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Digital Foundry

When it comes to video games and the hardware and tech we play them on, the team at Digital Foundry are unparalleled experts. Each week, DF Direct breaks down the latest breakthroughs in video game visuals, sound, and performance happening on PlayStation, Xbox, the most powerful PC setups, and more. If you’re a geek for graphics, GPUs, or just video games in general, DF Direct will help you get the most out of your gaming setup.

Digital Foundry Direct Weekly

ROG Xbox Ally X is "in the house" and Rich describes his first couple of days in the review process. Alex answers the big question as to whether new PC games stutter more than older ones, while Oliver gets to grips with Black Myth Wukong's latest patch on PlayStation, complete with Lumen-free performance mode. Finally, next-gen Xbox and PlayStation spec leaks are gathering pace - so what do we make of them?

0:00:00 Introduction 
0:00:54 News 1: ROG Xbox Ally X first impressions and benchmarks!
0:31:28 News 2: Black Myth: Wukong patch brings Xbox updates to PS5
0:42:23 News 3: Did old PC games stutter less? 
0:57:52 News 4: Latest Xbox Magnus rumours suggest large, expensive die
1:10:38 News 5: New PS5 Pro features subtle revisions
1:16:35 Supporter Q1: What does Alex think of Mark Cerny’s recent Project Amethyst announcements? 
1:26:47 Supporter Q2: What does Microsoft’s collaboration with AMD look like? 
1:33:59 Supporter Q3: Should Nintendo release a docked-only version of Switch 2? 
1:36:43 Supporter Q4: Any thoughts on the recent Gamers Nexus animation error exposé?

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DF Direct Weekly #236: Xbox Ally X Review-In-Progress, Next-Gen Spec Leak Comparisons, New PS5 Pro!

In this week's DF Direct, Microsoft deny rumours that its next-gen console has been cancelled - but to what extent are its statements credible in the wake of the infamous "four games" messaging? The existence of ports of Red Dead Redemption 2 for PS5, Xbox and Switch 2 are confirmed by the most reliable leaker in the business, while John shares his impressions of Yooka-Replaylee. And to what extent did Nintendo underclock the SoC for Switch 2?

0:00:00 Introduction 
0:00:58 News 1: Microsoft: future Xbox console hardware re-confirmed
0:17:10 News 2: Yooka-Replaylee lands on current gen systems
0:27:51 News 3: Red Dead Redemption 2 remaster heavily rumoured 
0:35:18 News 4: Ominous omens surround next Halo 
0:47:16 Supporter Q1: If the next-gen Xbox is cancelled, what will have been lost? 
0:52:47 Supporter Q2: Will competing consoles continue to launch at a similar cadence in the future? 
0:59:27 Supporter Q3: Will developers focus on more advanced physics or mechanics to differentiate their games during cross-gen? 
1:06:38 Supporter Q4: How will PS5 Pro fare in cross-gen software? 
1:10:09 Supporter Q5: Should we consider Microsoft’s commercially unsuccessful consoles to be failures? 
1:22:18 Supporter Q6: Is the Switch 1 or Switch 2 underclocked more heavily?

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DF Direct Weekly #235: Microsoft Re-Confirms Next-Gen Xbox, Red Dead 2 Remaster Heavily Rumoured

Could this be the foundational GPU technology for the PlayStation 6? Mark Cerny's latest Project Amethyst update describes the building blocks of future graphics technology, with a strong focus on ray tracing and machine learning capabilities, along with bandwidth-enhancing features designed to reduce the need on massive memory controllers. John, Rich and Oliver discuss the tech and share more information from Mark Cerny via an email Q&A conducted in the wake of the video's publication.

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DF Direct Special: Sony/AMD Project Amethyst Update - Next-Gen Tech Revealed + Mark Cerny Q&A

The latest DF Direct is dominated by discussion of Microsoft's gigantic price hikes for Game Pass - proof positive that the previous prices were unsustainable, or a greedy cash grab from Xbox? And who exactly wants the new content added to the top-end tier? Meanwhile, the team share their thoughts on the new Austin Evans PS5 teardown video, while Rich reports on a brace of native Steam Deck ports: Baldur's Gate 3 and Cronos. The former shows big improvements, but there's confusion surrounding Cronos. Meanwhile, John's back with plenty of stories from his latest visit to Japan.

0:00:00 Introduction 
0:01:27 News 1: Game Pass hit by massive price hikes 
0:32:39 News 2: New PS5 Slim disassembled, examined 
0:43:54 News 3: Native Steam Deck versions of Cronos, Baldur’s Gate 3 arrive 
0:55:52 News 4: New DualSense reportedly features replaceable battery 
1:02:14 News 5: John reports back from Japan 
1:22:04 Supporter Q1: What do you think of the Panzer Dragoon Zwei remake? 
1:30:12 Supporter Q2: Will the PlayStation handheld produce better visual results than Strix Halo handhelds? 
1:36:32 Supporter Q3: What lessons can PC handhelds take from Switch 2 and its DLSS? 
1:48:04 Supporter Q4: How do you think the PS6 will be initially received? 
1:54:04 Supporter Q5: Do Wii games look good on a flatscreen with a typical remastering treatment? 
1:58:41 Supporter Q6: What did everyone’s retro PC setups look like?

