libretro / libretro/RetroArch

BFI is incompatible with online play, but doesn't auto turn off.

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Dominant language
C
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Description

Is there an existing issue for this?
  • This is a bug in RetroArch frontend
  • I have searched the existing issues
Description

When using BFI during online play, a lot of (possibly seizure inducing) flicker occurs due to online sync and BFI sync competing with each other.

Expected behavior

When starting online play, BFI should auto turn off, with a message in the bottom stating that it is incompatible with online play. When leaving online play, BFI should turn back on.

Steps to reproduce the bug

Turn on black frame insertion using compatible high refresh monitor / TV.
Go online on any game in any core.
Experience flickering due to BFI / Online sync compatibility issues.

Version/Commit

1.22.2

Bisect Results

No response

Present in the nightly version

Yes, this is reproduced in the nightly build

Platform & operating system

Windows 11 23H2, iOS 26.4.1

Affected Cores

All

Environment information

No response

Relevant log output

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by reproducing the flicker with BFI enabled, then trace the frontend's BFI and online-play state handling. Check how the frontend displays bottom messages and restores settings when leaving online play. Done means BFI turns off with an explanatory message when online play starts, then turns back on when online play ends without flicker.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c
Domain
frontend
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
45/100

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