Digital Foundry Direct Weekly

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.

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340 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes340

Newest first

Apr 21, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
DF Direct Special: Hands On With Switch 2 - The Hardware, The Games & The Experience
Fresh from visiting the Nintendo Switch 2 showcase event in London on April 11th, Tom and Rich sat down with Oliver to discuss their hands-on experience with the hardware, sharing details on the ergonomics, the screen, the controllers and much more - and then it's on to the games, including the big Nintendo heavy hitters, Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy, the GameCube emulator and much, much more.
Apr 20, 2025 · 1 hr 37 min
DF Direct Weekly #210: Next-Gen Sony Handheld , Cyberpunk DLSS on Switch 2, Docked VRR In Question
Join Rich, Oliver and Alex for discussion on the latest leaks surrounding the all-but-confirmed PlayStation handheld and the mystery of docked VRR support suddenly going missing from Switch 2 PR. There's exciting news from CD Projekt RED, confirming DLSS support for Cyberpunk 2077 on the new Nintendo hybrid, while Alex shares his thoughts on some of the GDC 2025 presentations that have started to emerge. Oh yes, and that ad/trailer video post explained - put simply, we tried something new and we got it very wrong. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:39 News 1: Next-gen portable PlayStation allegedly detailed 0:20:16 News 2: Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 uses DLSS! 0:31:30 News 3: Switch 2 docked VRR support in question 0:39:18 News 4: Alex explains Nvidia’s GDC 2025 presentations 0:56:50 News 5: Star Wars Outlaws looks questionable on Switch 2 1:04:49 News 6: Mario Kart World Direct impressions! 1:11:11 Supporter Q1: What would a potential Switch Pro have looked like? 1:15:57 Supporter Q2: What is the Switch 2’s true GPU performance, absent “flopflation”? 1:23:23 Supporter Q3: Should Indiana Jones use more ray tracing features on PS5 Pro? 1:27:51 Supporter Q4: What could the NPU in the Z2 Extreme do for gaming? 1:31:54 Supporter Q5: Could the PlayStation Portal connect to the upcoming PlayStation handheld? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 14, 2025 · 1 hr 48 min
DF Direct Weekly #209: Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 Hands-On, Quake 2 AI, RTX 5060 Ti Price Leak!
Rich returns from the Nintendo Switch 2 live event in London with hands-on impressions - and footage - of Cyberpunk 2077, while Alex shares his impressions of the Metal Eden demo on PC. Oliver weighs in with his thoughts on the Asus teaser for its upcoming Xbox handheld collaboration, while there's general bemusement at Microsoft's AI 'version' of the classic Quake 2.
Apr 7, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
DF Direct Weekly #208: Switch 2 Specs Breakdown, DLSS Info, Switch 2 vs Steam Deck + More!
Following on from our DF Direct Special on Switch 2, it's Rich, Oliver and Alex at the mics this week for the latest Direct, talking more about the new Nintendo hybrid, breaking down specs, how much more capable the new machine is vs Switch 1 and Steam Deck, and lots, lots more on how the games are running based on the available media.
Apr 4, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Switch 2 Unveiled - Games, Hardware, Specs + More - A DF Direct Special
After an interesting but games-lite reveal, we wanted to see much more from Switch 2 - and Nintendo has delivered, with an hour-long Direct that goes into depth on first and third-party games, hardware, new system level features and much more. Rich, Oliver and John share their notes on the show, the games and the console. And of course, there's a range of pixel counts and performance tests on some of the games we saw. Just don't go looking for any ray tracing...
Mar 31, 2025 · 2 hr 5 min
DF Direct Weekly #207: Nintendo Direct Reaction, Switch 2 C Button, Witcher 4/Intergalactic Next-Gen
