Porkchop Express, the person who runs misteraddons.com, has just posted an updated version of his MiSTer controller latency report. What started as a sharable Google spreadsheet has now evolved into a more interactive webpage, thanks to the help of Lemonici. This page provides all the data you need to find out how much latency was measured through your controller or adapter. Here’s the link, with more info below:
MiSTer Controller Latency: https://rpubs.com/misteraddons/inputlatency
The first and most important thing to note, is this is a spreadsheet that tests controller latency and is NOT a “MiSTer lag test”. I’ve personally tested MiSTer’s lag many times and as long as your settings are correct (and you’re using decent accessories/displays), it’s only a few milliseconds for both controller and display lag. In fact, in many cases, the total time from button press to movement on the screen is identical to original hardware. So, unless you specifically need to add a buffered mode to the video output, consider MiSTer a “zero lag” device.
The next thing to note is while the database tests controller lag, in most cases its a “best case scenario”. An example: MiSTer is able to run USB devices in a low latency mode, so you won’t necessarily get as fast of a connection when using the same USB controller on another device…especially something like a laggy software emulation box, or one of those terrible “emulation collections” you can find on modern consoles.
…and of course, anything wireless is affected by whatever signals are around it. I don’t know how much speed is affected by interference, but at the very least, range will be impacted. This applies to pretty much any wireless device and even RF signals being sent from consoles to TV’s!
With all of that out of the way, I’ve been relying on this database since its original release and can confirm it provides solid data. Unlike my 1000fps slow motion + LED tests that take hours to compile fairly accurate results, the MiSTer test setup relies on hardware that quickly measures from button press to when the MiSTer’s core processes the data received, at a sub-millisecond level. I’ll soon have a video showing how this controller hardware testing module works, but for now, rest assured it’s one of the most accurate and helpful latency databases I’ve ever used. And I think people will be pleasantly surprised at how many affordable, good options are available…and that includes both new USB controllers and controller adapters that let you use original console controllers on your MiSTer.
@Lemonici helped me beautify my MiSTer Input Latency Results. This should be the go to page for discovery and the spreadsheet can be used for deeper dives. https://t.co/42Y0lBgHZG
— Porkshop Express (@MisterAddons) May 23, 2021
