Summary
- A malfunctioning controller can ruin gaming experience. Controller testers are essential for determining if a device needs replacing.
- Esports pros need reliable controllers with minimal input lag. Latency measures how fast a system recognizes inputs.
- Controllers from brands like Scuf focus on performance to minimize lag. Testing methods exist for PC and console gamers.
A malfunctioning controller can quickly ruin an otherwise enjoyable gaming experience. Even some premium gaming controllers may eventually suffer from stick drift or unresponsive buttons. These issues might be subtle, leaving gamers to wonder if a device is really performing differently than when first purchased. An effective controller tester can erase all doubt and determine if a favorite peripheral needs replacing.
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Most competitive gamers play PC games with gaming keyboards and mice. Still, titles like Rocket League and Street Fighter are commonly played with controllers or fight sticks. For high-stakes multiplayer matches, an esports pro must have a reliable controller with minimal input lag. How fast a PC or console recognizes inputs can determine who wins a substantial payout. Below are controller tests that include straightforward calibration tools, which even casual gamers benefit from.
Why Use a Controller Tester?
There are several reasons why a gamer may want to check a controller's performance. The average player is usually more interested in whether a controller works at a basic level and if inputs register correctly. These gamers may also notice that analog stick movements or buttons aren't reacting like when a controller was brand new.
Wired Vs Wireless Controller: Which is Better for Gaming?
Both wired and wireless controllers are excellent options for playing your favorite games, but which offers the better experience?
Esports pros are more concerned with how fast a PC or console processes a controller's inputs. Wireless controllers are prone to higher latency levels, but even some wired peripherals produce less than optimal test results. Latency measures the time it takes for a system to recognize a button after a user presses it. When thousands of dollars are on the line, even milliseconds matter for Call of Duty competitors. Controllers from brands like Scuf focus strictly on performance to minimize lag rather than other non-essential features.
PC and Console Built-in Utilities
There is no shortage of methods to see how a controller measures up against the competition. PC gamers have the most options, including testing and calibration provided by the Windows OS. The easiest way to find this utility is usually by searching for "controller" in the Windows Start Menu. Assuming a controller is connected, the interface will display whether the buttons and the Z, X, and Y axes are behaving properly. Gamers can also activate a calibration routine to help ensure movements or inputs are recognized correctly. This isn't usually necessary when using Microsoft's Xbox controllers on PCs, but a routine checkup never hurts.
Steam also has more in-depth calibration tools, profiles, and settings specific to various controllers.
Console gamers don't enjoy as many controller utilities as PC users, but solutions exist. Xbox Series X|S players can load the same Xbox Accessories app that's available on PCs. In addition to basic button and d-pad tests, the analog stick calibration may be the most useful feature. Such utilities won't address stick drift resulting from physical components wearing down but can make inputs more consistent.
PlayStation users are more limited in terms of utilities accessible directly on the PS4 or PS5. They can remap some buttons and adjust vibration intensity, but calibration is not possible on most PS5 controllers. However, the pro-grade DualSense Edge unlocks more menus with stick sensitivity and dead zone settings, which could reveal some controller issues. For more features, Sony gamers can turn to the DS4Windows program to maximize the functionality of PlayStation controllers on PCs.
Nintendo includes some calibration and testing software on the Switch, including a utility to improve the accuracy of Joy-Con motion controls.
Testing Controllers with Websites and Apps
It may surprise some gamers that a website can recognize connected controllers and test them adequately. Using any popular browser, the Gamepad Tester at HardwareTester.com has been one of the easiest ways to evaluate controllers for many years. Like the native Windows utility, the Gamepad Tester will confirm that buttons properly register inputs for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and other controller types. The website also provides more detailed data, including information about the accuracy of analog sticks.
Gamers can see if analog sticks properly return to center positions in a circular target illustration. The Test Circularity option instructs gamers to move sticks to see if they register a full range of motion. Some degree of error is expected, and dead zone settings in games can help mitigate unintended inputs. Unfortunately, while Gamepad Tester anonymously collects data for controller models, it doesn't publicize any of these readings. Since the website allows users to connect several controllers simultaneously, it's more useful for comparing controllers.
If measuring latency or polling rate is the priority, several downloadable Windows apps like XInput are up to the task. The program is intended for Xbox 360 and DualShock 3/4 controllers, giving it fairly wide compatibility. Once again, this controller tester asks gamers to move a thumbstick in a circular motion repeatedly. XInput detects how long it takes for a PC to register an input after the previous command. This is a great method to see performance gaps between controllers, especially if there is a debate over whether a wireless or wired contender is preferable.
Gamers should realize all these testing methods have limitations. Certain games may interpret inputs differently, affecting how quickly rapid-fire commands are recognized. Also, controllers often behave differently on consoles than on PCs, and many websites and apps need a PC or browser to function.
Other Ways to Test Controllers
Gamers who can't run PC software have other controller tester methods available, ranging from free to extremely costly. One approach involves setting up a capable smartphone or high-speed camera to record controller use in front of a smart TV. Gamers can see from recorded footage how long it takes for an input to make a character or vehicle react in a game. It's not an exact science, but measuring how many frames in a video pass before an input is recognized is possible. An RGB controller that signals a button press with flashing lights is helpful. How quickly a TV or monitor processes a video signal can dramatically affect results, so activating any available Game Modes is recommended.
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The best way to test controller latency is also one of the most complicated. This process requires pricey MiSTer FPGA hardware, which is popular among the retro gaming community. Essentially, the MiSTer FPGA emulates titles like they were originally experienced on older consoles and arcade cabinets. Game emulation on PCs and consoles often introduces more lag, making controllers feel even laggier. The MiSTer FPGA takes a more direct approach to emulation but is also useful for testing controllers and other peripherals.
Gamers will need to purchase additional, less expensive components, such as an Arduino Pro Micro controller. The gamepad must then be cracked open to solder wired connections to the Arduino Pro Micro. Compatible PC software makes it possible to measure controller latency more accurately than the above mentioned methods. For more details, gamers can check out this guide about the MiSTer Controller Lag Test.
Finding a Reliable Controller
There are many contrasting methods for testing controller performance. The simplest controller tester options involve loading pre-installed apps on PC and consoles. By pressing buttons in succession and moving analog sticks, gamers can ensure that inputs are being recorded correctly. Websites like Gamepad Tester provide more detail about the health of analog sticks that may suffer from dreaded drifting. Finally, enthusiasts can customize more expensive emulation hardware for the most accurate readings possible.
By investing in a quality controller, gamers can avoid some of the common issues gamers face with inaccurate inputs and latency. Newer controllers use Hall Effect analog sticks without as many physical parts that inevitably degrade. Also, well-built fight sticks and controllers are more likely to withstand daily punishment from competitive gamers.
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FAQ
Q: What is acceptable input lag for a controller?
Most competitive gamers seek wired or wireless controllers with 15 milliseconds or less latency. With games other than FPS or fighting titles that don't require rapid-fire inputs, a much higher level of input lag is acceptable.
Q: Which controller has the fastest response time?
Typically, wired controllers like the Turtle Beach Recon, ideal for competitive gaming, provide the best response time. However, pricey wireless controllers, including the Scuf Instinct Pro, can nearly match the performance of wired alternatives. Additionally, Scuf controllers are designed with buttons, sticks, and triggers that can be pressed furiously while inputs remain accurate.