:13 News 04: Switch 2 reportedly close to PS4, Xbox One power0:51:01 News 05: The Matrix Awakens goes offline… then returns!0:56:32 Supporter Q1: How do you think Nintendo and Sony will react to the Microsoft next-gen console proposal leak?1:01:34 Supporter Q2: For hybrid cloud gaming, what features should be on the cloud and which should remain on local hardware?1:09:54 Supporter Q3: What can be done to convince gamers of the importance of the CPU for game performance?1:15:10 Supporter Q4: Are frame-rate limiters the responsibility of the game developers, or hardware manufacturers?1:20:54 Supporter Q5: Couldn’t games self-adjust to hit a target frame-rate on PC? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the biggest video games leak in recent memory, the Digital Foundry team come together to discuss the now infamous Xbox PDF leak. The refresh Xbox Series console specs are discussed and the team share their thoughts on Microsoft's direction for its next-gen machine. Is another AMD-based machine and 'the power of the cloud' ambitious enough for a new piece of 2028 hardware?0:00:00 Introduction0:02:48 The end of physical media?0:14:55 Revised Series X, Series S consoles incoming0:36:02 Updated Xbox controller in the works0:41:51 Microsoft’s next-gen console proposal1:04:53 Supporter Q1: Can Sony really pull off a cost-effective, powerful “PS5 Pro” console to put Microsoft under pressure?1:11:02 Supporter Q2: Could Microsoft scrap some of their console plans because of this leak?1:14:50 Supporter Q3: Which leak is bigger, the Xbox FTC leak or Jensen’s Prophecy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices