In DF Direct Weekly #231, the panel discusses Borderlands 4’s significant PC performance issues, Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 titles with enhanced graphics and features, and advancements in cloud gaming with GeForce Now’s new 5080 tier offering near-desktop quality streaming. They also cover rumors about the PlayStation 6’s detachable disc drive, future ray tracing on Switch 2, and Intel’s new B770 GPU, concluding with supporter Q&A on various gaming topics.
In this 231st edition of DF Direct Weekly, the panel delves into the performance issues surrounding Borderlands 4, particularly focusing on the PC version. Alex Battalia shares his experience playing the game on a high-end Ryzen 79800 X3D CPU and RTX 5090 GPU, highlighting significant shader compilation stutters that occur frequently during gameplay, especially when encountering new enemies or weapons. Despite a pre-compilation step, many obvious shader compilations still cause frame time spikes, detracting from the game’s polish. Performance on lower-end CPUs is expected to be worse, and while the game runs between 70-90 FPS at 4K with DLSS4 performance mode on the RTX 5090, the stuttering and inconsistent frame pacing remain notable issues. The game also features 30 FPS real-time cutscenes, which contrasts with the otherwise fluid gameplay, and the overall gunplay and physics integration are criticized as underwhelming compared to prior entries and other shooters like Destiny.
The discussion then shifts to the recent Nintendo Direct, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Brothers. Highlights include upgraded versions of Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 for the upcoming Switch 2, featuring 4K resolution and updated UI, though still relying on emulation-based solutions. Super Mario Wonder is also getting a Switch 2 edition with native 4K support, enhancing visual fidelity and scaling. New titles like Yoshi in the Mysterious Book showcase Nintendo’s continued innovation in crafted 2D platformers with unique visual styles. Additionally, Resident Evil Requiem’s Switch 2 port impresses with ray tracing support despite some graphical downgrades, demonstrating the console’s capability to handle modern AAA titles. The long-awaited Metroid Prime 4 is confirmed for release in early December, featuring an open-world element with a bike for traversal, promising to be one of the best-looking Switch games to date with 120 FPS support.
Oliver McKenzie and the panel also discuss upcoming Nintendo titles such as Fire Emblem Fortunes Weave and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Fire Emblem shows marked improvements in image quality and animation over prior entries, while Hyrule Warriors now runs at a stable 60 FPS, a significant upgrade from its predecessor’s poor performance. Persona 3 Reload’s demo on Switch 2, however, is criticized for poor frame pacing and input lag despite consistent 30 FPS performance. Dragon Quest 7 Remake is noted for its appealing 3D polygonal art style and potential streamlining compared to the original’s length. The panel also praises Nintendo’s innovative Virtual Boy replica accessory for Switch, which allows players to experience the classic red-and-black 3D games with modern hardware, though with some expected compromises in motion clarity and display quality.
The conversation turns to cloud gaming advancements with the launch of GeForce Now’s 5080 tier, offering impressive 4K 120Hz streaming with full chroma 4:4:4 color and upgraded Zen 5 CPUs in the cloud servers. This tier supports install-to-play features, expanding game library access, and delivers near-desktop PC performance at $20 per month. The panel contrasts this with Microsoft’s Xbox ExCloud, which has recently added higher resolution streaming up to 1440p, improving image quality significantly though still limited by the hardware emulated (Series S equivalent). While latency remains a personal and situational factor, these developments mark substantial progress in cloud gaming viability, especially for users with strong internet connections. The panel also addresses questions about the future of cloud gaming on mobile devices and the challenges of maintaining stable connections.
Finally, the show covers rumors about the PlayStation 6 launching with an optional detachable disc drive, continuing Sony’s dual SKU approach, which is welcomed as a balanced solution preserving physical media. Discussion includes speculation about how games will be handled across the rumored PS6 and a potential Sony handheld, with an expectation that digital licenses will be transferable to avoid double purchases. The panel debates the future of ray tracing on Switch 2, acknowledging that while current Nintendo titles don’t fully utilize next-gen features, future games likely will, especially for improved anti-aliasing and lighting effects. Intel’s upcoming B770 GPU is discussed as a necessary step for Intel to remain competitive despite a challenging market dominated by Nvidia. The episode closes with lighthearted supporter Q&A, including potential coverage of a Switch 2 port of Jedi Survivor and thoughts on combining game mechanics from different franchises.