As someone who’s always been fascinated by the evolution of gaming, I find Nintendo’s latest offering, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, to be a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation. This new Switch game taps into the growing speedrunning culture, transforming beloved classic games from the ’80s and ’90s into bite-sized challenges that appeal to both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
Speedrunning, the art of completing video game segments under specific conditions as quickly as possible, has become a phenomenon, especially in the realm of esports. There’s a unique satisfaction in watching others master these challenges, but there’s something even more thrilling about trying them yourself—learning from the strategies of others and finding those precious milliseconds to shave off your time.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition captures this excitement perfectly. It’s a party-friendly competition that lets players of all ages and experience levels dive into the thrill of speedrunning. The game draws from the rich history of Nintendo’s NES console, paying homage to events like the 1990 Nintendo World Championships—a landmark moment in gaming history.
With over 150 challenges spread across 13 different games, the solo Speedrun Mode provides a fantastic way to engage with these classics. Whether it’s collecting a Super Mushroom in Super Mario Bros or tackling a Legend-level challenge, each task is a lesson in both precision and perseverance. The game’s rewind feature even softens the blow of failure, making it accessible for everyone, from seasoned veterans to those picking up a controller for the first time.
Beyond Mario, the diversity of the games ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s the combat-focused Zelda II or the jump-centric Metroid, each game offers a distinct experience. However, the real joy comes from seeing how these old favorites have been repurposed for modern competition. Games like Kirby’s Adventure, which were originally designed for a slower pace, present new challenges when approached with a speedrunner’s mindset.
For multiplayer fun, the Party Mode is a hit. Up to eight players can compete simultaneously, creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for social gatherings. Watching a group of kids compete on challenges designed decades before they were born is a testament to the timeless appeal of these games. However, the longevity of this mode may be limited, especially if skill levels within the group vary widely.
The online competition modes add another layer of excitement. With weekly challenges and survival tournaments, there’s always something new to strive for. The kitschy profile customization and unlockable pixel art trophies add a charming personal touch, making each player’s experience unique.
Despite all these positives, there’s room for improvement. The absence of permanent leaderboards and the lack of integration with friends’ scores is a missed opportunity. Adding a daily challenge mode or including more non-Nintendo games, like Tetris or Mega Man, could significantly enhance the experience.
Moreover, the game’s integration with Nintendo’s subscription service raises some eyebrows. While the NES games themselves are available through the Nintendo Switch Online service, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition essentially adds a $50 speedrunning mode to games you might already have access to. It’s a pricey addition, especially without guarantees on how long the online competitions will last.
In conclusion, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is a joyful celebration of gaming history, offering plenty of challenges for both old-school gamers and those new to the scene. While it could use some enhancements, the game’s ability to bridge generations through the shared language of speedrunning is truly something special. Whether you’re aiming for an S-rank or just enjoying the ride, this game is a nostalgic trip worth taking.
