With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on June 5, 2025, excitement is building for the re-release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild alongside Tears of the Kingdom. But while fans eagerly wait, one player has already pulled off something incredible—beating Breath of the Wild on the new hardware in just seven minutes!
How Is That Even Possible?
At a special Tokyo preview event, Japanese speedrunner Ikaboze got his hands on a demo of Breath of the Wild running on Nintendo Switch 2. Loading up a save file stationed just outside Hyrule Castle, he immediately sprang into action. Rather than rely on powerful gear, Ikaboze challenged himself by stripping down to basic equipment and rushing straight for Calamity Ganon.
The result? An astonishing seven-minute sprint from castle gates to final blow—well within the event’s time limits. It’s a jaw-dropping showcase of skill, strategy, and deep familiarity with the game’s mechanics. Speedrunners have long been known for breaking games wide open, but pulling it off on early Switch 2 hardware is something truly special.
What’s New with the Re-release?
The Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom promise improved graphics and smoother frame rates, giving these modern classics an even sharper look and feel. However, it’s been confirmed that DLC won’t be bundled with the re-releases. Players who want the full experience—including the Master Trials, Champion’s Ballad, and exclusive treasure chests—will need to shell out an extra $20 on top of the $70 base price, unless they’re part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
While the pricing has sparked some frustration, the enhanced versions and DLC additions could open the door for new speedrun categories and even bigger community challenges once the games are officially out.
A New Record, A New Era?
With this impressive feat, Ikaboze may go down as the first to defeat Calamity Ganon on the Nintendo Switch 2. His performance not only hyped up the Tokyo event, but also amplified excitement across the Zelda fan community for what’s to come.
Could this be just the beginning of a fresh wave of speedrunning records? With the re-releases and added content on the horizon, it’s only a matter of time before the race to rewrite the leaderboards kicks into high gear.
Stay tuned—Breath of the Wild on Switch 2 might just usher in the next golden age of Zelda speedrunning!
