Switch Online’s N64 input lag is improving, it’s claimed

The recent update to Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo 64 app has also improved the emulator’s input lag, it’s been claimed.

When Banjo-Kazooie was added to the service last week, it came with a version 1.2 update for the app’s N64 emulator, which fixed some of the graphical issues players had been experiencing in games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Now YouTube channel Modern Vintage Gamer states that as well as the graphical improvements, the update also appears to have reduced input lag, to the extent that it’s less problematic in some games, and practically impossible to spot in others.

“The input lag has had some work,” he explained. “It’s certainly not fixed, but it is better than the original release and it does show me that Nintendo is listening, or at least reading the feedback and trying to address these things.”

He then illustrated this by showing his previous input lag tests on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, comparing the response time between the original Switch Online release and how it runs now.

“Previously on the original version on Nintendo Switch Online, I was calculating between 5-6 frames of input lag,” he said, “and while still present once again in the updated 1.2 version […] input lag is reduced by about 1-2 frames.

“Again, this is not perfect, and due to the nature of emulation it may never be, [but] it’s clear that Nintendo has reduced lag here and overall the game does feel much better to play so this is quite a good result.”

Modern Vintage Gamer also discussed the newly-added Banjo-Kazooie, saying: “To be honest, I can’t notice any input lag in the game at all, but I’ve only played the first two worlds – things may occur later in the game.”

Switch Online’s Expansion Pack tier launched in October and was met with frustration from some players due to emulation issues and a lack of features including button mapping.

Some games have a noticeable audio delay, while others have graphical issues such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s inability to properly handle fog.

In November, Nintendo of America’s president even commented publicly on the issue and said the company was taking criticism of Switch Online’s N64 emulation “very seriously”.