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SMS Guide

Setup

Picking a Platform

In order to submit to the official leaderboards, you need to play on one of the supported platforms:

  • Nintendo Wii/Gamecube
  • Super Mario 3D All Stars

These emulators are allowed for times slower than the threshold defined in the Category Rules:

  • Dolphin Emulator
  • Nintendont

There are small and large differences between the versions which will affect your speedruns. Find the full list of differences in our version differences page.

Leaderboard Verification

In order to have your run verified on our official leaderboards, there are a few rules:

  • Runs must be real-time (No pausing the timer).
  • Emulator and Nintendont is not allowed for runs faster than the threshold defined in the Category Rules.
  • Video proof is required for runs faster than the threshold defined in the Category Rules.
  • Videos are required to show the game clearly, and contain game audio.

Thresholds

Video proof is required for runs faster than a designated and agreed upon time from the community per category. Each category has these times defined in the category rules. Example: Any% No ACE = 1:25:00 and better.

Save Files

To submit to the official leaderboards, you will need to start on one of three files of your choice.

  • New File
  • Peach File (Start timer at 2:30.35)
  • Hacked File (Start timer at 5:40.41)

Hacked File Guide
via GCMM (Wii) / via Practice Codes (Wii + Emu) / via JKSV (Switch)
Setting up the file used for speedrunning without the introductory cutscenes.

Practice Codes Guide
Homebrew your wii and install Nintendont.
Check out our in-depth guide on installing practice codes.

Save Files, Blank Splits, and Important Links
Found on the speedrun.com resources page.

There are four options you have to capture your game when playing on console. These are ordered from best to worst quality.

  • You can use component cables if your capture card allows for it, or if you have a Retrotink 5X.
  • Its recommended (due to cost) and comparable to component to use a Wii2HDMI and an HDMI capture card.
  • You can use S-Video and it will be slightly better than RCA.
  • The lowest quality option you have is RCA connection. (Yellow, red, and white plugs)

Wii2HDMI

Offbrand “BD&M”
$5 Cheap, lower quality assurance, diagonal scanlines in dark areas

Mayflash
$15 Recommended, high quality

Capture Cards

Offbrand “Dcyfol”
$35 Cheap, very slight artifacting and color bleed

EVGA XR1 lite
$60 Recommended, high quality

Upscalers

Mclassic
$99

PixelFX Morph
$275

Retrotink 5X-Pro
$325
2X-Pro does not support 480p

For software to record your speedruns, check out our tools page under speedrun tools.