Games to Improve Processing Speed: What to Look For

Considerations When Choosing a Game to Improve Processing Speed

As you’re considering games to improve processing speed, you probably have questions.

Do these games actually work? And which ones offer the best results?

Let’s go over a few key considerations:

Consistency for Results

Some games work better than others. Personal preference plays a big role in my view on this.

Worth noting: the research on brain-training games is mixed. Some studies show real gains on the specific task you practice, but those gains don’t always carry over to everyday processing speed. Keep that in mind as you weigh your options.

A game can be guaranteed to work and have proven results. But that means nothing if you never use it.

For any of these games to work, you need to use them regularly. Imagine playing a game once and expecting a boost in processing speed. That’s not realistic.

Consistency is what drives results. So look for a game you’ll actually stick with.

Find one you enjoy. You’re far more likely to keep playing a game that entertains you.

Brains Need Exercise

How effective are these games, really? Your mind has many functions.

Think of your brain like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Have you ever practiced simple math for a while? You probably noticed you could run through calculations faster.

Now think about what happens when you stop practicing. Even simple math can start to feel slow and effortful again.

That’s because skipping exercise for a mental function leads to reduced ability in that area.

Track Results

I know Lumosity gives you statistics. I imagine other games do too, and that’s a great way to track progress within the game. (Worth flagging: Lumosity’s maker settled with the FTC in 2016 over claims that the app improved real-world performance at school, work, and daily life. Treat in-game stats as a measure of how you’re doing at the game, not proof of real-world improvement.)

But your real goal is improvement outside the game, too. So track that separately.

Start by recording your current ability in the area you want to improve. Then recheck it after a month of regular play.

That comparison will show you whether you’re seeing real improvement.

Resources

Below are resources to help improve response times.

We’ve gone beyond just linking to games. You’ll also find articles on improving processing speed more broadly.

Considerations When Choosing a Game to Improve Processing Speed

Resources

Games To Improve Processing Speed

Video Games And Processing Speed

Do Games Improve Processing Speed?

What Causes Slow Processing Speed

How To Increase Brain Processing Speed

Slow Processing Speed Interventions

Slow Processing Speed In Adults

Processing Speed Assessment

Slow Processing Speed Fact Sheet

Improving Processing Speed

Courses