Overview of a New Landmark in Speedrunning
- Niftski achieves a new world record for the “Any%”category in Super Mario Bros. with a time of 4:54.565.
- The new record is remarkably only 18 frames away from a theoretical perfect speedrun, showcasing the high level of optimization involved.
A remarkable feat in the realm of speedrunning has been accomplished as player Niftski sets a new world record for the legendary game Super Mario Bros., originally released in 1985. This new record narrowly surpasses the previous one, highlighting the incredibly fine margins that are characteristic of optimized speedruns in this title.
The speedrunning community has exploded in popularity over recent years. At its core, speedrunning involves completing a game as swiftly as possible within set parameters. The “Any%”category permits players to utilize any methods necessary to finish the game, while other categories, such as “100%,”require completion of all objectives before the finish. This genre isn’t confined to nostalgic titles; virtually every game has a passionate speedrunning community nurtured by events like the Games Done Quick marathons. The recent AGDQ 2025 event raised over $2.5 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, showcasing the community’s positive impact.
Niftski’s Record-setting Performance in 4:54.565
Watch the Record Attempt Here
Niftski’s latest achievement in the “Any%”category clocks in at an impressive 4:54.565. During this intense run of the classic NES game, he monitored his heart rate, which peaked at a staggering 188 BPM just as he completed the game. This record narrowly beats his last personal best of 4:54.631, demonstrating the razor-thin margins that define competitive speedrunning today. Notably, Niftski’s prior record held strong for an impressive 494 days, marking the longest uninterrupted reign for the “Any%”category since December 2010. This period of stability is significant given that the record needed to drop below the 5-minute mark, illustrating both the challenges and advancements within the sport.
Reaching Near-Perfection
Speedrunners have long utilized tool-assisted speedrunning (TAS) techniques to conceptualize the near-perfect run of Super Mario Bros.. As noted by Niftski, his recent record run is only 18 frames, or approximately 0.3 seconds, shy of the best possible TAS time, demanding flawless execution from start to finish. Speculation remains if such a perfect run will ever be achieved, showcasing the inherent challenges associated with the game’s mechanics.
It’s intriguing to witness how speedrunning tactics evolve over time; a single technical innovation can dramatically transform the performance landscape. The Super Mario series has proven particularly engaging for speedrunners, due to its innovative movement techniques. For instance, a groundbreaking discovery by Super Mario 64 speedrunners introduced a time-saving trick after 20 years, demonstrating that even classic titles continually offer new exploits. Should a monumental advancement arise in Super Mario Bros., it could revolutionize the game’s speedrunning strategies, proving that the potential for discovery is always present.
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