Latency in arcade game controls can significantly impact your gaming performance, especially in competitive fighting games where split-second reactions matter. Understanding and reducing input delay is crucial for serious players. The most common ways to minimize latency begin with hardware selection. Choose arcade sticks with high-quality buttons and joysticks that feature minimal actuation distance and reliable switches. Modern consoles and gaming PCs generally offer better latency performance than older systems, with some fighting games specifically featuring reduced input delay modes.

Monitor selection plays a critical role in latency reduction. Gaming monitors with high refresh rates (120Hz or 240Hz) and low response times (1ms) dramatically decrease visual delay. Enable Game Mode on your display, which typically disables post-processing effects that introduce lag. For console gamers, using a monitor instead of a television can cut latency by significant margins.

Connection method substantially affects controller response. Wired controllers consistently provide lower latency than wireless options by eliminating signal transmission time. If you must use wireless, prefer modern protocols like 2.4GHz dedicated receivers over Bluetooth. For fight sticks, ensure your USB cable is high-quality and properly shielded to prevent signal degradation.

Software and settings optimizations can further reduce latency. Keep your gaming system and controllers updated with the latest firmware, as manufacturers often release latency improvements. Many modern fighting games include specific options to reduce input delay - enable these when available. Close background applications on PC to free up system resources dedicated to game processing.

Proper setup and maintenance complete the latency reduction strategy. Ensure your arcade stick components are in good condition, as worn springs or microswitches can degrade performance. Position your gaming setup to minimize cable length between your controller and system. For professional players, specialized hardware like Brook Gaming's UFB-based arcade sticks offer some of the lowest latency measurements available.

By combining hardware choices, display optimization, connection methods, and software settings, competitive players can achieve the responsive controls necessary for high-level arcade gaming. Regular testing with tools like the Huada HRD latency tester can help quantify improvements and identify remaining bottlenecks in your setup.