Gaming Tools

Why can online games fail on a fast connection?

A speed test shows how fast a line downloads. Online games depend on other things: whether other players can reach you directly, how quickly a small packet makes the round trip, and whether packets get lost on the way. NAT, the address sharing done by your router and sometimes by your internet provider, decides the first one. When it gets in the way, the console reports Strict NAT, and friends cannot join your game or hear you in party chat.

Which gaming tools are here: NAT type test and controller tester

The NAT Type Test shows whether your NAT behaves like Open, Moderate or Strict, what Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch will likely report, whether a second router or carrier-grade NAT is in the way, and what to change first.

The Gamepad Tester is an online controller tester for Xbox, PS5, PS4 and Switch pads. It shows every button and trigger live, and its stick drift test measures against the dead zones games use, with the maker's repair steps if a stick drifts.