Speedrunners Left Scratching Their Heads After New Discovery Suggests the SNES Works Faster as It Ages

The speedrunning community is buzzing over a curious phenomenon: the SNES seems to be running games faster as it ages. This intriguing theory emerged in early February when Bluesky user Alan Cecil (@tas.bot) reported that these iconic consoles, released in the 1990s, appear to be executing games slightly faster than their original specifications. This suggests the nearly 50 million SNES units sold might actually be experiencing performance improvements over time with games like Super Mario World, Super Metroid, and Star Fox, defying the typical degradation associated with aging technology.

While the notion of a console improving with age sounds improbable, Cecil's research points to a potential culprit: the SNES's audio processing unit (APU).

A Faster-Than-Expected APU

According to Nintendo's specifications, the SNES's SPC700 APU boasts a digital signal processing (DSP) rate of 32,000Hz, governed by a 24.576MHz ceramic resonator. However, retro gaming enthusiasts have long observed discrepancies, with recorded DSP rates varying based on environmental factors like temperature. This means the console's audio processing and subsequent CPU communication rates often deviate from Nintendo's stated values, subtly affecting game speed.

The fascinating twist? Cecil's findings, based on data collected from over 140 SNES owners, reveal a consistent trend of increasing DSP rates over time. While earlier measurements (around 2007) averaged approximately 32,040Hz, Cecil's recent data shows an average of 32,076Hz. Although temperature influences these rates, the observed increase surpasses what temperature fluctuations alone can account for. In essence, the SNES appears to be processing audio faster as time passes.

In a Bluesky post, Cecil summarized the data: "Based on 143 responses, the SNES DSP rate averages 32,076Hz, rising 8Hz from cold to warm," he explained. "Warm DSP rates go from 31,965 to 32,182Hz, a 217Hz range. Therefore, temperature is less significant. Why? How does it affect games? We do not know. Yet."

Implications for Speedrunning

While intriguing, Cecil acknowledges the need for further research to fully understand the cause and extent of this phenomenon. Data on early SNES performance is limited, hindering a complete picture. However, the potential impact on the speedrunning community is undeniable. A faster audio processing rate could theoretically reduce load times in certain game sections. While the effect on speedruns is likely minimal (potentially less than a second), the possibility of altering decades-old leaderboard records is generating considerable discussion.

The relationship between APU speed and visual game speed isn't directly proportional. Even under extreme scenarios, the impact on speedruns is expected to be negligible. The precise effect on different games remains unclear, and the significance of this discovery is still being assessed. For now, the consensus among speedrunners is that the impact is likely minor.

As Cecil continues his investigation, the SNES, nearing its 35th anniversary, continues to surprise. For more on the SNES's enduring legacy, you can find its ranking among the best-selling consoles of all time [link to best-selling consoles list].