In a rare Rich-less Direct, John, Alex and Oliver compare notes on the latest, news-packed Nintendo Direct - which raises plenty of discussion points and controversy despite no showing of Switch 2. Meanwhile, there are hints that The Witcher 4 and Intergalactic may well be cross-gen/next-gen titles, Alex vents on the quality of recent Nvidia drivers, while John shares impressions of his first ever GDC.
Mar 24, 2025 · 1 hr 44 min
DF Direct Weekly #206: Xbox/Steam Leak, The Last of Us Part 2 PC Specs, DXR 1.2 Announcement
Another week, another DF Direct Weekly, with Rich, Alex and Oliver tackling a range of topics including the unfortunate (for Microsoft) Xbox/Steam leak and the reveal of Microsoft's DXR 1.2 - which essentially standardises key features from Nvidia's RTX 40-series to all GPU vendors. Meanwhile, Alex isn't particulary impressed by the recommended specs for The Last of Us Part 2, while Rich is probably even less taken by the PC port of Rise of the Ronin. However, the levels of disappointment here can't compare with Oliver's reaction to the Mac port of Assassin's Creed Shadows... 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:58 News 1: Xbox App Steam mock-up leaks 0:14:03 News 2: Assassin’s Creed Shadows disappoints on Mac + Supporter Shadows questions! 0:37:56 News 3: DXR 1.2 announced 0:49:02 News 4: The Last of Us Part 2 PC specs drop 0:58:56 News 5: Rise of the Ronin PC tested! 1:08:56 Supporter Q1: Should developers include a console settings preset in their PC versions? 1:19:38 Supporter Q2: Will Switch 2 have a 120Hz, VRR, HDR capable screen? 1:23:30 Supporter Q3: How long will it take for handhelds to have PS5-level power? 1:28:56 Supporter Q4: Should reviewers test PC gaming in multitasking-heavy scenarios? 1:35:24 Supporter Q5: If consoles were to disappear, would developers be able to more closely optimize their games for PC? 1:40:27 Supporter Q6: What’s Alex’s recovery regimen after reviewing a bad PC port? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 17, 2025 · 1 hr 55 min
DF Direct Weekly #205: Xbox 'Kennan' Handheld, Death Stranding 2, Oblivion UE5, Ryzen 9 9950X3D!
Another packed DF Direct sees Rich, Alex and Oliver at the mics, discussing topics as diverse as the Project 'Kennan' Xbox handheld, the brilliant Death Stranding 2 trailer, the mooted Oblivion UE3 remake and Sony's AI character demo. Meanwhile, Rich gets scalphed on the Ryzen 9 9950X - buit look at those benchmarks! Plus: can PS5 Pro actually run FSR 4? Is cross-gen gaming here forever? And will Xbox Series X become the definitive Xbox back-compat console?
Mar 10, 2025 · 2 hr 4 min
DF Direct Weekly #204: Cerny - FSR4 for PS5 Pro, RDNA 4 Review Reaction, Dynamic Frame-Gen
A new DF Direct sees the team discuss comments from Mark Cerny on Project Amethyst, and how a version of FSR 4 is in development for PS5 Pro. Beyond that, we rake over the coals following the RDNA 4 release - has AMD made major strides in competing against Nvidia? What about FSR 4 upscaling? What about RT and path tracing? Meanwhile, Rich tests out Lossless Scaling's dynamic frame generation technology, while John joins us to discuss the potential of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 along with his experiences with the remarkable Scalable Video Switch! 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:48 News 1: Version of FSR 4 planned for PS5 Pro 0:13:46 News 2: RDNA 4 review reaction! 0:39:28 News 3: RDNA 4 exhibits mixed path tracing performance 0:49:23 News 4: Lossless Scaling introduces adaptive frame gen 1:01:01 News 5: Apple releases new Mac Studio… with last gen chip 1:09:36 News 6: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remakes announced 1:18:20 News 7: Scalable Video Switch offers hassle-free analog gaming 1:30:04 Supporter Q1: What CPU should you pair with a 5090? 1:36:53 Supporter Q2: Should AMD or Nvidia release driver-level ML upscaling tech? 1:42:53 Supporter Q3: Why don’t PCs move towards unified RAM setups like Macs? 1:48:56 Supporter Q4: Is Nvidia going to neglect their gaming audience? 1:55:07 Supporter Q5: This gen, are we going to be able to build a console-like PC for a console-like price? Eat smart with Factor. Get started at factormeals.com/FACTORPODCAST and use code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 3, 2025 · 1 hr 48 min
