Games

Japanese speedrunner shocks fans by beating Zelda Breath of The Wild Switch 2 final boss in just 15 minutes

3 May 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
6 min.
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Japanese speedrunner shocks fans by beating Zelda Breath of The Wild Switch 2 final boss in just 15 minutes

Summary:

At the heart of Tokyo’s Nintendo Switch 2 Experience event, a jaw-dropping moment unfolded that left Zelda fans stunned. A Japanese speedrunner, virtually unknown on the global stage, managed to beat the final boss of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition in just 15 minutes. What made it even more incredible was the split approach: 5 minutes in Handheld mode and 10 minutes on TV mode. The ending sequence rolled live at the event, sending waves of surprise and admiration through the crowd. This unexpected triumph not only highlighted the speedrunner’s unmatched skill but also sparked intense conversations online and offline. It marked a symbolic passing of the torch in the Zelda speedrunning world while showcasing the Switch 2’s performance in real-time gameplay. As attendees cheered and the internet buzzed, the moment etched itself into Nintendo history as both a celebration of player mastery and a tantalizing preview of what the next-gen console can deliver.

Zelda returns with a bang on the Switch 2

The Legend of Zelda franchise has always been a cornerstone of Nintendo’s identity. With every new console, fans eagerly wait to see how the iconic series evolves. The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 brought with it a new edition of Breath of the Wild, optimized for faster loading, higher resolution, and smoother gameplay. The Switch 2 Experience event in Tokyo gave attendees a rare chance to get hands-on time with this upgraded adventure. Expectations were high, but nobody predicted just how quickly the first major milestone would be reached. Right there on the showroom floor, a player managed to topple the game’s final boss before most even cleared the tutorial zone.

Speedruns and the thrill of breaking records

Speedrunning has grown from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon, with players dedicating hours—sometimes years—to shaving seconds off their times. It’s no longer just about finishing the game; it’s about mastering every mechanic, exploiting every shortcut, and executing with near robotic precision. In the world of Zelda speedrunning, every new title brings new routes, strategies, and glitches to discover. Seeing a game completed in record time is always impressive, but when it happens at an official event, in front of an audience, it becomes legendary.

Unlike at-home attempts where multiple retries are possible, doing it live introduces a whole new level of intensity. There’s no room for error. Every input, every dodge, every weapon switch has to be perfect. That’s what made this 15-minute feat so mesmerizing. It wasn’t just fast—it was flawless.

Meet the legendary Japanese speedrunner

While their identity hasn’t yet reached global gaming media, the speedrunner at the center of this historic moment is already making waves in Japan. Clad in modest attire and showing no sign of nerves, the gamer stepped up to the Switch 2 demo station with purpose. Within seconds, it was clear they weren’t here to just “try out” the game. They knew exactly where to go, what to skip, and how to exploit the game’s mechanics with uncanny precision. In 15 minutes, they carved their name into the Zelda hall of fame.

Preparation and mastery on display

This wasn’t luck. This was months—maybe years—of preparation. From memorizing boss patterns to mastering the new Switch 2 controls, the speedrunner moved with surgical focus. It felt less like gameplay and more like a performance. A rehearsed, high-speed ballet of rolling, slashing, and gliding through the final boss gauntlet.

The final boss battle: faster than anyone imagined

Anyone familiar with Breath of the Wild knows that the final boss isn’t exactly a pushover. Yet, the speedrunner breezed through each phase with remarkable ease. By the time most attendees were still figuring out their controls, the ending cutscene had already started playing. There were gasps from the crowd. A few even clapped, unsure if what they’d just seen was real. But it was. And it was glorious.

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Handheld vs TV mode: two playstyles, one goal

The breakdown of the run added another layer of intrigue. The first 5 minutes were done entirely in Handheld mode. Quick, agile movements, probably relying on motion controls and rapid menu switching. Then came the switch—literally—to TV mode, where the rest of the run played out. Here, the speedrunner could take advantage of better visibility and perhaps more refined control through the Pro Controller. It was the perfect showcase for what makes the Switch 2 versatile: fluid transitions between play styles without compromising performance.

This wasn’t just a gimmick. The switch from Handheld to TV mode was clearly part of the strategy. One mode for mobility, the other for control precision. And it paid off beautifully.

Fan reactions in Tokyo: awe, shock, and celebration

What followed the end of the run was a mix of disbelief and admiration. Onlookers stared at the screen, mouths open. A few took out their phones to record the credits rolling, documenting a moment they could barely believe happened. Social media exploded with clips and commentary. The crowd in Tokyo might’ve been small, but their reactions amplified around the world within minutes. It was the kind of organic hype that no PR campaign can buy.

The Switch 2 Experience: what made it special

This wasn’t your average tech demo. Nintendo went all out with the Switch 2 Experience. From carefully curated demo stations to performance showcases and hands-on previews, it was designed to impress. And it did. The hardware proved itself in real-world conditions, and fans got a glimpse of the future. But the real star of the event wasn’t the graphics or loading speeds—it was the passion of the players. Especially one, who left their mark in 15 unforgettable minutes.

Why this speedrun matters for Zelda history

Zelda games have always had rich lore, beautiful worlds, and challenging gameplay. But they also have a devoted speedrunning community that pushes boundaries with every release. This run wasn’t just fast—it was a declaration. A message that the community is ready for whatever comes next. It’s also proof that even at a controlled event, with a fresh release, the love for challenge and mastery still thrives. This moment may well be remembered alongside other iconic speedrunning records.

Nintendo’s response to the unexpected victory

While Nintendo hasn’t released an official statement, event staff were seen congratulating the player shortly after the run ended. Whether or not this results in public recognition or rewards, the gesture showed appreciation. Nintendo has always celebrated passion—this was just the latest example. And while the spotlight may fade, the clip of that 15-minute finish will live online, replayed by fans and aspiring speedrunners for years to come.

What this means for the future of Zelda and speedrunning

If this speedrun proved anything, it’s that the Zelda series is far from done inspiring players to push limits. With each new iteration, the ceiling gets higher. And players continue to reach it—and then some. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard completionist, moments like this remind us why we love games in the first place: they surprise us, challenge us, and bring us together.

Conclusion

This remarkable feat at the Switch 2 Experience wasn’t just a win for one player—it was a celebration of the entire gaming community’s passion. The blend of talent, timing, and technology created something truly unforgettable. As Nintendo forges ahead and the speedrunning world takes note, one thing’s clear: Zelda’s legacy is still growing, and it’s in good hands.

FAQs
  • Who was the speedrunner that beat Zelda Switch 2 in 15 minutes?
    • The individual remains unnamed, but they are known among Japanese speedrunning circles.
  • Was this a new version of Breath of the Wild?
    • Yes, it was a special Nintendo Switch 2 Edition optimized for the new console’s capabilities.
  • Did Nintendo expect someone to beat the game during the event?
    • No official comment has been made, but the crowd’s surprise suggested it wasn’t anticipated.
  • How did the player split the run between modes?
    • They used Handheld mode for 5 minutes and TV mode for 10, likely for speed and visibility reasons.
  • Will this speedrun be submitted to official record sites?
    • Possibly. If verified, it could become one of the first official Switch 2 speedrun records.
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