Input Buffering

A system that stores a player's input briefly so it executes at the next valid opportunity, making controls feel responsive even when timing is slightly off.

In games, this means

If a player presses jump just before landing, buffering makes the jump execute on landing rather than being ignored. Without buffering, controls feel unforgiving and inputs feel 'eaten'. Too much buffering and controls feel floaty or unintentional. The window is typically 4-8 frames.