DF Direct Weekly #203: AMD RDNA 4 Reveal, Fable Delayed To 2026, Forza Horizon PS5, Pokémon Legends
AMD's long awaited RDNA 4 reveal is assessed by the team and the verdict? AMD's latest looks seriously impressive. Meanwhile, the team reacts to the news that Microsoft's Fable has slipped to 2026, La Quimera from 4A off-shoot Reburn intrigues, while John gets seriously excited about Terminator 2D: No Fate. Beyond that, enhancements for Forza Horizon PS5 Pro are discussed and no, Pokémon Legends: Z-A wasn't shown running on Switch 2. And if it was, we'd be worried. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:46 News 1: AMD RDNA 4 graphics cards unveiled 0:24:17 News 2: Fable delayed to 2026 0:33:38 News 3: La Quimera impresses in debut trailer 0:41:28 News 4: Sonic Racing CrossWorlds beta tested! 0:49:39 News 5: Terminator 2D: No Fate revealed 0:56:15 Supporter Q1: What do you make of Forza Horizon 5’s modes on PS5 and PS5 Pro? 1:00:51 Supporter Q2: Was Pokémon Legends: Z-A actually exhibited running on Switch 2? 1:07:28 Supporter Q3: Will we see FSR 4 in handhelds soon? 1:11:35 Supporter Q4: Could you do a video comparing top-end PC experiences versus consoles? 1:23:31 Supporter Q5: Why have PS5 Pro sales dropped behind PS4 Pro? 1:34:07 Supporter Q6: Could a Steam Deck 2 release in 2025? 1:42:15 Supporter Q7: Should prospective PC gamers just buy a PS5 Pro, given the high price of new GPUs? Eat smart with Factor. Get started at factormeals.com/FACTORPODCAST and use code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 23, 2025 · 1 hr 52 min
DF Direct Weekly #202: GTA5 PC Gets RT Enhancements, Cyberpunk 2 News, Nvidia 5070 Ti Launch Chaos
Rich, John and Alex are back in the Direct hotseats for our 202nd edition, discussing the range of enhancements coming (for free) to the PC version of Grand Theft Auto 5. Meanwhile, clues start to emerge about the make-up of CD Projekt RED's Cyberpunk sequel, while Alex talks about Microsoft's MUSE AI game generation research. Finally, there's disappointment with Nvidia as the 5070 Ti launch is accompanied by entirely predictable chaos, while Alex demonstrates starkly how the deprecation of 32-bit CUDA support impacts legacy PC PhysX games for even the most powerful RTX 50-series cards. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:04 News 1: GTA 5 slated for PC upgrade 0:15:32 News 2: Microsoft announces game generating AI 0:32:49 News 3: Cyberpunk 2 job listing suggests ultra realistic crowds 0:44:53 News 4: 5070 Ti launches to price hikes and scalping 1:06:35 News 5: Nvidia deprecates 32-bit PhysX on 50 series GPUs 1:19:16 Supporter Q1: Couldn’t frame extrapolation solve input lag for PC games? 1:24:20 Supporter Q2: Why are so many people underwhelmed with current-gen graphics? 1:36:32 Supporter Q3: If Microsoft is giving up on console market share, where does Sony’s primary competition come from in the future? 1:42:45 Supporter Q4: With FSR 4 delivering good results, why should Sony continue to develop PSSR? 1:47:53 Supporter Q5: How can we prevent digital licensing issues when PSN is offline? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 17, 2025 · 2 hr 34 min
DF Direct Weekly #201: State of Play Verdict, Crysis 4 "On Hold", Astro Bot PS5 Pro Tested!
It's a gigantor-scale DF Direct Weekly as Oliver, Alex and Tom deliver a 155-minute show kicking off with the verdict to Sony's latest State of Play, followed up by the sad news of layoffs at Crytek and a highly uncertain future for Crysis 4. Beyond that, Alex shares his thoughts on Assassin's Creed Shadows PC specs, while Oliver tests out the PS5 Pro patch for Astro Bot. And in the background, a flu-stricken Rich does nothing much except to write this description.
Feb 10, 2025 · 2 hr 9 min
DF Direct Weekly #200! Switch 2 Pricing, The NEW Battlefield, Monster Hunter Wilds Perf Concerns!
