diff --git a/src/core/pad.cpp b/src/core/pad.cpp
index 386a78b04..3935371c5 100644
--- a/src/core/pad.cpp
+++ b/src/core/pad.cpp
@@ -152,6 +152,9 @@ u32 Pad::ReadRegister(u32 offset)
   {
     case 0x00: // JOY_DATA
     {
+      if (IsTransmitting())
+        m_transfer_event->InvokeEarly();
+
       const u8 value = m_receive_buffer_full ? m_receive_buffer : 0xFF;
       Log_DebugPrintf("JOY_DATA (R) -> 0x%02X%s", ZeroExtend32(value), m_receive_buffer_full ? "" : "(EMPTY)");
       m_receive_buffer_full = false;
@@ -163,6 +166,9 @@ u32 Pad::ReadRegister(u32 offset)
 
     case 0x04: // JOY_STAT
     {
+      if (IsTransmitting())
+        m_transfer_event->InvokeEarly();
+
       const u32 bits = m_JOY_STAT.bits;
       m_JOY_STAT.ACKINPUT = false;
       return bits;
@@ -388,13 +394,10 @@ void Pad::DoTransfer(TickCount ticks_late)
   }
   else
   {
-    const TickCount ack_timer = GetACKTicks();
+    const TickCount ack_timer = GetACKTicks(m_active_device == ActiveDevice::MemoryCard);
     Log_DebugPrintf("Delaying ACK for %d ticks", ack_timer);
     m_state = State::WaitingForACK;
-    if (ticks_late >= ack_timer)
-      DoACK();
-    else
-      m_transfer_event->SetPeriodAndSchedule(ack_timer - ticks_late);
+    m_transfer_event->SetPeriodAndSchedule(ack_timer);
   }
 
   UpdateJoyStat();
diff --git a/src/core/pad.h b/src/core/pad.h
index 4e4492599..300eabcff 100644
--- a/src/core/pad.h
+++ b/src/core/pad.h
@@ -92,7 +92,12 @@ private:
   bool CanTransfer() const { return m_transmit_buffer_full && m_JOY_CTRL.SELECT && m_JOY_CTRL.TXEN; }
 
   TickCount GetTransferTicks() const { return static_cast<TickCount>(ZeroExtend32(m_JOY_BAUD) * 8); }
-  TickCount GetACKTicks() const { return 32; }
+
+  // From @JaCzekanski
+  // ACK lasts ~96 ticks or approximately 2.84us at master clock (not implemented).
+  // ACK delay is between 6.8us-13.7us, or ~338 ticks at master clock for approximately 9.98us.
+  // Memory card responds faster, approximately 5us or ~170 ticks.
+  static constexpr TickCount GetACKTicks(bool memory_card) { return memory_card ? 170 : 450; }
 
   void SoftReset();
   void UpdateJoyStat();