If you game on a PS5, Xbox or Switch, you've probably heard that projectors are "too laggy for gaming." That was true five years ago. It's mostly outdated now — but the details matter, and this guide gives you the honest numbers.
What is input lag?
Input lag is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen, measured in milliseconds (ms). It's different from refresh rate: a projector can look silky smooth yet still feel sluggish if input lag is high.
How much lag is acceptable?
For story games, racing and casual play, under 50ms feels instant to most people. For competitive shooters and fighting games, aim under 30ms. Esports professionals use monitors at under 10ms — no projector honestly competes there, and anyone telling you otherwise is selling something.
Why modern projectors got fast
Two changes: laser and LED light engines removed slow image-processing chains, and most smart projectors now include a Game Mode that bypasses motion smoothing and keystone processing — the two biggest lag sources. Switching Game Mode on can cut lag by half or more.
Three settings that reduce lag on any projector
- Turn on Game Mode (sometimes called Low Latency Mode)
- Avoid digital keystone correction while gaming — place the projector square to the wall instead
- Connect your console directly by HDMI, not through casting or a soundbar passthrough
The honest trade-off
A 120-inch projected image changes how games feel — sim racing, open-world exploration and couch co-op are transformed in a way no 27-inch monitor can match. What you trade is a few milliseconds versus a gaming monitor. For most Singapore gamers in an HDB living room or bedroom, that trade is worth it. For ranked competitive play, keep a monitor for ranked and use the projector for everything else.
The only way to actually know: test your own console
Spec sheets don't tell you how a game feels. That's why our showroom at Sim Lim Square #05-55 lets you plug in your own PS5, Xbox, Switch or laptop and play on a real wall before you decide. Bring your most timing-sensitive game — you'll know within two minutes whether the lag bothers you.
We're open daily 11am–8pm, Level 5 via the main lift. No appointment needed. Or WhatsApp us first and we'll have a low-latency model set up when you arrive. Browse our full projector range from S$299 to S$3,000.
