Nintendo’s Switch 2 didn’t just show up at Summer Games Done Quick 2025—it practically stole the show. Debuting unexpectedly, it wowed speedrunners and fans as games like Mario Kart World and Blue Prince saw their first public speedruns. The organizers even tweaked the submission rules, letting new releases sneak into the spotlight, much to everyone’s surprise (and relief). With wild crowds, donation hype, and Switch 2 madness, SGDQ this year definitely hit a new speed. Curious where the chaos led?
Even in a scene known for surprises, the debut of Switch 2 at Summer Games Done Quick 2025 manages to steal the show—was anyone really expecting it to arrive this soon? The event, which ran nonstop from July 6 to July 13, threw open its doors to Nintendo’s latest hardware, making it not just a backdrop but a star attraction.
Switch 2’s surprise debut at SGDQ 2025 turned Nintendo’s latest console into the event’s headline act, dazzling speedrunners and fans alike.
No one could miss the excitement as Switch 2 games—most significantly, Mario Kart World, barely a month old—hit the schedule in full force. Yes, speedrunners wasted no time tearing into new tracks and mechanics, hoping to impress both live crowds and thousands of online viewers. Other notable titles such as Blue Prince, Cuphead, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also contributed to the event’s variety and appeal.
This year’s SGDQ felt different, and not just because of the hardware. The organizers tweaked their submission rules, finally letting recently released titles—like Mario Kart World—enter the mysterious, unpredictable “mystery game” block. Who knew all it would take was a little community feedback to shake up years of tradition? Now, new releases get their moment in the speedrunning spotlight instead of waiting on the sidelines.
Blocks ranged from classic horror to goofy “silly games,” but the Mario block, packed with Switch 2 content, pulled in the biggest numbers. Elite runners led the charge, showing off technical skills and game knowledge as they broke in Nintendo’s latest console. SGDQ raises money for Doctors Without Borders, making every Switch 2 run not just a technical showcase but a chance to contribute to a global cause.
It’s hard to imagine a better hardware trial by fire than a room full of world-record chasers and a million viewers scrutinizing every frame. The event showcased the vibrant communities that typically form around live service games, though in this case united by speedrunning rather than ongoing gameplay updates.
Bonus games and donation incentives kept the community engaged, with the time zone-adjusted schedule—always changing thanks to inevitable delays—keeping everyone on their toes.
In-person and remote runners, live chat, and instant highlight reels meant that no one missed the action, even if they only tuned in for the “Blue Prince” run or just wanted to see a Switch 2 console in the wild.
SGDQ’s embrace of Switch 2 didn’t just boost Nintendo’s profile—it set the pace for speedrunning’s next generation. New records, new talent, and a fresh sense of possibility: not bad for a week in July.