The sources of lag in a classic console are input reading time, CPU processing time, program code and display output. In fact, there are multiple sources of latency in any computing device which accepts input. Our classic consoles and home computers certainly had input latency. It is incorrect to state that classic consoles and original hardware had 'no lag'. FPGAs are not without their singular issues, and in this article I will go over some of the issues with using FPGAs as a replacement for original hardware.īefore we begin discussing latency, it is helpful to review the units of time that are going to be used throughout this article and their relationships.ġ second = 1,000 milliseconds (ms) = 1,000,000 microseconds (us) = 1,000,000,000 nanoseconds (ns)ġ/60 second = 16.7 milliseconds, 1/50 second = 20 milliseconds FPGAs can offer the benefit of lower latency compared to traditional software based emulation and can offer a high degree of accuracy by using relatively inexpensive hardware.

Latency has always existed in some form, and in this article I will give an overview on how latency has evolved over time.Īdditionally, the use of FPGA chips to simulate original hardware has become increasingly popular over the past five years. Along with accuracy, latency is one of the most important tangible benefits (versus of using original hardware and display technology (CRTs) over emulators and current display technology (LCDs).

When playing classic video games on non-original hardware, one should always be conscious for the amount of extra lag that method may offer over the original hardware.

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