NVIDIA Controversy, LTT Store Launch & Cyberpunk 2077 Analysis

The NVIDIA Review Sample Controversy

The episode centers on a significant industry conflict involving NVIDIA and Hardware Unboxed. NVIDIA reportedly removed Hardware Unboxed from their Founders Edition distribution list, citing a lack of focus on ray tracing and other RTX technologies in favor of rasterization.

• Linus Sebastian's Perspective: Linus openly criticized NVIDIA's approach, characterizing the move as an attempt to exert editorial control over independent media.
• The Precedent: He argued that penalizing reviewers for having a different editorial focus sets a dangerous precedent for the industry, potentially affecting timeliness, credibility, and the livelihoods of content creators.
• NVIDIA's Argument: NVIDIA claims they are focusing on partners who support the "changing landscape" of gaming (i.e., RTX, DLSS), but Linus dismissed the logic, stating it contradicts the reality of Hardware Unboxed's objective content.

"You either respect a free and independent media or you don't. You don't get to selectively respect it."

Cyberpunk 2077 Performance and Issues

The duo discussed the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077, highlighting major discrepancies between its performance on high-end PC hardware compared to older consoles.

• Console Issues: The game on PS4 was described as "unplayable," with low resolution and abysmal frame rates.
• Platform Agnosticism: Linus advocated for games to be platform-agnostic, arguing that users shouldn't have to purchase multiple copies of a game if they decide to upgrade their hardware platform.
• Technical Flaws: Beyond performance, they touched on issues like missing seizure warnings at launch and the game's overall lack of immersion and depth despite an eight-year development cycle.

Additional Tech News and Updates

Apple Silicon & Hardware Leaks

• Reports suggest Apple is testing 16, 32, and even 64/128-core graphics parts for upcoming high-end Mac devices through 2022.

Controversial Business Practices

• Linus addressed HP's Instant Ink program updates, where a previously free tier is transitioning to a paid model, leading to harsh criticism regarding subscription-based hardware usage.

LTT Updates

• The LTT Store launch of the Northern Lights desk pad was a success, highlighting the importance of supporting independent media directly.