⚡ Emulator Input Lag Calculator
Calculate total input lag for your emulator setup — display lag + emulator processing + controller polling delay.
Your Setup
Emulator Additional Lag Reference
| Emulator | Added Lag | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RetroArch (optimized) | ~2ms | Multi | Run-ahead enabled, low-latency audio driver, vsync off |
| RetroArch (default) | ~8ms | Multi | Default settings with vsync enabled |
| Mednafen / Beetle | ~3ms | Multi | Cycle-accurate, excellent for PS1, PCE |
| OpenEmu | ~6ms | macOS | Good defaults; no run-ahead |
| MAME (latest) | ~4ms | Arcade | Accurate timing; vary by core settings |
| Dolphin | ~16ms | GC/Wii | Complex emulation; reduce with "Synchronize GPU thread" off |
| PCSX2 | ~20ms | PS2 | Improves with Vulkan renderer; hardware mode preferred |
| RPCS3 | ~25ms | PS3 | CPU-heavy; lag varies with game and hardware |
| Cemu | ~14ms | Wii U | Vulkan/OpenGL; async shader compile helps |
| Yuzu / Ryujinx | ~12ms | Switch | OpenGL or Vulkan; varies significantly by title |
Tips to Reduce Emulator Lag
- RetroArch: Enable "Run-Ahead" (1–2 frames), use a low-latency audio driver (WASAPI exclusive / ALSA), turn off vsync and use "Black Frame Insertion".
- Dolphin: Set audio backend to XAudio2 or Cubeb, disable "Audio Stretching", use Vulkan renderer.
- PCSX2: Switch to Vulkan or Direct3D 12 renderer, enable "Optimal Frame Pacing".
- Display: Enable Game Mode on your TV/monitor — this alone can cut 50–100ms on TVs with post-processing.
- Controller: Use a wired USB controller at 1000Hz polling. Avoid Bluetooth for latency-sensitive games.
- HDMI: Connect PC/console directly to display — avoid AV receivers or HDMI switches that add frames.
- CRT: For authentic retro feel, a CRT display eliminates display lag entirely (~0ms).