Hardware Podcasts

Digital Foundry Direct Weekly

Digital Foundry

If you have ever found yourself obsessing over frame pacing, pixel counts, or the wizardry behind modern upscaling, Digital Foundry Direct Weekly is the essential deep dive you have been waiting for. Join the industry’s most respected technical analysts as they pull back the curtain on the gaming world, dissecting the latest hardware breakthroughs and software releases with unparalleled precision. Each week, the team navigates the complex landscape of current-gen gaming, offering expert commentary on everything from the raw performance potential of the PlayStation 5 Pro to the intricate engineering required to bring path tracing to console titles. Whether they are stress-testing new releases, scrutinizing the technical health of major launches, or speculating on the future of handhelds and next-generation consoles, the hosts prioritize clarity and critical honesty above all else. This isn't just news—it is a technical breakdown of why our games look and play the way they do. The show frequently shifts from high-level architectural analysis to practical advice, tackling common performance hurdles and advocating for better industry standards in rendering and optimization. From examining engine-specific tech like PSSR and ray tracing to debating the trade-offs between visual fidelity and framerate, the podcast serves as a guide for gamers who want to truly understand the hardware powering their favorite experiences. Tune in to stay informed, stay critical, and get a better look at what is happening under the hood of your gaming setup.

Brad & Will Made a Tech Pod.

Brad Shoemaker, Will Smith

Longtime tech journalists and industry observers Brad Shoemaker and Will Smith invite you into their weekly deep dives, where they peel back the layers of the rapidly changing digital landscape. If you have ever wondered about the shifting tides of consumer hardware, the evolution of mobile gaming, or why your modern car seems more like a fragile computer on wheels than a traditional vehicle, this is your home for perspective. The show thrives on long-form, thoughtful analysis that goes far beyond the headlines. Whether they are dissecting the nuances of a new handheld gaming console, debating the cultural impact of developer conferences like WWDC and Google I/O, or exploring the friction between tech giants and their passionate user bases, the hosts bring a balance of skepticism and genuine curiosity to every topic. They are just as likely to tackle the architectural quirks of modern software as they are to share personal troubleshooting tales from their own lives. What truly sets the podcast apart is the conversational rapport between the hosts and their guests. There is no rush here; just comprehensive, well-researched discussions that value stability and user experience over flashy industry trends. It is the perfect listen for anyone who wants to stay informed on the state of technology without the marketing hype, providing a grounded, human-centric look at the gadgets and software that define our modern lives.

NPC: Next Portable Console

Federico Viticci, John Voorhees, Brendon Bigley

NPC: Next Portable Console is your biweekly deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of handheld gaming and portable hardware. Whether you are a fan of sleek retro emulation devices, the latest Android-powered handhelds, or high-performance gaming PCs that fit in your bag, hosts Federico Viticci, John Voorhees, and Brendon Bigley provide the essential analysis you need to navigate this crowded market. The show goes far beyond simple hardware reviews. Each episode features thoughtful discussions on the shifting landscape of the gaming industry, from the complex economics of component costs and manufacturing to the philosophical debates surrounding game preservation and the industry's push toward an all-digital future. The hosts bring a unique blend of technical expertise and genuine passion to every conversation, weighing the value proposition of new devices against real-world performance and long-term usability. Whether they are dissecting the latest operating system updates, exploring the ergonomics of innovative new form factors, or pondering the future of major console ecosystems, the team offers a balanced perspective on what it means to be a gamer in an era of constant change. If you are interested in the engineering, design, and cultural implications of your favorite gaming tech, NPC offers a sophisticated, conversational space to keep you informed and entertained. Join the crew as they navigate the bleeding edge of the handheld scene, one device at a time.