Xbox Review Codes, Project Helix and Console Tech

Xbox review-code access

The panel discusses the difficulty of getting Xbox review codes, including for Call of Duty. The current system requires publishers to whitelist individual consoles, which the panel says adds delays and work for reviewers and PR teams. They say this has led some outlets to review games on other platforms instead, and that it can disrupt Digital Foundry’s coverage. Microsoft CTO Scott Van Vliet said updates are coming to make it easier for press and creators to redeem and play games. The panel welcomes the response but questions why the system was introduced and why it cannot simply be switched off.

“Reviewing a game on Xbox takes too many steps today.” — Scott Van Vliet

Project Helix timing and Microsoft’s next hardware

The panel considers a question about reports that Project Helix may arrive in 2028, with an Xbox handheld reportedly planned for 2027. They discuss memory and storage costs, uncertainty about Sony’s timing, and the importance of having a ready operating system and strong launch software. The panel says there is little certainty about the handheld’s form, price or relationship to Helix, and that shifting component costs and changing plans make hardware decisions difficult. They also discuss Microsoft’s position in the console market, the need for a clear strategy, and whether another console generation is necessary soon given development costs and current hardware capabilities.

Possible expansion options for Helix

In response to a question about storage and hardware upgrades, the panel weighs a standard SSD option against a more modular, PC-like system. They favour avoiding proprietary storage where possible, but explain that extra RAM or a user-installed GPU would conflict with console design, hardware constraints and the goal of keeping a consistent target for developers. They also discuss examples of console-based PC hardware and the limits of its expansion.

CPU prospects amid PC component costs

The panel discusses expected CPU releases from Intel and AMD and whether CPU performance will stagnate. They expect continued, relatively incremental gains, while noting that RAM, storage and graphics cards are currently bigger barriers to buying a PC. They say CPUs appear less constrained by competition for components than memory and GPUs, though AI demand could affect future allocations.

QSSR, FSR 4 and Sony’s relationship with AMD

The panel considers whether Sony’s QSSR work was timed in response to FSR 4 reaching Xbox. They say FSR 4 support on Xbox was expected and reject the idea that the timing necessarily signals an effort by Sony to block Microsoft. They discuss AMD’s work with platform partners and argue that Sony appears focused on its own products rather than treating Xbox as a direct, one-to-one rival.

Switch 2 DLSS updates

The final question asks whether Nintendo might revise its custom DLSS implementation for Switch 2. The panel considers quiet updates to the system or SDK more likely than a major announcement, while cautioning that any changes may be incremental. They discuss the potential limits of the hardware, say major features such as frame generation are unlikely, and single out the lower-quality “tiny DLSS” mode as an area that could benefit from improvement.