Steam Deck Analysis, Elden Ring Performance & Nvidia/Switch Leaks

The Steam Deck Experience

During the episode, the team conducts a deep dive into the Steam Deck, discussing performance, acoustics, and the challenge of optimized settings. Key takeaways include:

• Battery vs. Refresh Rate: They highlight the necessity of targeting 30 FPS to extend battery life and achieve a console-like experience, noting that unlocked frame rates are power-hungry.
• The Fan Noise: The device exhibits high-pitched fan noise under load, making it unsuitable for quiet settings like the "couch test" alongside a significant other.
• Software Maturity: They note the software is still evolving; features like a configurable 50Hz mode are highly requested to mitigate frame time issues in demanding games.

Elden Ring: Technical Challenges

Despite the game's critical acclaim, the team addresses the significant technical hurdles surrounding Elden Ring on PC.

• Shader Compilation Stutters: The primary issue stems from DX12 shader compilation problems. The team advises that these stutters are prevalent on PC but are mitigated on consoles like the Xbox Series X, which benefits from a fixed hardware environment where pre-cached shaders are standard.
• Performance Paradox: They debate whether a game with poor technical performance can still be a 10/10. The consensus lands on the need for clearer journalistic communication: the game design is masterful, but the technical state should be an asterisk until resolved.

Future Hardware & Leaks

"The T239 chipset looks like a really potent piece of kit... I suspect that once again, we will be looking at low clocks to meet a specific battery target."

• Switch Pro/2 Leaks: The team discusses the Nvidia cyberattack leaks, confirming the existence of the T239 chipset for future hardware, likely featuring Ampere-class GPU performance and DLSS support.
• GPU Power Consumption: They look forward to future GPUs with trepidation, noting rumors of 800W TGPs, which they jokingly compare to electric heaters, expressing concerns about energy efficiency and real-world utility of excessive rasterization power.