In this week’s DF Direct Weekly, we analyze the unexpected release of a full version of Death Stranding from Kojima Productions for the Xbox Series X/S. Released on the same day as the PS5 Pro, the launch marks the fifth anniversary of the original release for the PS4/PS4 Pro. The likely reason for the Xbox release is the expiration of Kojima Production’s exclusivity deal, prompting the company to move forward with the release. The game is currently available at a 50% discount in the Xbox Store, making it a great deal at 17.49 euros. The surprise release caught many off guard, but the initial impressions of the game on the Series S consoles are positive, with both the X and S consoles delivering a good experience.
Quality and performance modes, both targeting 60 frames per second, are available on the Xbox consoles, along with the option to play in normal 16:9 or 21:9 ultrawide with black bars. The Director’s Cut version includes all the content and features from the PS5 version, making it a comprehensive release for Xbox players. When comparing the Director’s Cut version on the PS5 with the new version on the Series X, both consoles exhibit similar performance, with slight differences in resolution scaling that may account for subtle variations in performance.
The Xbox Series S version of Death Stranding is impressive, adapting well to the junior console with dynamic resolution scaling between 900p and 1080p. The performance mode runs at 60 fps with a DRS range of 810p to 900p, offering a smooth gameplay experience. Kojima Productions’ ability to deliver a high-quality port for the Xbox consoles is commendable, likely drawing on the success of the PC version running on DirectX 12. With the game available at an affordable price, it continues to showcase the studio’s creativity and innovation.
With console exclusivity becoming less common, the future of Kojima Productions may involve portability to other platforms, such as the successor to the Nintendo Switch. The potential for a sequel and portability to new consoles opens up exciting possibilities for the studio, showcasing their versatility and adaptability in the gaming industry.
Recent Developments in Gaming Technology
This recent diversion from the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 Pro launch has garnered significant attention from Digital Foundry. In the latest DF Direct, John Linneman delves into testing the new Pro patch for God of War: Ragnarök. This patch allows for seamless switching between TAAU upscaling and PSSR, sparking an intriguing comparison between the computational costs of PSSR and the more cost-effective TAAU. Meanwhile, a hands-on experience with the PS5 Pro and an old LG Nanocell 8K TV revealed the impressive 8K 30fps mode of No Man’s Sky.
Exciting New Hardware and Features
Further insights were shared regarding the announcement of the Switch 2’s backward compatibility with the existing Switch library. Additionally, John expressed great enthusiasm about Sony’s Inzone M10S 1440p monitor boasting 480Hz support and G-Sync capabilities. A forthcoming article from Eurogamer will provide a detailed review of this monitor, with John emphasizing its remarkable features and performance. The Q&A section for supporters also raised intriguing questions about potential hardware upgrades and future console unboxing analyses.
Stay tuned for more updates and discussions on the latest advancements in gaming technology in the upcoming DF Direct sessions. Join us as we explore and analyze the evolving landscape of gaming hardware and software.
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