The input lag It has always been one of the biggest enemies that we players have had to face. Especially if we are given to games in which reflexes and reaction time are very important to make a difference. For example, in multiplayer shooters or fighting games. Over time, the technology, both of the screens and of the controls and consoles themselves, has improved enough so that input lag has ceased to be such a relevant problem.
However, it is still there, and especially under certain circumstances, it may become more noticeable and can become annoying. That is why we take the opportunity to offer you 5 quick tips to help reduce input lag on Xbox One and the new Xbox Series X.
What is and how to reduce input lag on Xbox?
In the first place, we will try to clarify briefly what it consists of and how reduce input lag. Is about a small delay that occurs between the actions we execute with our command, or with the type of control we use, and how long it takes to execute these actions on the screen. Or, put another way, the time it takes for our character to respond to the actions that we order with the controller.
This can become especially annoying in games that have a low or highly variable frame rate, or when we play online with a higher than expected ping. Since this input lag is mixed with other factors related to the differences that we experience between the actions that we want to execute, what we see on the screen and what is really happening in the game at that moment.
Therefore, although we do not count it as such, the first advice you could take is to also take care of those other aspects in your games. That is, to achieve a more natural experience when you play, also try to have the best possible frame rate in your games; many games for example on Xbox One X already include a selector that allows us to choose a performance mode, which prioritizes the frame rate over other aspects such as resolution or level of detail. And, on the other hand, that you try to play with a good internet connection, so it never hurts to make a speed test and measure the quality of our connection. This, obviously, will not always depend on you, and there are also several factors that can affect it, but it is important to pay attention to it if what you want is reduce input lag on Xbox.
Last updated on 2022-03-25. Prices and availability may differ from those published. SomosXbox may receive a commission from your purchases. More information.
Play on monitor whenever you can
Let’s go with the first tip. Of course, we know that many of you, probably most of you, play on TVs, since traditionally the use of monitors is more typical of PC gamers. Being the console players more usually -although not always, of course- parlor players. Televisions are usually better in some aspects compared to monitors, such as the use of HDR, resolutions, sizes, and they are also usually cheaper screens (with equal features).
TV or monitor What is better to play?
However, as a general rule, monitors are also better in other aspects, such as refresh rate or in some cases image quality. Aspects such as the refresh rate, screens that have more hertz, or the use of technologies such as freesync, they favor that the input lag is lower or less palpable. Therefore, our first advice is that if your type of game is mainly shooters, fighting games or other titles in which reaction time plays an important role in the experience, choose to play on a monitor.
This may be interesting especially in view of the upcoming launch of Xbox Series X, since it is possible that many of you will soon make the leap to a new screen. You must bear in mind that with a good television you will be able to get more out of some qualities of the new console, while with a good monitor you will be able to do so with others, such as the possibility of playing at 120 fps in the best conditions.
Activate game mode
Thinking especially of those players who, despite what has been said, prefer to opt for a television, either because they have already acquired it and are not going to change the screen for a while, or because they simply prefer the features of a good television, there are another possibility to improve input lag.
Normally current televisions include an option that allows us to activate the game mode. Basically what this mode does is reduce the image processing that the TV applies, which translates into a better response time. The negative part of this mode is that you will usually appreciate that the image quality is not that good, especially if you are used to playing in normal mode. Therefore, you will have to make some adjustments in the configuration to improve it. But this also depends largely on your taste and your eye.
Best TVs to play on Xbox Series X
play with cord
Although this is, today, probably one of the least determining factors due to technological improvements, it is always interesting to take it into account in the event that you experience input lag when you play. In these cases it is interesting that you do tests playing with the cable connected to your controller, since it is possible that you will notice an improvement. However, the current Xbox One controller is a pretty good controller in this regard, and it will be another aspect with which it will continue to improve for Xbox Series X and its new controller, which despite being almost identical to the current one will incorporate some improvements.
Last updated on 2020-12-29. Prices and availability may differ from those published. SomosXbox may receive a commission from your purchases. More information.
Take advantage of FreeSync
We’ve mentioned it before, but it’s interesting enough to repeat. More and more current monitors have compatibility with FreeSync technology, that can allow us to improve the experience in our games. The FreeSync is related to the frame rate. It is an update frequency technology, which is used to improve frame management, and which allows us to solve or improve problems such as cuts in images or the dreaded stuttering. Something very valuable to obtain the best possible visual experience.
The point here is that if you play on an Xbox One X, and your monitor has FreeSync, you must activate it. To do this you must go to the screen options of your console, and check the corresponding box. In some games, it can also be useful to simply disable the V-Sync option, in case the game has it and it is checked by default.
More about the benefits of FreeSync on Xbox One
Use a good HDMI
Finally, if even if you carry out these tips, you still notice some kind of discomfort when you play, and you think it is due to input lag, we give you the last advice that you use a good HDMI cable to connect your console to the screen. The cable that comes in the box with Xbox One X is good, but it’s always possible to find better options if you’re sensitive enough to input lag, or your cable may not be in the best shape.
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Last updated on 2020-12-29. Prices and availability may differ from those published. SomosXbox may receive a commission from your purchases. More information.