The Nintendo Switch may not boast the most raw power among consoles, but when it comes to replay value, seamless portability, and unadulterated chaotic joy, it consistently exceeds expectations. For those captivated by the rush of trimming milliseconds off their playthroughs, welcome to the intensely addictive realm of speedrunning.

What solidifies the Switch as an ideal platform for this? Instant sleep mode, rapid reload speeds, responsive controls, and a vast library teeming with timeless classics and inventive indie titles. Whether you're climbing online leaderboards or simply topping your personal best, there's no shortage of exhilarating games to challenge your reflexes and mastery.

A Nintendo Switch Online membership goes beyond online multiplayer, granting you entry to a rich collection of retro Nintendo titles from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy archives. Many of these are perfectly suited for speedrunning glory.

We've collaborated with Eneba to explore precisely why Nintendo's hybrid console is a haven for speed demons – and which games are best suited for them.

Celeste

"Just one more try" could very well be Celeste's unofficial motto. This precision-platformer is a mainstay in the speedrunning community, thanks to its exceptionally tight controls, near-instantaneous loading, and customizable assist modes for practicing tricky segments. Every single frame is critical, and the thrill of mastering its fluid momentum is a reward in itself.

Super Mario Odyssey

While arguably the most welcoming 3D Mario adventure to date, don't be deceived by its vibrant, cheerful exterior. Odyssey speedrunners have elevated jumping to an art form, employing advanced techniques like roll cancels, motion-control boosts, and perfect captures. Its sandbox-style levels encourage creating your own optimal path, ensuring each run is a distinct test of strategic planning and flawless execution.

Hollow Knight

Is there anything more thrilling than speedrunning a game that vigorously fights back? Hollow Knight's sprawling, interconnected world is filled with sequence breaks, exploitable glitches, and dangerous shortcuts. Regardless of whether you pursue a glitchless run or utilize every known exploit, each attempt becomes a delicate dance between relentless aggression and calculated survival.

Metroid Dread

Speedrunners devour Metroid games, and Dread was consciously crafted to satisfy that hunger. From developer-intended sequence breaks to lightning-quick load times, it's evident that Nintendo designed this title to be thoroughly mastered. The final time display at the end actively challenges you to improve—demanding faster, sharper, and more efficient runs.

Untitled Goose Game

Yes, you read that correctly. This honking masterpiece might appear to be a leisurely stealth-puzzle game, but its open-ended objectives create a fertile ground for creative speedrun routing. Watching seasoned players efficiently waddle and flap through their checklist with zero wasted motion is a hilarious lesson in comedic precision. Extra credit is awarded for honk-only challenge runs.

Ultimately, speedrunning reinvents beloved games into fresh, demanding challenges. It's part logic puzzle, part muscle memory, and completely obsessive. Thanks to the Switch's hybrid nature, you can hone your skills during your commute, lounging on the sofa, or even at awkward family gatherings (just be sure to mute the goose).

Whether your preference leans toward technical glitch exploitation or refined, skill-based sprints, the Switch's library has something to offer. Furthermore, access to a wealth of classic games via Nintendo Switch Online adds a layer of nostalgic charm and historical depth to your high-speed endeavors.

Speedrunning isn't an exclusive club for elite gamers or full-time streamers—it's for anyone who seeks to extract every last drop of enjoyment from their favorite games. The Switch is packed with titles that welcome speedrunners, from challenging indie platformers to beloved first-party epics.