Through a combination of the passing of time and regularly turning up every week to do the same thing, DF Direct Weekly 'celebrates' its 200th edition! We reminisce over the creation of the show before moving onto the news at hand - Switch 2 pricing and some intriguing new Nintendo patents, along with our first look at the new Battlefield. Meanwhile, we're not particularly enthused with Monster Hunter Wilds performance, Star Wars Outlaws on PS5 Pro gets a PSSR upgrade and the RTX 5080's overcloc
Feb 3, 2025 · 2 hr 3 min
DF Direct Weekly #199: Forza Horizon PS5, Next-Gen Xbox Hints, Spider-Man 2 PC, Nvidia Smooth Motion
Join Rich, Alex and Oliver for another huge Direct, covering off the 'no red lines' Xbox news and the Forza Horizon 5 PS5 announcement, hints from Phil Spencer about next-gen Xbox, along with early impressions on Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC. Meanwhile, the team field questions about the controversial RTX 5080 release, while Alex tests out the surprise new feature - Nvidia Smooth Motion. Finally, Oliver is very, very excited about DeepSeek - but does it spell the end of Nvidia's AI dominance?
Jan 27, 2025 · 2 hr 2 min
DF Direct Weekly #198: Doom The Dark Ages Reaction, Xbox Developer_Direct, RTX 5090 Reaction!
As we close in on the 200th edition of DF Direct Weekly - where we currently have no special plans whatsoever - Alex, Oliver and Rich discuss Microsoft's brilliant Xbox Developer_underscore_Direct, and get highly excited about Doom: The Dark Ages, before moving on to discuss the reaction to the RTX 5090 reviews, the problems of GPU reviewing, Sony's baffling live services strategy - and the mysterious delay of AMD's RDNA 4 cards.
Jan 21, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
DF Direct Weekly #197 - Nintendo Switch 2 Reaction - New Hardware, Mario Kart 9, Back Compat + More!
Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed in a somewhat detail-light two minute presentation, showcasing renders of the new hardware, some details on backwards compatibility and a teaser for what may well be Mario Kart 9. John, Rich and Oliver sit down after the reveal and discuss the reveal - along with some intriguing leaks about the clock speeds of the main processor.
Jan 15, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
DF Direct Special: Inside Nvidia RTX 50-Series: Tech Deep Dive, AI, Features, Specs + More
The embargo has lifted on the Editor's Day material Nvidia shared with the press during CES 2025. In this DF Direct Special, Oliver and Alex share their thoughts on the architectural improvements to the RTX 50-series cards, the laptops, the new AI features, DLSS 4, price and projected performance.
Jan 13, 2025 · 1 hr 57 min
DF Direct Weekly #196 - CES 2025 Special! - Nvidia, AMD, Intel Highlights - DLSS 4 + More!
Yes, it's true - not only do Oliver and Alex have full torsos and legs but they have now actually met in person at CES 2025! The duo discuss their reactions to the Nvidia keynote and the RTX demos that excited them the most before moving on sharing further impressions on their AMD, Intel, Asus and Razer visits. Also, the pair's critical eyes land upon the latest generation of displays showcased at the show.
Jan 6, 2025 · 1 hr 43 min
DF Direct Weekly #195: Switch 2 Motherboard Leak, Nintendo Upscaling Patent, HQ GTA6 Trailer!
DF Direct returns in the year of our lord, 2025! Rich and Oliver mull over the leaked imagery of the Nintendo Switch 2 motherboard. Is the SoC on a sub-standard Samsung process? Does it really matter? Can we expect PS4 Pro levels of performance? (Spoilers: no). Meanwhile, a higher quality version of GTA 6 Trailer 1 reveals new details, and Game Science has issues with console optimisations on Xbox Series S - so is this why Black Myth: Wukong isn't on Microsoft's consoles? Finally, Rich wonders w
Dec 28, 2024 · 1 hr 48 min
DF Direct Special: Digital Foundry's Best Game Graphics of 2024 - PC/PS5/Xbox - Another Phenomenal Year!
As another year comes to a close, Digital Foundry unleashes its traditional holiday video, celebrating the best game graphics of the year. Outside of some highly honourable mentions, ten games are lauded for their phenomenal visuals. John, Alex and Oliver share their thoughts in a massive 108-minute long celebration!

