The Nintendo Switch may not be the most powerful console out there, but when it comes to replayability, portability, and pure chaotic fun, it punches way above its weight. And if you’re someone who loves the thrill of shaving seconds off your game time, then welcome to the addictive world of speedrunning.
What makes the Switch perfect for it? Instant sleep mode, fast reloads, tight controls, and a library packed with both classics and quirky indies. Whether you’re competing on leaderboards or just flexing on your own past runs, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-pumping titles to test your twitch reflexes and game knowledge.
A Nintendo online membership isn’t just for online play either of course, as it gives you access to a treasure trove of older Nintendo games via NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. Many of which are prime for speedrunning greatness.
We’ve teamed up with Eneba to discuss exactly why Nintendo’s system is best for speed demons – and the best games for them.
Celeste
Just one more go is basically Celeste’s unofficial slogan. This pixel-perfect platformer is a staple in the speedrunning community thanks to its ultra-tight controls, minimal load times, and customizable assists for practice. Every frame counts, and mastering momentum is a high all on its own.
Super Mario Odyssey
This might be the friendliest 3D Mario to date, but don’t let its cheerful aesthetic fool you. Odyssey speedrunners have turned jumping into a science, utilizing wild tricks like roll cancels, motion-control boosts, and perfect captures. The sandbox structure lets you route your own path, making every run a unique test of your planning and execution.
Hollow Knight
What’s better than speedrunning a game that fights back hard? Hollow Knight’s deep world is packed with sequence breaks, glitches, and risky shortcuts. Whether you’re going glitchless or exploiting every bug in the system, each run becomes a dance between aggression and survival.
Metroid Dread
Speedrunners eat Metroid games for breakfast, and Dread was made with that exact appetite in mind. From intentional sequence breaks to laser-fast load times, it’s clear Nintendo wanted fans to tear this one apart. The added time counter at the end practically begs you to do better, faster, harder.
Untitled Goose Game
Yes, really. This honking gem might seem like a slow-burn stealth sim, but its open-ended objectives actually make it ripe for speedrun routing. Watching runners flap and waddle through their to-do list with zero wasted movement is a masterclass in comedic efficiency. Bonus points for the honk-only runs.
So speedrunning transforms familiar games into fresh challenges. It’s part puzzle, part muscle memory, and all obsession. And with the Switch’s flexibility, you can practice while commuting, chilling on the couch, or during awkward family dinners (just mute the goose).
Whether you’re into technical glitch-fests or clean, skill-based sprints, there’s something in the Switch library for you. Plus, access to retro titles through the Nintendo online membership adds a layer of nostalgia and history to your high-speed pursuits.
Speedrunning isn’t just for elite players or streamers — it’s for anyone who loves squeezing every drop of fun out of a game. And the Switch is loaded with speedrun-friendly gems, from indie platformers to iconic first-party titles.
