DF Direct Weekly #229: Xbox Ally X Hands-On, Sweeney Defends UE5, id Software Doom TDA Deep Dive!
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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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 #227: Battlefield 6 PC is Superb, Drag x Drive Switch 2, RTX 4090 Handheld!
In the calm before the storm of Gamescom 2025, gaming and technology news is thin on the ground - and there's some degree of disappointment beyond the brilliance of the Battlefield 6 open beta. Drag x Drive on Switch 2 underwhelms, AMD releases an RX 9060 that you can't buy - and isn't really that much different to the 9060 XT. Light relief comes in the form of a monstrous modded RTX 4090 "handheld", while OneXPlayer's 120W Strix Halo tablet does - admittedly - look quite intriguing. Meanwhile, what would it take to get Tekken 8 running on Switch 2?
0:00:00 Introduction
0:01:50 News 1: Battlefield 6 tested on PC!
0:19:25 News 2: Drag x Drive launches on Switch 2
0:30:35 News 3: Tekken 8 director mulls Switch 2 release
0:38:56 News 4: RX 9060 non-XT benched
0:45:20 News 5: AMD discontinues 5700X3D, ending widespread X3D availability on AM4
0:54:57 News 6: New tablet integrates 120W Strix Halo
1:03:42 News 7: Modder crams RTX 4090 laptop GPU into PC handheld
1:11:37 Supporter Q1: How will next-gen Xbox systems pull PC gamers away from Nvidia?
1:18:45 Supporter Q2: If AI profits grow, could Nvidia stop producing gaming GPUs?
1:27:15 Supporter Q3: How will the Z1 Extreme be supported in the future?
1:33:47 Supporter Q4: What will a Steam Deck 2 look like?
1:38:52 Supporter Q5: What Switch 2 ports do you want to see?
1:47:58 Supporter Q6: Is a Series X or One X a better choice for Xbox 360 and Xbox One games?
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DF Direct Weekly #226: Are PS6 Spec Leaks Accurate? Is Sony Going Multi-Plat? Apex Legends Switch 2!
Many, many thanks for an amazingly positive reaction to our news that we've parted ways with IGN in favour of full independence! Rich spends some time talking about the reaction and answering Supporter questions on the changes, with actual gaming and technology news discussing nascent PS6 spec leaks, Apex Legends tested on Switch 2 and misconceptions on Sony's multi-platform plans. Meanwhile, Alex clues us in on AMD's Dense Geometry Format and excitement mounts on the news that Ashes of the Singularity is getting a sequel.
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DF Direct Special: Digital Foundry Leaves IGN, Now Fully Independent - So What Happens Next?
Amazing news! Digital Foundry has parted ways with IGN and we've bought their shareholding in the business. What this means is that from now on, all aspects of DF are decided upon by DF. We answer to nobody but you, the audience. We are fully independent, we’re proud of that, we think it’s the future of games media - but how far we push, how ambitious we want to be... well, that's where YOU come in. Rich, John and Alex discuss the news in this brand new episode of DF Direct.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:01 Digital Foundry’s change in ownership and what we want to do differently
00:07:54 Why is independence important and what does it mean?
00:13:21 We want to make a new Digital Foundry website
00:16:28 What's happening now behind the scenes?
00:18:10 Let's talk Retro
00:22:10 How we can make a difference in PC gaming
00:27:14 Concluding thoughts
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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. DF Direct is a part of the Geek Media Podcast Network, an IGN Entertainment Brand. Visit Geek.com for more information.
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