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DF Direct Weekly #234: Huge Game Pass Price Hike Causes Outrage, New PS5 Teardown

Yes, it's another episode of DF Direct Weekly and yes, once again it's two hours of content discussing the latest gaming and technology news. Marvel's Wolverine, Saros, Flight Sim 2024 and Deus Ex Remastered cover off what we want to talk about from the latest Sony State of Play, while there's reaction to what was essentially the non-reveal of Forza Horizon 6. We catch up with the state of Silent Hill f on Xbox following the late arrival of review code and - finally - the last minute indefinite delay to the release of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 had to be addressed.

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DF Direct Weekly #233: Wolverine Gameplay, Forza Horizon 6, Xbox ROG Ally X Pricing, Saros!

In the latest exciting episode of DF Direct Weekly, Alex and Oliver share impressions on the PC and PS5 versions of Dying Light: The Beast in the wake of review code problems stopping us from delivering a full review. Meanwhile, the shocking news of an Intel/Nvidia partnership demands attention from the team, before Rich shares his experiences of testing the leaked FSR4 INT8 version on RDNA 3 hardware. There's eyebrow-raising disbelief around the Gearbox CEO's reactions to Borderlands 4 performance critiques, while pricing for the Strix Halo-equipped GPD Win 5 confirms that the most powerful handheld ever made will arrive with an elevated price-point to match. 

0:00:00 Introduction 
0:01:02 News 1: Dying Light: The Beast shows great PC, PS5 performance 
0:20:28 News 2: Intel, Nvidia form chip partnership 
0:32:58 News 3: Version of FSR 4 runs across wide range of GPUs
0:51:27 News 4: Combative Gearbox boss addresses Borderlands critics
1:10:17 News 5: GPD Win 5 arrives with hefty price tag
1:22:37 Supporter Q1: Can you explain Virtual Shadow Maps? 
1:28:16 Supporter Q2: Shouldn’t you praise PSSR more for looking sharp in motion? 
1:34:20 Supporter Q3: Do next-gen consoles need 50GB of RAM for AI? 
1:40:15 Supporter Q4: Why do you think AMD Redstone is built to run without discrete AI hardware? 
1:44:08 Supporter Q5: Could Intel and Nvidia produce their own console?

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DF Direct Weekly #232: Dying Light: The Beast, Intel/Nvidia Partnership, Borderlands 4 Controversy

In this week's gigantic DF Direct, Alex shares first impressions of Borderlands 4 PC performance, Oliver pops up for a guest appearance as the team summarise Nintendo's latest Direct, Rich enthuses about GeForce Now's new 5080 tier, while cloud coverage continues with a hands-on look at Microsoft xCloud's new 1440p streaming. Meanwhile, there's a cautious welcome for reports that PS6 will features a detachable, optional Blu-ray drive.

0:00:00 Introduction 
0:01:09 News 1: Borderlands 4 suffers PC performance issues
0:25:11 News 2: Nintendo Direct: Mario Galaxy, Mario Wonder, Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book 
0:33:11 Resident Evil Requiem 
0:41:03 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Persona 3 Reload 
0:52:20 Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, NSO Virtual Boy 
1:05:43 News 3: GeForce Now RTX 5080 tested! 
1:19:33 News 4: PS6 reportedly features detachable disc drive 
1:30:18 News 5: 1440p streaming added to XCloud 
1:40:28 Supporter Q1: Which two games would you combine to create gaming perfection? 
1:46:33 Supporter Q2: Does Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 prove the RT haters wrong? 
1:55:36 Supporter Q3: Is the future looking bright for demanding RT titles on Switch 2? 
2:01:36 Supporter Q4: How should Sony handle game licenses on their portable PlayStation? 
2:07:47 Supporter Q5: Is it too little, too late for Intel’s GPU efforts? 
2:13:31 Supporter Q6: Will Alex review Jedi: Survivor on Switch 2?

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DF Direct Weekly #231: Borderlands 4 Perf Issues, Nintendo Direct, PS6 BD Drive, GeForce Now 5080!

In the latest DF Direct, we finally get some idea of Switch 2's ray tracing capabilities via Star Wars Outlaws - and the team likes what they see. Meanwhile, details emerge of just how much slower Switch 2 carts are compared to internal storage and MicroSD Express - and it's a touch concerning. A reported storage downgrade for PlayStation 5 isn't exactly great news, and neither is the final death of Perfect Dark - but 007 First Night and Hollow Knight: Silksong have much to commend them.

