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

In DF Direct Weekly #209, the team shares their hands-on experience with Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2, noting mixed impressions on performance and visuals, particularly in demanding areas like Dogtown. They also discuss the upcoming Asus handheld gaming device, leaks about Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti, and speculate on the Switch 2’s backward compatibility and potential for enhanced performance of existing titles.

In the 209th edition of DF Direct Weekly, the team discusses the latest gaming news, including their hands-on experience with Cyberpunk 2077 on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. During a recent London event, they explored the game’s performance and visuals on the new hardware. While initial impressions were mixed, the team noted that the graphics seemed to match last-generation consoles like the PS4, with features like screen space reflections and decent draw distances. However, performance was inconsistent, especially in demanding areas like Dogtown, where frame rates dipped below 30 FPS during intense gameplay.

The discussion then shifts to the Metal Eden demo, which showcases Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities. Alex shares his experience with the demo, highlighting its impressive art design and combat mechanics. However, he also points out performance issues, particularly related to shader compilation and the use of software lumen for lighting, which detracted from the overall visual quality. The team expresses excitement for the game’s potential but acknowledges the need for optimization before its release.

The video also covers the upcoming Asus handheld gaming device, which is expected to be revealed soon. The team speculates on its features and performance, suggesting that it may not be an affordable mainstream option. They discuss the importance of software optimization for a successful handheld experience, emphasizing that the user interface and overall performance will be critical factors for its success in the market.

In another segment, the team discusses leaks regarding Nvidia’s upcoming RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. They express concern over the decision to offer an 8 GB model, which they believe may lead to consumer confusion and hinder performance in future games. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate about VRAM requirements in modern gaming and the implications of Nvidia’s choices for the industry.

Finally, the team addresses questions from supporters about the Switch 2’s capabilities and potential backward compatibility with older Switch games. They speculate on whether the new console will allow for enhanced performance of existing titles and discuss the implications of running these games in handheld mode. The team concludes that while Nintendo has historically been conservative in its approach, there is potential for innovative solutions that could enhance the gaming experience for Switch 2 users.