Smash 4 Controller Lag Comparison

[DigitalAtom6]

Wii U Pro is great yeah. But they are incredibly dumb at tournaments because you cant really fully turn them off and people often interfere with games accidently.

The Gamecube controller is standard not just because people are used to it but because its easy to disconnect.

The Wii U pro controller can be turned off on command. You just need a thin object like a paperclip to do it. On the back of it is a small reset button. If you press that, the controller disconnects. Then just put it away and you're good. When you need to play again, just reconnect by pressing a button that are not the triggers. The sticks don't activate it either.

 

[xDizxy]

Any quick text writeups/TL;DW? I honestly hate having to watch videos instead of a quick text summary.

They all have the same input lag, except for the 3ds

 

[jaffex]

I use the GameCube controller for two reasons:
1) Confusing as hell when going back and forth between Melee & Sm4sh
2) Much more durable than pro controllers. I've gotten through 2 pro controllers alone simply due to excessive dash-dancing lol

with that being said, GameCube controllers simply aren't made for Brawl/Sm4sh. The analogue L & R buttons feel clunky when used in a game made for digital controllers.

 

[ECHOnce]

Any quick text writeups/TL;DW? I honestly hate having to watch videos instead of a quick text summary.

Equiptment/setup he used involved a 120fps camera, a device that was wired to light up 1 frame after the button was pressed, and Little Mac for the frame 1 jab. He also noted that his computer and wifi were also present as realistic interferences in your standard household. Upon testing the Wiimote, Wiichuck, Classic, Pro, and GameCube controllers, he found that every instance gave 7 frames of lag. 3DS was debatably 7-8 frames. Wish he had a WaveBird on hand to test :/

It is important to note that while this was very well done and completely justifies home usage of wireless controllers (imo), it still doesn't justify tournament usage. The biggest reason why they're banned is because of the hindrance of batteries. It's easier to just remove the potential for the problem to occur than to go through debating whatever happens after the controller dies. Pause? 10min waiting time limit to get new batteries? Lose the match as penalty? Lose the set? Is it really the player's fault; should they be penalized at all? etc.

 

[Uffe]

Isn't lag also determined in how long the wire is? Anyway, I do remember seeing this guys first video just to see if there were any difference between all the controllers. From what he tested, there wasn't. I remember getting into a debate about this with someone about a month later. He asked for proof, but I couldn't find it. Instead I kept finding dumb videos on how to cut lag during game play. Glad to see this video.

 

[The Light Music Club]

N64 Adapter when Nintendo?

 

[BombChu]

I use the gamecube @melee tournaments but recently have switched to the wii u pro controller for sm4sh. Muscle memory was giving me issues when I would try to jump cancel grab and all I got was a full hop air dodge or zair. I have my pro controller's button set up as close to the gamecube as possible so it was easy to get used to but the different feel helped me not use tech that doesn't exist in sm4sh.

 

[t!MmY]

It is very interesting to see that each controller clocked in at the same relative latency as each other (except possibly the 3DS).

I would love to see this test performed again for Brawl to see if there are any differences. I'd also like to see where the GCN controller clocks in with Melee (and also include the Wave Bird).

 

[Archimedes]

The Wii U pro controller can be turned off on command. You just need a thin object like a paperclip to do it. On the back of it is a small reset button. If you press that, the controller disconnects. Then just put it away and you're good. When you need to play again, just reconnect by pressing a button that are not the triggers. The sticks don't activate it either.

Thanks, I actually didn't know this, but is it still connect to the system? Because I've seen people turn them off then throw them in their backpacks which after awhile a button gets pressed.

 

[#HBC | Red Ryu]

I prefer a wired connection with pretty much any time I do a game competitively.

 

[Da Man]

Started out with the Gamepad for like 2-3 months till I gotten a unofficial Kelux GC adaptor from Amazon, much cheaper than buying the official one.

 

[SmashJC]

Actually i play smash games using a Wiimote because i don't have a Gamecube/Classic controller(i need any of them)

 

[ArmedShadow]

As long as the wireless controllers don't cause stupid issues like the PS4 has been doing in recent tournaments then there's no issue. The main problem with wireless controllers recently hasn't been latency since the technology has come a long way, but the fact that syncing and interference issues can be a major concern.

It would be interesting to see this sort of experiment performed in the environment of a major, where lots of people have controllers synced and phones everywhere.

Still though, a wired connection should theoretically always outspeed wireless, so I wouldn't be surprised if the GC adapter has deliberately programmed input delay to keep it consistent with the other controllers. In fact it's interesting that all the controllers are so consistent in their latency, that flat out shouldn't be the case without a deliberate effort to make it so.

I honestly just wish this push towards wireless only would stop, there's a reason why all top quality electrical equipment isn't wireless, and while we're not asking for gold plated connections, please just give us the option. (Although I guess with GC at least they have, but I wish other Wii U controllers could be wired too)

why do you have yellow text ow my eyes

 

[InfinityAlex]

I only use the GamePad because I don't have a Pro Controller yet. I think the GameCube controller is overhyped, personally; The face buttons (A, B, Y, X) look awkward to use and I can't understand for the life of me why the DPad and C-Stick protrude from the grips.

 

[AEFrazzleCandy]

Any quick text writeups/TL;DW? I honestly hate having to watch videos instead of a quick text summary.

Well start watching them.