Digital Foundry Direct Weekly

DF Direct Special: Hands On With Switch 2 - The Hardware, The Games & The Experience

DF Direct Weekly #210: Next-Gen Sony Handheld , Cyberpunk DLSS on Switch 2, Docked VRR In Question

DF Direct Weekly #209: Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 Hands-On, Quake 2 AI, RTX 5060 Ti Price Leak!

DF Direct Weekly #208: Switch 2 Specs Breakdown, DLSS Info, Switch 2 vs Steam Deck + More!

Switch 2 Unveiled - Games, Hardware, Specs + More - A DF Direct Special

DF Direct Weekly #207: Nintendo Direct Reaction, Switch 2 C Button, Witcher 4/Intergalactic Next-Gen

DF Direct Weekly #206: Xbox/Steam Leak, The Last of Us Part 2 PC Specs, DXR 1.2 Announcement

DF Direct Weekly #205: Xbox 'Kennan' Handheld, Death Stranding 2, Oblivion UE5, Ryzen 9 9950X3D!

DF Direct Weekly #204: Cerny - FSR4 for PS5 Pro, RDNA 4 Review Reaction, Dynamic Frame-Gen

DF Direct Weekly #203: AMD RDNA 4 Reveal, Fable Delayed To 2026, Forza Horizon PS5, Pokémon Legends

DF Direct Weekly #202: GTA5 PC Gets RT Enhancements, Cyberpunk 2 News, Nvidia 5070 Ti Launch Chaos

DF Direct Weekly #201: State of Play Verdict, Crysis 4 "On Hold", Astro Bot PS5 Pro Tested!

DF Direct Weekly #200! Switch 2 Pricing, The NEW Battlefield, Monster Hunter Wilds Perf Concerns!

DF Direct Weekly #199: Forza Horizon PS5, Next-Gen Xbox Hints, Spider-Man 2 PC, Nvidia Smooth Motion

DF Direct Weekly #198: Doom The Dark Ages Reaction, Xbox Developer_Direct, RTX 5090 Reaction!

DF Direct Weekly #197 - Nintendo Switch 2 Reaction - New Hardware, Mario Kart 9, Back Compat + More!

DF Direct Special: Inside Nvidia RTX 50-Series: Tech Deep Dive, AI, Features, Specs + More

DF Direct Weekly #196 - CES 2025 Special! - Nvidia, AMD, Intel Highlights - DLSS 4 + More!

DF Direct Weekly #195: Switch 2 Motherboard Leak, Nintendo Upscaling Patent, HQ GTA6 Trailer!

DF Direct Special: Digital Foundry's Best Game Graphics of 2024 - PC/PS5/Xbox - Another Phenomenal Year!