I have a deep fondness for the NES. Having explored much of its game library, I’m constantly seeking fresh ways to enjoy it. A bit of competition can be quite enjoyable.

If you're not aware, the Nintendo World Championships was a competition held in the US (which, despite the name, wasn't actually global) in 1990. Participants from across the country competed in qualifying rounds with the goal of reaching the finals at Universal Studios Hollywood. Since then, Nintendo has revisited the concept from time to time, hosting updated versions of the Nintendo World Championships in 2015 and 2017.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition serves as a home-based version of the original concept, letting you compete against players worldwide or from your own couch in a new set of challenges each week. It maintains the core idea but with a lower level of excitement.

Let me be clear from the start: Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is a speedrunning game. It is not a replacement for NES Remix, which featured speedrunning challenges along with gameplay modifications that added inventive twists. In contrast, this game presents NES titles in their original form from the ‘80s and ‘90s, requiring you to complete them as quickly as possible.