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A surprise to be sure - and a welcome one. Out of the blue, Sony has released QSSR - Quick Spectral Super Resolution - a refactoring of PS5 Pro's PSSR for the standard PlayStation 5. In this video, Rich and Oliver share their initial thoughts on the technology. We've got image quality comparisons from Marvel's Wolverine, we've got early performance testing from a PS5 dev kit, comparisons with PSSR and much more. 00:00 Introduction 01:29 What is QSSR? 05:28 QSSR vs IGTI 11:13 QSSR vs. PSSR 16:51 QSSR performance 26:04 Will QSSR be in GTA 6? 28:35 Concluding thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The progress in PS5 emulation for PC is becoming extremely rapid - so just how viable is it and should Sony be worried? Meanwhile, Rich, Oliver and Will discuss a range of topics: can PS5 Pro run PSSR and FSR frame gen together? Will PCs eventually replace consoles? Can a Project Helix console replace both a gaming PC and an Xbox console? And... would the Project Helix concept have changed if Xbox had won the console generation? 00:00 Introduction 00:41 PlayStation 5 Emulation on PC gathers pace 13:55 Q1: Why can't PS5 Pro run PSSR and FSR 3.1 frame gen together? 21:27 Q2: Will PC eventually replace console gaming? 27:25 Q3: Will Halo move onto the Call of Duty engine? 34:02 Q4: Will Project Helix replace both PC and console? 39:09 Q5: Would Project Helix be different if Xbox Series won the console generation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An extremely busy week at the Foundry but the Direct cannot be stopped - the team discuss the latest news as the "Xbox Reset" enters Phase Two and Halo is shipped off to Activision. Meanwhile, Rich, Oliver and Tom join forces to run the rule over Silent Hill Townfall, becauise the show moves on to discuss the implications of the next-gen consoles' respective GPU TFLOPs numbers. And finally, ending the show on a high note, Rich revisits 007 First Light path tracing, finding a night and day improvement in performance over the original release. 00:00 Introduction 01:12 News 1: Halo Studios decimated as Halo moves to Activision 17:26 News 2: Silent Hill: Townfall tested on PS5, PS5 Pro, and PC! 36:54 News 3: Rumour says PS6 at 40 teraflops, Xbox Helix at 56 teraflops 48:28 News 4: 007 First Light gets path tracing performance boost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stellar Blade on Switch 2 enforces the use of frame generation to target 60fps - and Capcom is offering the same feature with a toggle in the upcoming Dragon's Dogma 2 port. So how does it work and what have we learned from testing it in Stellar Blade? Beyond that, Tom, Rich and Oliver discuss whether next-gen hardware should be delayed, why Nintendo is avoiding DLSS in its own Switch 2 titles and whether Valve should release an ARM-based handheld. And finally, what's the point of chromatic aberration? 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Supporter Q1: Is frame gen a good fit for Switch 2 games like Stellar Blade? 17:18 Supporter Q2: Could a next-gen hardware delay be a good thing? 25:03 Supporter Q3: Does Digital Foundry need to produce a “frame health” reference? 32:28 Supporter Q4: Is Nintendo avoiding DLSS so they can switch to AMD for Switch 3? 37:44 Supporter Q5: Should the next gen Steam Deck be ARM-based? 43:15 Supporter Q6: What’s the point of chromatic aberration? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a bit of a slow week for news, the team goes hands-on with a bunch of cool games to present their findings - principal amongst them being 007 First Light's visually stunning, but incredibly taxing path tracing upgrade. Redemption Road's 12-minute Kingmakers gameplay deep dive impresses the panel before Tom delivers his thoughts on Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave on Switch 2, with Oliver testing Diablo 4 also on the Nintendo hybrid. Meanwhile, reliable leaker Kepler_L2 says that we're only looking at one new GPU launch in 2027 - and it looks like the desktop version of the same GPU slated to appear in Microsoft's Project Helix... Looking for an ad-free Direct? Join the DF Supporter Program for a private RSS feed, ad-free video downloads, news updates from the team and more: https://patreon.com/digitalfoundry 00:00 Introduction 01:17 News 1: 007 First Light gets PC path tracing patch 18:28 News 2: Kingmakers resurfaces in extended trailer 26:44 News 3: Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave impressions! 