Episode 397: Auto SR Testing, Xbox Mode Rollout, Steam Controller Launch & More
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Microsoft’s Auto SR feature on the ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t just underwhelming—it’s actively worse than FSR1, delivering janky, swimmy upscaling at 720p that fails to justify its existence on a device with an NPU. The hosts slam Microsoft for labeling this subpar, niche-limited tech as a 'preview,' calling it a beta test masquerading as innovation. Meanwhile, Xbox Mode’s broad rollout is undermined by its hidden access, requiring workarounds even on updated Windows systems. The Steam Controller’s instant sellout proves its appeal, but its lack of XInput support and headphone jack cripples its versatility despite premium build quality and magnetic charging. The podcast then turns critical on Steam’s parental controls—functionally broken, poorly implemented, and frustratingly inconsistent across platforms. On the ethics front, the hosts dissect the backlash over Lego Batman’s min specs, revealing that frame generation was included in both minimum and recommended requirements due to copy-paste from internal notes, not technical necessity—highlighting how poor communication fuels outrage. They warn against sideloading Android into car head units, citing real safety risks as software updates now threaten to lock vehicles. Even well-intentioned tracking with AirTags crosses ethical lines by normalizing surveillance within families.
Auto SR on Xbox Ally X delivers worse image quality than FSR1 and only works at 720p, making it a poor use of NPU resources.
Microsoft’s 'preview' label on Auto SR is misleading—this is a beta test, not a polished feature, and is limited to one niche device.
Xbox Mode is now available on all Windows systems but remains hidden behind a staged rollout, requiring workarounds to access.
The Steam Controller sold out instantly, featuring TMR sticks and a magnetic puck charger, but lacks XInput support and a headphone jack.
Steam’s parental controls are functional but poorly implemented, requiring complex setup and often failing across platforms.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Show-and-Tell: Computer Junkyard Board Game
Will Smith shares his excitement for the newly arrived Kickstarter board game 'Computer Junkyard,' a game about building and debugging a retro computer. He reveals he backed it at the 'terabyte tier' and even designed a custom software card. The game is praised for its nostalgic theme and potential for live streams.
Auto SR Testing: Microsoft's NPU-Powered Upscaling
“It's like put this in the using the NPU for evil category. It sounds like in Microsoft in their defense, this is very clearly labeled as a preview. It's not ready for prime time, which is not necessarily a great thing to hear because we have heard about this for two years.”
Xbox Mode Rollout: Full Screen Experience Goes Global
Xbox Mode, previously exclusive to handhelds, is now available on all Windows systems via a preview update. However, access is inconsistent, with many users unable to find it even after updating. The hosts speculate it’s a staged rollout and discuss its potential use as a front-end for the next Xbox.
Steam Controller Launch: Sold Out in Minutes
“I think for PC games, this is better supported on Steam. Like the features work better. The things on the DualSense that are kind of janky... is I'd much rather have a more evenly supported experience.”
Controller Deep Dive: TMR, Pucks, and Ecosystem Lock-In
The hosts explore the Steam Controller’s technical specs: TMR sticks, wireless puck, and multi-device pairing. They praise its repairability and iFixit support but criticize the lack of XInput fallback and no headphone jack. The controller is best suited for dedicated Steam users.
“I stalked my wife and kids. I sent him a note about this one. I was like, dude, you're over the line on this one.”
“when you get a software update, you can't like start your car apparently while it's updating. Which I don't which kind of makes me want to buy one of those trucks that's $25 ,000 and made of”
“It's like put this in the using the NPU for evil category. It sounds like in Microsoft in their defense, this is very clearly labeled as a preview. It's not ready for prime time, which is not necessarily a great thing to hear because we have heard about this for two years.”
Hosts
steam controller
product
microsoft
organization
rog xbox ally x
product
valve
organization
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
media
will smith
person
Gordon
person
michael kreider
person
Apple AirTag
product
computer junkyard
product
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