GameCube Support on Switch 2: Latency Test, Performance Boost, and Resolution

Comparing Input Latency on Nintendo Switch 2 and Original GameCube for F-Zero GX and More

Nintendo Switch 2 offers a notable perk: support for GameCube classics. These titles are accessible via a Nintendo Online Expansion subscription and are exclusive to the Switch 2. The current lineup includes four popular games: F-Zero GX, Soul Calibur 2, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Mario Strikers. Online reports indicate that the GameCube emulator on Switch 2 adds input lag compared to original hardware. While this may not significantly affect most games, titles like F-Zero GX, where every millisecond counts, could be impacted. To investigate this, tests were conducted to compare input latency between the Switch 2 and original GameCube hardware, confirming an additional delay on the Switch 2. Testing Methodology: Quantifying Latency

Tests focused on F-Zero GX, as it was identified as the game most sensitive to latency. The methodology involved filming gameplay at 240 frames per second and counting the frames between a physical 'A' button press and the car's first acceleration signal on screen (indicated by the vehicle's rear lights activating). At 239.76 frames per second, each frame of delay equates to approximately 4.17 milliseconds. Multiplying the frame count by this value yields the overall latency result. This method primarily measures the response time from a button press to an immediate on-screen reaction, though other game engine responses might differ. The monitor used for testing, a Dough Spectrum ES07D03, has a low input lag of 2.35 ms, according to TFT Central. This value was subtracted from each result to ensure accuracy; users with different monitors can adjust accordingly. This approach provides a consistent way to measure and compare relative latency between original GameCube hardware and Switch 2 emulation. Latency Test Results

When using original GameCube hardware with a wired controller and a GCHD MK2 HDMI adapter (for a 480p signal), the average latency measured over 50 samples was 71.8 ms. In contrast, the Switch 2 recorded 124.1 ms using a wireless Pro Controller. This represents an additional 52.3 ms of delay, or roughly three frames on a 60 Hz screen, compared to the original hardware. Testing with a GameCube controller connected to the Switch 2 via an official USB adapter yielded similar results, averaging 123.5 ms. This indicates that the additional delay on Switch 2 is consistent, regardless of whether a wired or wireless Pro Controller or a GameCube controller with an adapter is used. Even in portable mode, utilizing the Switch 2’s built-in 1080p LCD, a reading of 113.1 ms was observed for the wireless Pro Controller, still demonstrating more delay than the original GameCube. A plausible explanation for this additional latency is a mismatch between the Switch 2's preferred 60Hz refresh rate and the original GameCube software's 59.94Hz output, potentially due to an emulation rounding error. Impact of Latency on Gameplay

Emulation Fidelity: Controller Precision in Switch 2 Games

The degree to which this additional latency impacts gameplay depends on the specific title and individual player sensitivity. Games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, with its 30 frames per second (fps) adventures and automated platform jumps, are less affected. Super Mario Strikers is also not significantly impacted by the delay. However, for precise maneuvers in F-Zero GX, such as quick overtakes or navigating tight corners on stages like Aeropolis Multiplex, the delay becomes noticeable. Players attempting consistent guard breaks in Soul Calibur 2 may also need to adjust their timing, particularly if sensitive to input delays. While purists may prefer playing these games on original GameCube hardware, especially considering the even lower screen input lag on CRTs common in the early 2000s, these titles remain enjoyable on the Switch 2, especially for those not aiming for record times in F-Zero GX. It is hoped that Nintendo will address this issue in future updates, yet the convenience of having the Switch 2’s classic library readily available is a significant advantage. Other Emulation Fidelity Issues: Controller Precision

Beyond latency, the Switch 2's GameCube emulator also presents challenges with command precision. Modern Vintage Gamer noted that the analog sticks feel different from the original GameCube, specifically in F-Zero GX. This appears to stem from the speed curve not being properly mapped within the Switch 2 emulator, resulting in steering that is overly sensitive compared to the GameCube version. Even with an original GameCube controller, precise turns are more challenging, often leading to accidental contact with barriers. While this might be a matter of adapting to a new speed curve, for faithful reproduction of game design, the control mapping ideally should match the original GameCube, particularly when using GameCube controllers. Image Quality and Visual Fidelity Overall, GameCube emulation on the Switch 2 is quite faithful, offering improvements in image quality. All titles run at a native resolution of 1280x900, producing sharper images than the original GameCube's 640x528 output. While enhanced sharpness is welcome, particularly when zoomed in, persistent aliasing on edges and a lack of texture filtering on floors are present.