39:34 News 4: Diablo 4 tested on Switch 2 47:49 News 5: Rumour: new Nvidia, AMD GPUs won’t be released until 2028 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Steam Frame just missing the embargo for the last DF Direct, John, Rich and Oliver share impressions of Valve's latest hardware plus there's some ARM standalone testing of Half-Life Alyx, Cyberpunk 2077 and Streets of Rage 4. Beyond that, it's Supporter Q+A time: why doesn't From Software fix 30fps frame-pacing issues? If DLSS 5 isn't really DLSS, how should DLSS evolve? Finally... with the legendary Kallax having been modded into Skyrim by Ikea, what other Scandinavian furniture should be added to the game?! Want an ad-free DF Direct experience? Get a private RSS feed and high quality video downloads with the DF Supporter Program! https://patreon.com/digitalfoundry 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Hands-On With Steam Frame, Half-Life Alyx Standalone + More 27:06 Supporter Q1: Is a language barrier to blame for Elden Ring frame-pacing issues? 35:15 Supporter Q2: What new tech should Nvidia explore in a new DLSS? 44:52 Supporter Q3: What Ikea furniture should be included in Elder Scrolls 6? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A massive week for news. PlayStation ends decades of partnership with Hideo Kojima as Physint is cancelled by Sony - but picked up by Microsoft, meaning it's coming to Xbox. The team take a look at the surprise-but-a-welcome-one reveal of VRR coming to Switch 2 docked mode, while there's commentary and analysis on the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and a brand new Nintendo Direct. John and Oliver compare notes on Marvel's Wolverine, Rich takes us back to the PS4 Pro reveal on its tenth anniversary while John tells us about the co-op fun he's been having with Big Walk. The DF Supporter Program gives you early access to DF Direct, an ad-free private RSS feed, high quality video downloads and more: https://patreon.com/digitalfoundry 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:28 News 1: Kojima’s Physint dropped by Sony, picked up by Microsoft 0:24:57 News 2: VRR finally available in Switch 2 docked mode 0:34:17 News 3: Ocarina of Time remake shown at Nintendo Direct 0:46:15 News 4: Nintendo Direct highlights: Kirby, Metroid, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil, Stellar Blade, Persona 1:02:00 Content discussion: have reviewers been too harsh on Wolverine? 1:13:45 Retrospective: PS4 Pro announcement 1:26:32 John recommends Big Walk! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The DF Direct Q+A Show returns and suffice it to say, there's a huge amount of interest around DLSS 5. Will AMD and indeed Intel deliver equivalent tech? What are the limits of DLSS 5 and how will they be overcome? Meanwhile, is Pearl Abyss developer of the year? And is The Witcher 3 Remastered evidence that CD Projekt RED will return to the RED Engine? For an ad-free experience check out the Digital Foundry Supporter Program for ad-free high quality video downloads and a private RSS feed: https://patreon.com/digitalfoundry 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Supporter Q1: Should AMD create their own DLSS 5 equivalent? And what basic limits does the DLSS 5 architecture have? 19:32 Supporter Q2: How do Pearl Abyss develop Crimson Desert at such a breakneck pace? 23:57 Supporter Q3: Why does Onimusha: Way of the Sword skip some of RE Engine’s more advanced features? 28:16 Supporter Q4: Could CD Projekt Red be planning to use REDengine in the future? 32:27 Supporter Q5: Could Sony license PlayStation to third parties? 39:14 Supporter Q6: Why didn’t my Digital Foundry pint glass arrive with anything in it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Digital Foundry panel convene to talk about Sony's disappointing State of Play, John shares his thoughts on the Grand Theft Auto 6 Extended Look and there are more hints about Xbox's next-gen strategy as Asha Sharma discusses a family of devices - amongst other things - in an interview with the BBC. For an ad-free DF Direct Weekly with a private RSS feed and high quality video downloads, support us here: https://patreon.com/digitalfoundry 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:43 News 1: Sony releases disappointing State of Play 0:25:49 Supporter Q1: What does John think of the GTA 6 Extended Look? 0:41:59 Supporter Q2: Is Microsoft pivoting to a more mainstream “family” of next-gen Xboxes? 0:57:18 Supporter Q3: Will Microsoft regret their disc-to-digital program? 1:04:49 Supporter Q4: Will the PSP 3 actually be able to play PS5 games? 1:09:43 Supporter Q5: Should Nintendo implement a global frame-rate cap option for Switch 2? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six months after its reveal, DLSS 5 has launched with NBA 2K27 and its utilisation is a world apart from the first clips, not to mention the vast array of modded footage we've seen since its leak last week. Rich, John and Oliver compare notes on the difference it makes, the huge performance cost, what is achievable with mods and more. Join the DF Supporter Program for ad free video downloads and a private ad free RSS feed. https://patreon.com/digitalfoundry 0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:27 What is DLSS 5? 