DF Direct Weekly #281: Kojima's Psyint Canned By Sony, Coming To Xbox, Switch 2 VRR, Ocarina of Time

Summary of DF Direct Weekly #281 (Gaming/Tech News & Analysis)

1) Kojima’s “Fizz” canceled by PlayStation; Xbox steps in

• Hideo Kojima says PlayStation Studios canceled Fizz (announced earlier this year), and Kojima Productions spent about three months seeking a new partner.
• Kojima states the studio found an Xbox partner “with a common vision,” and will continue development.
• PlayStation reportedly described it as PlayStation “stepping away from collaborating,” while Kojima’s wording suggests Sony canceled the project—sparking backlash over Sony’s optics and communication.
• Host analysis (Rich/John/Oliver):
  • Sony’s decision is seen as part of a broader pattern of risk-averse, number-driven choices that may alienate long-time fans.
  • The discussion emphasizes prestige titles and creator partnerships (Kojima as a “mind share” driver), not just unit sales.
  • Microsoft taking over is viewed as beneficial for brand perception, potentially including PC availability and restoring momentum for Kojima’s action espionage ambitions.
  • Oliver raises concerns about the Decima engine: whether Kojima can keep engine work depending on separation terms. Overall, the hosts think it’s unlikely to be prohibitive, since the project reportedly entered later stages after Death Stranding 2.

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2) Switch 2: VRR finally works in TV mode (with important constraints)

• Digital Foundry reports VRR now functions in Switch 2 TV mode, not only on the internal screen.
• But VRR requires game patches:
  • Currently, only The Welcome Tour appears to have a patch enabling VRR in TV mode.
  • Hosts test how VRR ranges behave across different refresh modes, noting that results vary by platform and display.
• Key technical nuance:
  • Even if system-level VRR causes the TV to report VRR continuously, the game may not actually use VRR unless patched—leading to cases where VRR is “enabled” but behavior resembles normal vsync/judder.
• Additional practical issues (Oliver):
  • Some players prefer black frame insertion/strobing, which may not work well alongside the Switch 2 VRR toggle.
  • Docked output limitations are discussed (including references to 1440p/120-ish max, with some setups limited to lower 1080p/120), reducing the ideal VRR impact.
• Verdict: promising, but early—developers must patch, and VRR behavior isn’t consistent yet across titles.

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3) Nintendo reveals: Zelda Ocarina of Time remake + Nintendo Direct impressions

Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake

• The presentation is described as a modern semi-stylized take:
  • Grounded look with light-map-like lighting
  • A mix of sharp and soft shadows
  • No clear Unreal Engine 5 “tells” (no obvious TSR/DLSS-style pipeline)
• Hosts suspect internal Nintendo or partner studio tech may be involved (Monolith Soft is mentioned as a plausible influence).
• Main critique:
  • Over-sharpening and some image quality/shimmering artifacts, especially in motion/outdoor scenes.
  • A recurring frustration: Nintendo appears to continue avoiding DLSS despite using an NVIDIA-based Switch 2 platform.
• Positive notes:
  • 60fps target, improved UI, and a more complete reimagining than older handheld remasters.

Nintendo Direct other highlighted titles (selected commentary)

• Kirby: The World Beyond
  • More open scope than Forgotten Land
  • Targeting 60fps, with some dips
  • Looked clean/exciting
  • Release discussed as Spring 2027
• Metroid: Ravenous
  • Looks like a Metroid Dread-style evolution, including a parry system
  • Store info indicates 120Hz
  • Release noted as January 28, 2027
• Monster Hunter Wilds port to Switch 2
  • Looks like a largely 30fps experience (based on footage), likely via upscaling
  • Hosts note it may be a tricky visual fit but seems feasible
  • Framed as part of Capcom’s broader push to rehabilitate ports and prioritize Switch 2 performance
• Resident Evil 2/3/4 (Switch 2 versions)
  • Cautiously optimistic: footage suggests 60fps targets or strong performance
  • Oliver notes unusual eShop file sizes (RE2/RE3 smaller than expected), speculating about compression/decompression or asset changes
• Stella Blade Complete Edition
  • Discussion focuses on frame generation and possible artifacting/overuse of upscaling tech
  • Concerns about inconsistent image behavior in motion
• Persona 4/6 on Switch 2
  • Atlas bringing them to Switch 2 is noted
  • Persona 4 appears to be 30fps, looks good so far
  • Input lag is flagged as an important thing to watch
  • Mentioned in the context of a Steam achievement leak (treated as not overly spoilery)

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4) Marvel’s Wolverine reviews: technical praise, mixed reception on design

• Reviews are characterized as mixed/mostly negative regarding game design, as well as concerns about length and pacing.
• Hosts broadly agree Insomniac delivered excellent technical performance and strong presentation:
  • high image quality
  • good performance
  • strong feature set
  • consistently high production-value cinematics
• Game-focused critique:
  • Wolverine is framed as a polished, linear brawler that may feel “too handholdy” and not ambitious enough for some reviewers.
  • John compares it to a mid-tier action game structure—fun brawling through fights—rather than a boundary-pushing reinvention.
  • Oliver suggests expectations may be too high because Sony has released fewer major titles, making “mid-to-strong” experiences feel worse than they might otherwise.

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5) “Time Machine” + co-op feature

• Hosts revisit DF’s historical analysis of PS4 Pro (10 years ago), focusing on why checkerboard rendering and early “4K-like” output were hard to appreciate through YouTube at the time.
• Co-op spotlight: Big Walk (an Australian studio previously linked to Untitled Goose Game).
  • The standout hook is location/environment-based audio that changes acoustics and distance perception.
  • The story highlights how audio mechanics enable emergent cooperative puzzle moments, including:
    • using a radio
    • gesture cues
    • hearing echoes across space

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Presenters / Contributors

• John Linman
• Rich (Digital Foundry co-host)
• Oliver McKenzie
• William Jud (credited in the “Digital Foundry time machine” segment as the recurring host persona for that feature)