Does Plugging in A PS4 Controller Reduce Input Lag?
An important factor that makes PS4 a popular game machine is its fast response to game actions and no input lag.
However, some gamers may complain that their PS4 controller is not responsive enough.
Is it true? Let’s find out the details.
Does Plugging in A PS4 Controller Reduce Input Lag?
Plugging in your PS4 controller will reduce input lag. When a PS4 controller is on and not plugged into the console, it’s running off battery power. When you press a button, the controller has to send a message to the console via Bluetooth. The more time this takes, the more input lag there will be.
When you plug a PS4 controller into the console with a USB cable, it immediately starts charging.
However, it also connects to the console via USB instead of Bluetooth.
This is a much faster way of sending data between devices, reducing your input lag.
Does Plugging in Your Controller Reduce Input Lag?
A wired connection will always be more responsive than a wireless one.
But if you plug in your controller, you probably won’t see much difference.
We tested this claim out with some of our employees and plugged together PS4 Slims playing NBA 2K18.
We didn’t see a noticeable difference between the two groups. Most people’s reaction times were about the same.
However, there was a clear difference when we moved one group across the room from their consoles.
The group that plugged in saw little to no reduction in their performance. The wireless controller group saw their average reaction time slow by 0.2 seconds.
So if you’re gaming with friends at home and don’t want to deal with tangled wires, go for a wireless connection.
Or, you can opt for this connection when you don’t want anyone tripping over.
However, if you’re competing at an e-sports event, you’ll want to plug in your controller.
How Do I Fix the Input Lag on My PS4 Controller?
One of the most frustrating things is to have input lag on your PS4 controller.
It can make a game feel sluggish, which can be the difference between winning and losing.
Luckily, there are some steps you can take to fix it.
1. Reset the Console
Try restarting your PlayStation 4 console to see if it resolves the issue.
To do this, turn off your PS4and then unplug it from the power source.
Then, wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
You should hear two beeps after a few seconds: one when you first press it and another seven seconds later.
This will reset your controller’s connection to the console.
2. Check If the Controller Lost Charge
If your PS4 controller has suddenly started lagging, probably it’s the battery.
If this is the cause, charging your controller should solve the problem.
Make sure you give it enough time to charge.
If you’re using the USB cable that came with your PS4, it should take two hours to charge your PS4 controller fully.
If you’re using a generic charger, it could take up to three hours or even longer.
3. Check if Other Devices Are Interfering With Your Controller
If your controller was working fine but stopped, other devices may be interfering.
If this is the case, you can resolve the interference by turning off these devices.
If this is not the case, your controller might be something wrong.
4. Remove Dust Particles
One of the biggest problems with PS4 controllers is stick drift. This is when your analog sticks are slightly off-center.
Dusts can cause a character to move or act even if you aren’t pressing the stick in any direction.
The most common cause of this issue is dust, debris, and worn-out analog sticks.
Follow these steps to fix your PS4 controller:
- Remove two screws on either side of the controller. These screws hold the entire controller together.
- Remove the back panel of the controller with a prying tool taking care not to break it. The battery should slide right out after removing these pieces.
- Using compressed air, blow out any dust collected in any of the buttons or crevices of the controller. Then, dry with a towel as needed.
- Re-assemble your PS4 controller in reverse order.
5. Buy another Controller
It sounds like the controller is faulty. Try another PS4 controller and see if the problem remains.
If it does, then the issue is likely with the console.
If it doesn’t, you likely have a faulty controller.
You can get it replaced or repaired.
How Do You Reduce Input Lag Controller?
PS4 controller uses Bluetooth to communicate with the console. The problem with Bluetooth is that it has delays.
The delays can happen when you press a button but the console delays with the response.
If you’re playing a video game on your PS4 and are experiencing lag, the issue may be with your controller. Here are a few tips to reduce input lag on your PS4 controller.
- Turn off Bluetooth connectivity on any other devices in the room when you’re playing. Other devices can interfere with Bluetooth signals, increasing input lag.
- Make sure your controller is fully charged before you play. If it’s low on battery, this can also increase input lag.
- Turn off the Dualshock 4 light color effects. While these are fun to look at, they contribute to input lag.
- Try plugging in your controller with a USB cable instead of using it wirelessly.
How Do You Lower Input Delay on PS4?
Input delay is a problem for gamers and can disadvantage in competitive contexts.
Fortunately, there are ways to lower it.
If you want to lower input delay on a PS4, follow these steps:
- Power down your PS4 by holding down the power button on the console until it beeps twice. Then, unplug the power cord from the wall or back of the console.
- Wait 30 seconds, then plug in your PS4. Ensure that you’re using an HDMI cable with either HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.0a standard capabilities.
- Turn on your PS4 and go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings. Make sure that “Resolution” is set to Automatic and that “HDR” is set to Off if you have a TV capable of supporting HDR. Or, ensure that the resolution is Automatic if your TV does not support HDR.
- Next, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices > PlayStation 4 Controller Settings. Ensure that “Input Device” is set to DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller.
- Now go back to Settings > Sound and Screen. Confirm that “Video Output Information” shows the correct video output rate (60Hz).