0:15:36 DLSS 5 visuals in NBA 2K27 0:25:07 DLSS 5 performance in NBA 2K27 0:42:17 Mods: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth 0:50:03 Mods: Forza Horizon 6, Monster Hunter Rise, Starfield 1:00:14 Concluding thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Grand Theft Auto 6's gameplay reveal somewhat overshadowed proceedings, it was indeed Gamescom 2026 this week and with Rich's legs giving out, it was down to John to represent us at the show. So, after dispensing with some gaming and technology news, John delivers his own "best of" tour of Gamescom, discussing the titles he loved. Looking to enjoy DF Direct Weekly ad-free? Gain access to a private RSS feed and video downloads on our Patreon: https://patreon.com/digitalfoundry 0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:01 News 1: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered revealed 0:12:52 News 2: Xbox disc to digital program officially announced 0:23:18 Gamescom demos: Fable 0:30:46 Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve 0:38:01 Capcom: Mega Man: Dual Override, Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen 0:46:51 Sega: Alien Isolation 2, Stranger than Heaven 0:54:48 Konami: Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, Silent Hill: Townfall 1:10:20 State of Decay 3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 minutes of actual GTA 6 gameplay "dropped" - and on balance, it's one of the most extraordinary visual accomplishments ever seen in real-time game graphics. It's not perfect - nothing can be - but in this DF Direct Special, Oliver and Rich share their thoughts and reactions to the presentation. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:24 Overall impressions 0:10:09 Performance: 30 FPS only 0:25:22 Lighting: shadowmaps, RT reflections, RTGI 0:37:31 Simulation and the open world 0:45:49 Image quality 0:50:57 Supporter Q1: How will next-gen consoles and PCs improve on the PS5 visuals? 0:56:55 Supporter Q2: Will PS5 Pro fix GTA 6’s image quality issues? 1:01:45 Supporter Q3: Will GTA 6 become a new highly contested PC benchmark? 1:04:56 Supporter Q4: How did the Netflix-only trailer launch go? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the time of recording, it was the lull before the storm that is Gamescom 2026 - but we've still got a bunch of fascinating questions to wade through. Have we got it all wrong with PlayStation 6? Is it actually the hotly rumoured handheld with Sony pivoting in a Nintendo-like direction? If games hit photorealism, where does that leave Digital Foundry? And are plasma TVs the new CRT? 00:00 Introduction 01:21 Sponsored by MSI QD-OLED 02:42 Supporter Q1: Could the next-gen PSP and PS6 be the same thing? 14:26 Supporter Q2: Should PC games rename their graphics settings to constrain performance expectations? 22:27 Supporter Q3: If games become photorealistic, what will Digital Foundry do? 31:20 Supporter Q4: Are plasma TVs the new CRTs? 42:58 Supporter Q5: Will DF leave secret messages about upcoming hardware in DF Directs? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're not going to be commenting on leaks from a stolen GTA 6 build that's years old and promoting a memecoin but we WILL be talking about Sony's comments on not knowing PS6's pricing and release date and assessing the Black Myth Zhong Kui gameplay reveal. Rich is intrigued by Alan Wake's big PC upgrade for AMD users, while John muses over the reported end of live service elements in Horizon Hunters Gathering. Finally, five years ago, Alex made a range of predictions about Switch 2 and DLSS... so how accurate did they turn out to be? 0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:49 News 1: Sony undecided on PS6 release date 0:20:18 News 2: Remedy adds FSR 4.1 support in Alan Wake 2 0:27:23 News 3: Black Myth: Zhong Kui demoed 0:34:57 News 4: Horizon: Hunters Gathering drops live service elements 0:45:38 News 5: Doom ported to 12 year old camera 0:51:59 Retrospective: Alex’s Switch 2 DLSS predictions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bethesda is promising a new patch for Oblivion Remastered based on the Switch 2 version's optimisations - but is there any evidence to suggest that the Switch 2 improvements will make any real differences for the other versions? Meanwhile, Oliver clarifies his comments on which PC specs reflect next-gen consoles, whether Project Helix will make much of a difference for Microsoft and whether Epic should make their own console (!). Finally, how come Switch 2 hasn't really much in the way of cross-gen first party exclusives? 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Supporter Q1: Can Switch 2 Optimisations Fix Oblivion Remastered on other systems? 16:47 Supporter Q2: How should we think about GPU VRAM and next gen consoles? 25:13 Supporter Q3: How was Nintendo able to transition from Switch 1 to Switch 2 so quickly? 32:24 Supporter Q4: If Microsoft stops shipping Xboxes, what will be lost? 40:57 Supporter Q5: Is Valve not being stringent enough with their Steam Deck Verified program? 45:49 Supporter Q6: Should Epic make their own Epic Games Machine with Unreal Engine optimizations? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.