 

[Phoenix502]

It is important to note that while this was very well done and completely justifies home usage of wireless controllers (imo), it still doesn't justify tournament usage. The biggest reason why they're banned is because of the hindrance of batteries. It's easier to just remove the potential for the problem to occur than to go through debating whatever happens after the controller dies. Pause? 10min waiting time limit to get new batteries? Lose the match as penalty? Lose the set? Is it really the player's fault; should they be penalized at all? etc.

if batteries are such a big concern, then I would think it's the individual's responsibility to ensure they're well powered... if something goes wrong, it's their fault they can't act while the opponent takes the stocks at their leisure.

I use a third party GCN shaped Classic controller pro because I don't have an adapter for a regular one. any time I go to tournaments, I've made it a habit to place one of my batteries in reverse so that the controller doesn't turn on by accident after a set. I also make sure to bring a spare pair of rechargables in the event I see the LED lights getting dim.

 

[DC| Reset Bomb Jigglypuff]

Not using an HD setup.....
Real accurate test

 

[JAZZ_]

I use the brick. Say what you will, but I dont mind hold what essentially is the end of a coffee table to play smash. gamepad for home, wii u pro for Tourney, good to know I wont have any difference in input lag for any of my choices

 

[Sneak Sneaks]

Yeah but... he didnt explain how much lag had the 3ds in itself (not being connected to a Wii U)

 

[Pixel_]

"...who despite their name made a well thought out video"
lol

I'm one of the eight people who uses Wii+Nunchuck. It's even sadder that Wiimote/nunchuck are grouped up in the same category, but it still has the second least votes

 

[MonkeyArms]

I use a gamecube controller, though I wish there was an option for the ds/pro controller button layout with a c-stick and control stick in the gamecube controller's position.

 

[IAmMetaKnight]

Interesting... While I can say that I will continue to be pleased with the 3DS's performance, I will say that if I ever go hardcore competitive, (which I consider myself borderline; not a professional) I will likely never use the 3DS again. I'll consider going Pro, but I am more familiar with the gamecube controller than any other; if I decide to use it, it won't be because I think it's better, it'll be because I've already adapted my instincts to it, given my history with Melee. I never went competitive with Melee, not to any considerable degree, but I've grown to recognize the feel of the controller nonetheless.

 

[Starman90]

3ds warrior here. Enjoy losing to the superior controller.

Why do I see you everywhere? Hello! :D

 

[BuTTNutz]

I use a HORI battle pad which is a classic controller but a gamecube layout! i love it and there are very very very rarely any problems



http://www.amazon.com/HORI-Battle-M...id=1441152652&sr=8-1&keywords=hori+battle+pad

 

[Nintendotard]

Gamepad and 3DS are natural now. With the sparse amount of adapters, I gave up looking for them. I might buy a pro-controller cuz of splatoon though and will try it on Smash

 

[AuraShaman]

Gamepad because swag.
View attachment 71281

I can't stop using the gamepad because I'm too lazy to move to the living room, omg.

 

[mario123007]

I...will still use the GC controller, or the HORI battle pad.

 

[LRodC]

Gamepad and 3DS are natural now. With the sparse amount of adapters, I gave up looking for them. I might buy a pro-controller cuz of splatoon though and will try it on Smash

Splatoon is compatible with the GamePad only unless you want it for Battle Dojo.

 

[bluesm0ke]

"Which controller do you use the most in Smash 4?"

Oh wow what an obvious question. It's clearly the Wii Remote Gamecube controllers.

You know, i'd honestly be shocked if I've ever seen anyone nowadays use a Wii Remote, casual or competitive.

Tearbear in SoCal is high on the PR and he uses a Wiimote + Nunchuck. And if you were referring to Wiimote by itself, sorry for wasting ur time

 

[Altais]

I like the classic controller because it takes me back to mine childhood.

 

[Tahu Mata]

I'm sorry, but I just can't use the Gamecube controller for the life of me anymore. Wii U Pro and Gamepad have become more of my thing now.

 

[Kirbyfan391]

But what about the DK Bongo controller?!

 

[LRodC]

Using anything except a GC controller is dumb.

Gotta love elitism.

 

[Lenrap]

I believe most tournaments use gamecube controllers because
1. People are used to gamecube controllers from melee
2. It is the only wired controller, making disconnection easy as pie
3. The misconception about the controller having no lag, which the video just proved wrong

 

[Zapp Branniglenn]

I'm curious how much wifi interference he set up for those wireless controllers. I'm fairly certain I've been able to strain the connection of my wiimote + nunchuk through stress testing to replicate the issues we had on Brawl. But those issues were dropped inputs, not lag-related, so I guess it wouldn't have made a difference for this topic. But yeah, if you want a wireless controller, Smash 4 seems to be better equipped for it than Brawl/Project M due to a stronger infrared connection in the Wii U's hardware.

So it's a shame to hear that so many nationals are banning wireless controllers because of the possibility of people not disconnecting after a set. The Wii U's pro controller unsyncs when you hold the sync button for 15 seconds according to a google search. Wii remotes? Yank out the batteries. 3DS? Sleep Mode. Why can't we be trusted to do such easy tasks in a tournament setting?

 

[GS3K]

I have one of these

is it a gamecube controller or a classic controller?

 

[SHiFT_]

One frame doesn't make a difference in Smash 4 at least.

 

[Nintendotard]

Splatoon is compatible with the GamePad only unless you want it for Battle Dojo.

exactly

 

[BluBlur91]

It depends what mood i'm in honestly. I use both 3ds and gamecube, but for advanced techs i use the gamecube controller

 

[NotAsian]

OK I use gamepad and pro controllers, I prefer the c stick being above my buttons rather than below and I don't like the plastic stick for the gc controller my thumbs slip off

Anyway I have had some pretty severe problems with the pro controllers online to where i don't trust them anymore, lots of miss inputs and sometimes i can't hold r or L the controller flickers the input on and off super fast