GameCube Emulation on Switch 2: Performance Enhancements and Visual Changes

The resolution remains fixed at 1280x900 regardless of whether games are played in standard 4:3 mode or the available 16:9 option; the pixel structure simply stretches horizontally to fill a widescreen display, even on the Switch 2’s screen. Furthermore, 2D elements such as sprites, menus, and the HUD are not well-scaled. For example, the 2D character selection screen in Mario Strikers appears blurry compared to the 3D polygonal elements. Another notable visual change is in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, where the original GameCube’s heavy camera focus simulation effect, which blurred background details, is significantly reduced or almost entirely absent on the Switch 2. This change, combined with the increased sharpness, allows for greater detail in background elements. Performance Enhancements

Despite some fidelity concerns, the Switch 2 emulator offers performance improvements for several titles. On the original GameCube, F-Zero GX and Soul Calibur 2 generally ran at 60 frames per second. However, F-Zero GX occasionally experienced performance dips due to its double buffer Vsync method, resulting in a 33.3 ms pause to catch up when the frame rate dropped. These dips were noticeable in areas like the Cylinder Knot stage and at finish lines. The Switch 2 emulation largely smooths out these dips for F-Zero GX, allowing the Cylinder Knot stage and finish lines to run consistently at 60 fps. The only minor drawback is the occasional brief single-frame blip on the Switch 2. Soul Calibur 2 similarly benefits, running solidly at 60 fps on the Switch 2, representing a significant improvement over the original hardware. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker maintains its original frame rate, running at a steady 30 fps on the Switch 2, with minor, infrequent, and generally unnoticeable frame pacing issues that mirror those of the original GameCube version. No performance is lost in translation.

Super Mario Strikers sees the most significant frame rate benefits on the Switch 2. The original GameCube version had uneven performance, with 60 fps during gameplay and 30 fps during cutscenes, often accompanied by stutters even in 60 fps mode. Special moves, such as Bowser's summon, could drop the frame rate to 45 fps on the original GameCube. On the Switch 2, the more powerful hardware resolves some of these issues. While the 30 fps limit persists for certain cutscenes, gameplay now primarily runs at 60 fps, with only occasional dips into the mid-50s during special moves. This marks a clear step forward, with potential for further performance improvements. Conclusion The Nintendo Switch 2's compatibility with GameCube classics is a welcome addition, offering the convenience of accessing these beloved titles. While the emulation generally delivers faithful visuals and notable performance improvements for several games, areas for refinement remain. Key issues include the additional input lag, particularly noticeable in high-precision games like F-Zero GX, and the sensitive speed curve of the analog sticks. Occasional brief single-frame blips are observed in F-Zero GX and frame rate dips during special moves in Super Mario Strikers.

Despite these challenges, the four GameCube games currently available are largely accurate to their original versions. A beneficial feature is the ability to choose between NTSC (North America) and PAL (Europe) versions, offering flexibility. It is hoped that future additions to the GameCube library will come with continued improvements to the emulation logic, addressing latency, control fidelity, and overall performance.

In Case You Missed It

For all you retro gaming enthusiasts out there, Marcus Thompson’s latest piece on Players For Life is a must-read. Published on June 27th, “Mario Smash Football Headed to Nintendo Switch 2” dives into the exciting news that Mario Strikers’ original title will soon be available through the Nintendo Switch Classics - Nintendo GameCube app for subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online+ Pack Expansion service. Whether you’re a fan of classic gaming or just curious about what’s coming to the new console, this article offers all the details on how to get your hands (and controllers) on this nostalgic title. Check it out Mario Smash Football Headed to Nintendo Switch 2.

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