When performance problems pop up in games, most people jump straight into optimisation mode, adjusting graphics settings and searching online for the best FPS changes to make. But what the bulk of people overlook is the controller itself, which quite often can be the hidden cause of stuttering and input lag. It sounds dumb, but it’s a real issue that affects plenty of games. Follow along to learn how to quickly and easily fix it.
Takeaways:
- Controller issues can cause lag or stuttering in Digimon Story Time Stranger.
- Before changing graphics settings, check your controller’s connection, firmware, and power level.
Table of Contents
Do Controllers Really Cause Lag in Digimon Story Time Stranger?
It might sound strange, but yes. What feels like a performance issue sometimes comes down to the way a controller communicates with your system. Outdated firmware, poor battery charge, unstable Bluetooth signals, or background apps eating resources are some of the most common reasons. All of these can be fixed quickly and easily.
Common Causes of Controller Stutter in Digimon Story Time Stranger
Several factors may trigger controller lag, but most can be resolved quickly. Work through this checklist:
- Outdated firmware on Xbox or PlayStation controllers
- Low battery levels on wireless devices
- Weak or unstable Bluetooth connections
- CPU or memory being drained by background software
- Conflicts caused by Steam Input settings
Once you’ve checked the basics, update your firmware and see if that solves the problem. If the game is a new release, you might have to wait for it to be patched—but there’s nothing you can do about that. It’s just a waiting game.
First Steps to Reduce Lag
Before making major adjustments, check the following things.
- Fully charge the controller to prevent input delay or dropped signals
- Test the controller in a different game to confirm whether the problem is tied to Digimon Story Time Stranger
- Switch to a wired USB connection to bypass wireless interference
- Try another controller if you have one available for comparison
If none of these work, continue with the advanced fixes below.
Updating and Resetting Controllers
Xbox Wireless Controller
- Download and install the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store
- Connect the controller via USB
- Open the app and update the firmware if available
- Remove the controller from Windows devices, restart, then reconnect
PlayStation DualSense Controller
- Download Sony’s official DualSense Firmware Updater
- Install and run the updater tool
- Connect the controller with a USB-C cable
- Follow the update process and restart the controller before launching Digimon Story Time Stranger
Additional Fixes After Updating Firmware
Change Graphics and Game Settings
Don’t max everything out. Start low and work your way up. Lower shadows, effects, and draw distance in the in-game settings. If your GPU supports FSR, DLSS, or XeSS, enabling one of these will improve smoothness and reduce perceived input delay.
Disable Steam Input for This Game
Steam Input can sometimes conflict with certain titles. To disable it:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click Digimon Story Time Stranger and select Properties.
- Go to the Controller tab.
- Choose Disable Steam Input from the dropdown menu.
- Relaunch the game and test responsiveness.
Enable Windows Game Mode
Game Mode usually runs by default, but it is worth double-checking.
- Open Windows Settings.
- Navigate to Gaming > Game Mode.
- Make sure it is switched on.
Close Background Applications
Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to shut down unnecessary programs such as overlays, recording tools, or extra launchers. This frees system resources and helps maintain smooth controller input.
Try Lossless Scaling
While not directly related to controller lag, Lossless Scaling is a small Steam utility that can help smooth frame pacing and reduce microstutter, especially in Unreal Engine 5 titles.
