LG, Razer and MediaTek are working together on a new game controller that aims to further improve the wireless gaming experience. This new controller aims to overcome the problem of response time, one of the biggest handicaps of wireless connections, by offering low-latency communication via Bluetooth. The companies announced that they have developed the first controller integrating Ultra-Low Latency (ULL) Bluetooth technology, with the aim of providing a smoother and faster control experience in cloud-based games.
Compared to standard Bluetooth controllers, ULL technology offered by LG aims to provide players with more precise and lag-free control in cloud gaming services. Especially with cloud-based games gaining more popularity recently, latency has become one of the most important factors that directly affect the player experience. This new ULL-supported controller promises players a more competitive gaming experience by increasing performance in genres that require fast response, such as FPS, fighting and racing games.
Revolution in latency with ULL technology
Although the delay time in Bluetooth-based remote controls varies depending on the hardware features of the device and environmental factors, ideally a period of 10-20 milliseconds is preferred. Wired controllers, on the other hand, are widely used especially in the professional and competitive gaming community because they offer lower latency. However, this new ULL-supported Bluetooth controller developed by LG and Razer aims to rival the performance offered by wired controllers by offering a very assertive response time of only 1 millisecond.
At this point, it is thought that ULL technology may be a turning point in game controllers. Considering that instant reactions have become important, especially in competitive games, it is of great importance to provide a structure that can instantly respond to players’ reflexes by minimizing the latency of the Bluetooth connection. Google’s previous attempt to solve the lag problem in game controllers with the Stadia platform was made with controllers connected to data centers via direct Wi-Fi connection. However, after the closure of Stadia, Bluetooth technology came to the fore again, and ULL technology developed in this direction offers a solution that continues where Google left off.
ULL supported TVs to be released in 2025
LG plans to integrate Ultra-Low Latency Bluetooth support with its next generation televisions that will be released in 2025. These televisions aim to increase gaming performance with OLED and Mini LED models with 120Hz refresh rate. Using MediaTek’s MT7921 WiFi chipset, these televisions will be fully compatible with ULL technology and will enable users to experience a smoother gaming experience. In addition, LG plans to launch a certification process for third-party remotes to ensure that ULL-supported remotes work compatible with LG televisions. The first controller to receive this certificate will be the model developed by Razer.
No official information has been shared yet about the price of the remote control or its launch date. Likewise, it is stated that the final design of the product may vary. However, the CES event to be held in January 2025 is eagerly awaited to learn more about both Razer’s new generation ULL remote control and LG’s ULL supported televisions.