Performance Analysis
Ongoing coverage on Performance Analysis.
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Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Switch 2 means you can now touch grace AND grass
The Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 offers the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, along with new cosmetic content. While performance is a consistent 30 FPS, comparable to the Steam Deck version, it falls short of the PC and PlayStation 5 experience. Despite some frame drops in demanding areas, the game is considered serviceable for those prioritizing handheld play on the Switch 2.
Elden Ring for Nintendo Switch 2 will steal your runes, and your free time
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition performs well on the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a near-console experience with minor frame rate drops and occasional map loading delays. The port includes two new starting classes, the Heavy Knight and Idus Knight, and all content from the original Game of the Year Edition.
Elden Ring plays much better than I'd expected on Switch 2, but it isn't without its flaws
An analysis of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveals that while the game generally performs better than expected, it struggles with frame drops during intense boss fights, particularly against agile enemies like the Red Wolf of Radagon. The author notes that while the 30 FPS can be jarring for PC players accustomed to 60 FPS, the game is playable, though concerns remain for the performance of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC's more demanding bosses.
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Videos Showcase Improved Performance, 30 FPS Gameplay
Videos showcase the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition running on Nintendo Switch, demonstrating improved performance at a steady 30 FPS in both handheld and docked modes. While some frame drops occur during intense combat, the port has seen significant refinement since its initial previews. The game was originally announced in 2022 for multiple platforms and received critical acclaim, with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion releasing in 2024.
Datamining reveals Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 could run at 1080p-1440p docked, 720p-864p handheld at 30-40fps
Datamining of Monster Hunter Wilds suggests the Nintendo Switch 2 version will feature dynamic resolution, targeting 1080p-1440p when docked and 720p-864p in handheld mode, with frame rates between 30-40fps. These findings indicate a focus on balancing visual fidelity and performance for the upcoming console.
Digital Foundry examines Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Digital Foundry has analyzed Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch 2, finding it to be an improvement over the original Nintendo Switch version. The analysis suggests that the game performs better on the upcoming hardware.
The Asus ROG NUC is a Steam Machine for the big kids, with their big wallets
The Asus ROG NUC is reviewed as a powerful mini PC alternative to the Steam Machine, offering strong performance from mobile components but at a significantly higher price point. While it excels in compact form factor and port selection, its component value struggles to compete with traditional gaming PCs and laptops, making it a niche product for users prioritizing space-saving over cost-effectiveness.
Tentpole Xbox release Halo: Campaign Evolved performs better on the PlayStation 5, with the PS5 Pro providing the best experience
A performance analysis of Halo: Campaign Evolved reveals that the game runs best on the PlayStation 5, with the PS5 Pro offering the optimal experience. While the game performs well across all tested platforms including Xbox Series X and S, the PlayStation versions exhibit fewer cutscene stutters and a slightly cleaner image due to PSSR technology on the Pro model.
Game Reviews
This article provides reviews for two games: Corsair Cove by PC Gamer and Halo: Campaign Evolved by DSOGaming. The latter includes a performance analysis for the PC version of Halo.
Halo: Campaign Evolved – PS5 vs Xbox Series X vs PS5 Pro vs PC Graphics Comparison
This analysis compares the graphical performance of Halo: Campaign Evolved across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and PC using Unreal Engine 5. While PC offers the highest fidelity and scalability, the PlayStation 5 Pro provides the best console experience, closely followed by the Xbox Series X and base PlayStation 5, with all consoles offering distinct Quality and Performance modes.
Forget Ultra settings, Halo: Campaign Evolved looks nearly as good with everything set to Low
A performance analysis of Halo: Campaign Evolved reveals that the difference between Low and Ultra graphics settings is subtle, with Low settings offering a significant performance boost without a substantial visual downgrade. The article recommends using Low settings for most PC configurations and suggests specific settings for the ASUS ROG Ally X handheld.
I would only play Halo: Campaign Evolved on handheld with upscaling
This article analyzes the performance of Halo: Campaign Evolved on the ASUS ROG Ally X handheld, focusing on the effectiveness of upscaling technologies like FSR and TSR. The author found that FSR Medium with very low graphics settings provided the best balance of visual clarity and playable frame rates on the 7-inch display, recommending it as the sweet spot for the device.
Game Reviews
TechPowerUp and DSOGaming have published performance analyses for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag on PC. These reviews benchmark the game's performance across 35 different GPUs, providing insights into frame rates and graphical settings.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Final Graphics Analysis – A Stunning Remake
This analysis delves into the graphical and performance enhancements of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced on PC and PlayStation 5 Pro. The remake features significant upgrades in water simulation, lighting with ray tracing, and draw distances, making the world feel more alive. While PC offers superior performance and detail, the PS5 Pro provides a compelling experience with minimal frame rate fluctuations.
PS6 is Unlikely to Face Delays Since R&D, Manufacturing Deals Are “Basically Done” – Rumor
Industry insider KeplerL2 suggests that Sony's PlayStation 6 is unlikely to face delays beyond its rumored 2027 launch, despite ongoing memory shortages. Deals with TSMC for APU fabrication and potential GDDR7 contracts are reportedly in place, making a delay financially disadvantageous for Sony. Discussions also touched upon next-generation console performance, with analysis suggesting a focus on frame rates rather than just image quality.
I've tested the Steam machine—and at this price, I don't think it makes much sense
The Steam Machine, Valve's living room PC, is a well-designed device but suffers from a high price tag and underpowered performance for its cost. Despite its sleek form factor and quiet operation, its RDNA 3 GPU struggles with demanding games, requiring significant compromises in settings and upscaling to achieve playable frame rates, making it an expensive curio rather than a mass-market gaming device.
Bloodborne’s Potential PS5 Performance Showcased on Modded Console
Digital Foundry has showcased Bloodborne running at a stable 120 FPS on a modded PlayStation 5, a significant improvement over its original PlayStation 4 performance which was locked to 30 FPS with frame pacing issues. These enhancements, achieved through exploits on older console firmware, suggest that Sony could implement similar improvements if interested, though neither Sony nor FromSoftware have shown interest in revisiting the title. Reports indicate Bluepoint Games had pitched a Bloodborne remake, but FromSoftware declined, with Sony respecting their decision.
Game Reviews
This article provides a performance analysis of the Gothic 1 Remake on PC. DSOGaming details the game's performance metrics and potential issues.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Nintendo Switch 2 tech analysis, including frame rate and resolution
Digital Foundry has conducted a technical analysis of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on the Nintendo Switch 2, comparing its performance to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S. The analysis details adjustments made to texture quality, shadow draw distances, object detail, and resolution, noting that while some aspects are scaled back, the Switch 2 version offers a crisper image than the Xbox Series S at a dynamic 540p to 1080p resolution when docked, targeting 30 FPS.
Should You Play GTA 6 on PS5 Pro, PS5, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S?
This article analyzes which console, including the PlayStation 5 Pro, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, offers the best experience for Grand Theft Auto 6. It considers factors like budget, desired visual fidelity, and ecosystem preference to guide potential buyers.