Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Thanks to Alienware for sponsoring DF Direct. To learn more about the Alienware AREA-51 Gaming Desktop, check out: aw.gg/digitalfoundry

The news has been pretty grim for the last few months, so why not concentrate on the positives? PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have delivered the best performing videogame generation since the 16-bit 2D era with more support for 60fps gaming than any other 3D-focused console. How did this happen and what are the drawbacks? Meanwhile, if those same consoles are effectively pint-sized PCs using PC components, why is there the sense that PC gaming is far less performant than it should be? John, Rich and Oliver discuss this, with a cameo from Tom talking Splatoon Raiders and OG Xbox "back compat" improvements.

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0:00:00 Introduction
0:01:46 Sponsored by Alienware
0:03:05 News 1: This is the most performant console generation in 30 years... but what about PC?
0:32:47 News 2: Have we gone too easy on Halo: Campaign Evolved?
0:48:24 News 3: Will Xbox Helix cut out Steam?
1:00:29 News 4: Splatoon Raiders tested!
1:16:04 News 5: Improvements for Xbox BC on PC!