DF Direct Weekly #168: Starfield Series S 60FPS, New PS2 Emu For PS5, ARM Windows Gaming Disappoints

Some practical tests in this week’s episode of DF Direct as Rich examines the modded performance modes cropping up for the Xbox Series S version of Starfield - while his £2,000 investment in a Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite translates into some truly awful gaming. Meanwhile, John’s been checking out the new PlayStation 2 and PSP emulators for PS5, while Alex isn’t particularly happy about Game Pass versions of PC games missing DLSS and other upscaler support present on Steam and EGS releases. NOTE: In the Snapdragon X Elite section, both Control and Dark Souls 3 are running with Auto SR. These are two titles that automatically invoke the technology, which may explain why native 1080p is not available. All tests conducted with mains power. Want some DF-branded tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies and various items based on DF catchphrases? Check out our store: Join the DF Supporter Program for pristine video downloads, behind the scenes content, early access to DF Retro, early access to DF Direct Weekly and much, much more: Subscribe for more Digital Foundry: Find DF Direct Weekly as a podcast on your favourite podcast streaming service. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:22 News 01: Starfield Series S high frame-rate mods tested! 0:09:26 News 02: PS2 and PSP emulation on PS5 analyzed 0:24:58 News 03: Snapdragon X Elite gaming performance disappoints 0:44:34 News 04: Still Wakes The Deep ships without FSR, DLSS, XeSS on Game Pass 0:54:17 News 05: LRG3 showcase features re-releases, remasters 1:05:04 Supporter Q1: How can I age as gracefully as the Switch? 1:13:55 Supporter Q2: Would you still recommend the Steam Deck over the new ROG Ally X? 1:16:46 Supporter Q3: Could the PS5 last 8 or 9 years as Sony’s flagship console platform? 1:23:25 Supporter Q4: Do you think a 1080p screen could be too much for a next-gen Switch? 1:28:46 Supporter Q5: Do you think any unannounced first party games will be released around launch for Switch 2?