The Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition will be coming to the Switch on July 18.
The Return of a Tradition: Nintendo and Speedrunning
Retro gamers, rejoice! We are excited to announce a bold and nostalgic initiative from Nintendo. Continuing a time-honored tradition of speedrunning, Nintendo will soon introduce a surprising game for its Switch console: Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, available starting July 18.
A Nostalgic and Competitive Challenge
The game is a compilation of 150 speedrunning challenges from 13 classic NES games. Among these are iconic titles such as Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Super Mario Bros. For those familiar with the NES Remix releases on Wii U, these challenges will certainly be recognized. These competitions offer a tournament feel with online score leaderboards and local multiplayer for up to 8 players.
A Competitive Legacy
If the name Nintendo World Championships strikes a chord with you, it’s because it draws inspiration from the company’s eSports tournament. The tradition dates back to 1990, during a national competition held in 29 cities. This bold move also gave rise to an ultra-rare NES cartridge, featuring mini-games like Super Mario Bros, Tetris, and Rad Racer, a collectible piece that would now fetch $175,000!
Attention to Collectors
Pre-orders for the digital version of the game are now available on the eShop. For those who prefer physical items, a deluxe physical edition will also be offered. This edition will include 13 art cards, five pins, and a game cartridge. It will also feature a nostalgic tribute: a non-functional commemorative gold NES cartridge. The digital version costs $30, while the deluxe physical edition is priced at $60. The choice is yours!