How to Fix Input Lag on Switch – Ultimate Guide 2025
The Nintendo Switch is all about fun, fast-paced gameplay—whether you’re battling it out in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, racing in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or exploring Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda. But if your inputs feel sluggish, even the best games can become frustrating. A slight delay can throw off your combos, slow down your reactions, or make precise platforming nearly impossible.
Input lag on Switch can come from multiple sources: wireless controller latency, TV settings, docking mode delays, or even network issues in online play. The good news? With the right optimizations, you can reduce input lag on Switch and enjoy smooth, ultra-responsive gameplay.
At inputdelay.com, we’ve tested the best settings, hardware tweaks, and system optimizations to help you get the most responsive gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch. In this guide, we’ll cover:
🎮 Best Switch System Settings – Adjust display, performance, and input settings for minimal delay
📺 TV & Dock Mode Optimizations – Reduce lag with the right settings for docked and handheld modes
🎮 Controller Tweaks – Improve response times by optimizing Pro Controllers, Joy-Cons, and wired connections
🌐 Network & Online Fixes – Reduce ping, lag spikes, and wireless interference for smoother online matches
⚡ Hardware & Accessory Upgrades – Use the best cables, adapters, and peripherals to eliminate extra latency
If you want the smoothest and most responsive gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch, this guide will walk you through every step to eliminate input lag on Switch and improve reaction times—so you can game without delays.
Let’s optimize your Switch for peak performance! 🔥
Updated: March 12, 2025
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Best Tips & Tricks to Reduce Input Lag on Switch
Optimize Your Display Settings (Docked Mode) 📺
If you primarily play on a TV using the Nintendo Switch Dock, optimizing your display settings can significantly reduce input lag:
Enable Game Mode on Your TV 🎮: This minimizes post-processing effects, reducing latency.
Use a High-Quality HDMI Cable 🔌: A premium HDMI cable on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) ensures faster signal transmission.
Connect to the Right HDMI Port 📺: Some TVs have dedicated low-latency HDMI ports—use them for the best performance.
Disable Extra Processing Features 🚫: Turn off motion smoothing, dynamic contrast, and noise reduction in your TV settings.
Set Output to 1080p ⚙️: If input lag increases at 4K (on TVs with upscaling), lower the resolution to 1080p in Switch settings.
Check TV Firmware 🛠️: Ensure your TV firmware is up-to-date, as manufacturers sometimes release patches that optimize input response time.
Reduce HDMI-CEC Features ⚠️: Some TVs have HDMI-CEC enabled, which can cause input lag on switch. Consider turning it off.
Reduce Input Lag on Switch in Handheld Mode 🎮
Even in handheld mode, some factors can cause lag. Try these fixes:
Keep Your System Updated 🔄: System and game updates often include performance optimizations.
Reduce Background Processes 🚀: Close unnecessary apps or downloads while playing.
Adjust Screen Brightness 🌞: A lower brightness level can reduce power consumption and improve performance.
Disable Wi-Fi (If Playing Offline) 📡: Wireless communication can sometimes introduce latency.
Ensure Battery Health 🔋: Low battery levels can throttle performance—keep your Switch charged.
Use a Quality MicroSD Card 💾: A slow SD card can impact loading times and game responsiveness. Use a UHS-I or better microSD.
Fix Joy-Con and Pro Controller Input Lag on Swtich 🎮
Controllers play a huge role in latency. Here’s how to optimize them:
Use a Wired Connection 🔗: A wired controller on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) minimizes delay compared to wireless options.
Avoid Wireless Interference 📶: Other Bluetooth devices can interfere with Joy-Con connectivity—reduce interference by turning off nearby devices.
Resync Your Controller 🔄: Go to Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Disconnect Controllers, then reconnect them.
Update Controller Firmware 🆙: Nintendo periodically releases updates to fix latency issues.
Use a Pro Controller Instead of Joy-Cons 🎮: The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) provides lower latency than Joy-Cons.
Avoid Third-Party Wireless Controllers ❌: Some third-party Bluetooth controllers introduce additional lag.
Improve Network Performance for Online Games 🌐
If input lag on Switch mainly occurs during online gaming, your internet connection may be the issue:
Use a Wired Connection with an Ethernet Adapter 🌐: The Switch doesn’t have a built-in Ethernet port, so use a LAN adapter on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) for lower latency.
Position Your Router Closer to the Switch 📡: Reducing distance between your console and router improves connection stability.
Enable QoS on Your Router 🎛️: Quality of Service (QoS) prioritizes gaming traffic over other internet activities.
Change Your DNS Settings 🌍: Use a faster DNS, like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) for better response times.
- Limit Other Devices on the Network 📵: Streaming, downloads, or multiple connected devices can slow down gaming performance.
- Use 5GHz Wi-Fi Instead of 2.4GHz 📡: The 5GHz band provides faster speeds and lower interference.
Update Firmware and Optimize Game Settings ⚙️
Firmware updates and in-game settings can also help reduce input lag on Switch:
Update Your Nintendo Switch System 🔄: Go to System Settings > System > System Update.
Check for Game Updates 🎮: Some patches fix performance-related issues.
Lower In-Game Graphics Settings (If Available) 🎨: Some games allow performance adjustments—optimize for responsiveness.
Disable Motion Controls 🌀: If a game supports it, turn off motion controls, as they can introduce slight input delay.
Use Performance Mode (If Supported) ⚡: Some Switch games have a “Performance Mode” that prioritizes FPS over graphics.
Comparison Table: Best Settings for Low Input Lag on Switch
| Setting | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Game Mode (TV) | ✅ Enable to reduce processing lag. |
| Wired Controller | ✅ Use a USB-C controller for lower input delay. |
| Wi-Fi or Ethernet | ✅ Ethernet preferred; strong Wi-Fi signal required. |
| Controller Firmware | ✅ Keep Joy-Cons and Pro Controller updated. |
| Resolution | ⚠️ Test between 720p (handheld) and 1080p (TV). |
| Motion Controls | ⚠️ Disable for lower latency. |
| DNS Settings | ✅ Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) for better response. |
Game Mode (TV)
✅ Enable to reduce processing lag.
Wired Controller
✅ Use a USB-C controller for lower input delay.
Wi-Fi or Ethernet
✅ Ethernet preferred; strong Wi-Fi signal required.
Controller Firmware
✅ Keep Joy-Cons and Pro Controller updated.
Resolution
⚠️ Test between 720p (handheld) and 1080p (TV).
Motion Controls
⚠️ Disable for lower latency.
DNS Settings
✅ Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) for better response.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce input lag on Switch, whether you’re playing in handheld or docked mode. From optimizing your display and controller settings to improving your network connection, small tweaks can make a big difference.
Also interesting our PS5 Input Lag Guide!
Find out how you can improve your input delay in general: Learn more.