Digital Foundry Direct Weekly DF Direct Weekly #214: No Switch 2 Launch Reviews? Next-Gen Xbox Using ARM + The "Forced RT" Debate!
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May 19, 2025 Rumors swirl around the absence of early reviews for the Switch 2, raising questions about its launch strategy. The discussion shifts to next-gen Xbox possibly transitioning to ARM processors, sparking debates about backward compatibility and performance. Ray tracing misconceptions are tackled, highlighting advancements in graphics technology. Excitement builds around Assassin's Creed's revelations on ray tracing, while John's take on the new Backbone Pro controller showcases innovations in mobile gaming.
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Debunking "Forced Ray Tracing" Myth
- 'Forced ray tracing' is a misleading and regressive term; most PC games with ray tracing have fallbacks or optional use.
- Ray tracing has been mainstream since 2018 and doesn't force players to own specific hardware.
ARM Xbox Rumors Misinterpreted
- Reports claiming next-gen Xbox will use Snapdragon ARM chips are likely misinterpretations related to branding or specific devices.
- Full ARM architecture would complicate Xbox's legacy compatibility and performance expectations, making AMD more plausible.
Ubisoft's Ray Tracing and GI Challenges
- Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows reveals massive challenges with baked GI data sizes and bake times.
- Ray tracing boosts development efficiency and visual fidelity for large open worlds more than traditional baked lighting.