Speedrunning in gaming isn’t new, but a recent event in Tokyo showcased an impressive achievement in *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* on the new Switch 2. A speedrunner named Ikaboze managed to finish the game in just 7 minutes using an optimal strategy.
During the Switch 2 Experience event, Ikaboze prepared by loading a save right before the final boss, Ganon. He removed all equipment from Link, which allowed him to bypass most of the game, demonstrating how players can exploit the open-world mechanics in *Breath of the Wild*.
This attempt was partially limited by a 10-minute demo period. Still, the audience erupted in applause when he hit the credits, possibly marking the first time anyone completed the game on the Switch 2 version in such a short time.
As we anticipate the official release on June 5, 2025, many players are curious about the improvements. The Switch 2 is set to feature better performance and higher resolutions, along with new content in the ‘Zelda Notes’ app. For those subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the update will be available at no additional cost if they already owned the original game. Everyone else will need to purchase an upgrade pack for around £7.99 or €9.99.
According to a recent survey by the International Speedrun Association, speedrunning has seen a remarkable 30% increase in interest over the past year, driven largely by events like this. Experts believe that enhanced performance and resolution in new consoles could continue to reshape how speedruns are approached in the gaming community.
As we look to June 2025, it’s clear that *Breath of the Wild* remains a pivotal title in the speedrunning scene, thanks to its open-world design and flexibility. Will the new Switch 2 features create a new wave of record-breaking runs? Only time will tell.
You can watch Ikaboze’s record-breaking attempt in the video linked here, and read more about it on VGC.
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