0:00:00 Introduction 
0:01:06 News 1: Star Wars Outlaws impresses on Switch 2!
0:23:58 News 2: Switch 2 carts are too slow for Star Wars Outlaws
0:34:43 News 3: Report: PS5 Digital to get storage downgrade 
0:44:19 News 4: 007 First Light gameplay debuts 
1:00:10 News 5: Take-Two fails to buy Perfect Dark
1:06:58 News 6: Hollow Knight: Silksong packs good PC tech
1:13:02 Supporter Q1: Has YouTube changed its video algorithms? 
1:23:51 Supporter Q2: What’s up with HDR support in recent games? 
1:30:16 Supporter Q3: Is software quality the real bottleneck for good performance? 
1:38:52 Supporter Q4: Could Prey 2 get a Nightdive revival? 
1:45:06 Supporter Q5: Why does Battlefield 6 scale oddly with higher core count CPUs?
1:50:41 Supporter Q6: Could DF hold an anniversary special to commemorate independence?

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DF Direct Weekly #230: Switch 2 Ray Tracing - Finally! Hollow Knight: Silksong, 007 First Light!

In the latest DF Direct, Rich and Alex share their hands-on experiences of the Xbox/Asus ROG Ally X and non-X, while the team react to Epic's Tim Sweeney seemingly laying the blame on developers for sub-optimal Unreal Engine 5 games. Alex discusses a couple of his favourite SIGGRAPH graphics presentations. Finally, John's massively enthused by Shader Glass and is here to tell you why.

0:00:00 Introduction 
0:00:55 News 1: Hands-on with the ROG Xbox Ally + Ally X
0:36:26 News 2 Tim Sweeney: devs to blame for poor UE5 performance
0:49:17 News 3: Alex’s SIGGRAPH selections 
1:10:30 News 4: ShaderGlass enables CRT-inspired retro shaders 
1:21:47 Supporter Q1: How much of #StutterStruggle is Microsoft’s fault? 
1:26:37 Supporter Q2: With AMD purportedly targeting high-end GPUs next gen, will enthusiast GPUs become more competitive? 
1:34:02 Supporter Q3: Should Arkham Knight be remastered for current-gen hardware? 
1:39:37 Supporter Q4: Is frame-rate testing on fixed refresh displays still relevant? 
1:45:32 Supporter Q5: What new video ideas should we introduce?

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DF Direct Weekly #229: Xbox Ally X Hands-On, Sweeney Defends UE5, id Software Doom TDA Deep Dive!

With Rich unable to escape infection at #gamescom2025, it's down to John and Alex to share their impressions from the show, with Oliver completing the panel. The team share their thoughts on the Switch 2 ports of Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 Remake in the wake of very negative and very positive reactions from the showfloor. Alex is optimistic about Microsoft's proposed fix for StutterStruggle, while intriguing specs emerge of what may well be a Valve home console. Beyond that, there's more Gamescom reaction, plus thoughts on Kirby Air Riders.

0:00:00 Introduction 
0:01:13 News 1: Elden Ring and FF7 Rebirth showcased on Switch 2!
0:11:11 News 2: Microsoft preps shader comp fix for Windows 
0:27:21 News 3: Valve “Fremont” console-like device leaks
0:36:49 News 4: Upcoming Capcom titles tested on PS5 Pro 
0:49:26 News 5: Gamescom Opening Night Live impressions
1:00:02 News 6: Kirby Air Riders Direct reaction!
1:05:02 News 7: Gamescom hands-on impressions
1:20:30 Supporter Q1: What needs to happen to improve UE5 performance? 
1:28:49 Supporter Q2: Should reviewers more heavily critique technical issues in games? 
1:32:21 Supporter Q3: Should Microsoft have created a more console-focused Xbox handheld? 
1:36:28 Supporter Q4: What are some great games to show off surround sound? 
1:42:10 Supporter Q5: Bubsy 4D = GOTY?

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DF Direct Weekly #228: Elden Ring/FF7R Switch 2! #StutterStruggle Fixed? Valve Console Specs!

With the recent legal challenges to the deal failing or crumbling as we speak, it's time to discuss the realities of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, Blizzard and King. Where does the deal stand right now? What are/were Microsoft's business objectives? Can Call of Duty actually run on Nintendo Switch? Does the recent Sony deal mean Microsoft gets early access to PS6? And to conclude, what final words does the panel have for Xbox boss Phil Spencer?

00:00 Introductions
01:50 Acquisition overview and legal proceedings
10:02 Microsoft’s business objectives
25:44 Can Call of Duty work on Switch?
31:47 Would Call of Duty be compromised on PS6?
34:43 Current CMA proceedings
40:58 Discussion and final thoughts
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DF Direct Special: Microsoft/Activision Acquisition Endgame Discussion ft. Tom Warren From The Verge

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