It’s common knowledge that Bluetooth, while power-efficient and convenient, introduces noticeable input latency for gaming controllers and peripherals like mice and keyboards. This delay, often measured in milliseconds, can be a significant disadvantage for competitive gamers who need every fraction of a second to react.
At the recent LG webOS Summit 2024, LG unveiled a game-changing solution: Bluetooth Ultra-Low Latency (BT ULL) technology. Developed in partnership with Razer and MediaTek, BT ULL promises to revolutionize wireless gaming by significantly reducing input lag. Using an LG TV, a Razer Bluetooth gaming controller, and the new BT ULL technology, LG demonstrated a staggering 1ms input latency while playing Street Fighter 6. This remarkable achievement effectively eliminates the latency typically associated with Bluetooth, bringing it on par with the responsiveness of dedicated low-latency USB receivers.
The industry standard for input latency on modern Bluetooth controllers like those used with Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation is typically in the range of 10ms to 20ms. The 1ms latency achieved with BT ULL represents a dramatic leap forward, offering a level of responsiveness previously unattainable with Bluetooth connections.
Bluetooth Ultra-Low Latency technology is seamlessly integrated into MediaTek’s Wi-Fi “MT7921” chipset, which also includes Wi-Fi 6 technology. LG has announced that starting in 2025, LG OLED TVs and LG QNED TVs with refresh rates of 120Hz and higher will begin supporting BT ULL. This technology will be particularly beneficial for cloud gaming, where Bluetooth controllers are often used to connect to Smart TV apps or mobile devices.
“LG is committed to consistently introducing more advanced features designed to immerse gamers in their favorite titles and to differentiate its gaming experiences,” said Baik Seon-pill, head of the LG Home Entertainment Company’s Product Planning Division. “As the LG webOS platform evolves, so will the features that make it the ultimate gaming platform for every type of gamer.”
The introduction of Bluetooth Ultra-Low Latency technology signifies a significant milestone in wireless gaming. By dramatically reducing input lag, BT ULL opens up a world of possibilities for competitive gamers and cloud gaming enthusiasts, making wireless gaming more responsive and enjoyable than ever before.
