Category Overview

Universal Bans

For all categories, the following bans are part of the rules and thus, will not be listed under each individual category. Bizhawk, Higan, Snes9x 1.43, ZSNES etc. emulators; these are banned due to inaccurate Super FX 2 chip emulation that results in fewer lag frames than the official console release. As such, the only allowed emulators are Snes9x 1.51, 1.53 - 1.56. The SD2SNES (regular and pro versions) flash cartridge. It runs faster than console so it is also banned, however, it is allowed for romhacks for the sake of convenience. Here is a spreadsheet with emulator and SD2SNES timings so you can see exactly how fast (or slow) they compare to console. Controller functions that are not possible on an unmodified, stock controller (e.g. macros, left+right, turbo) however, turbo is still allowed in the Japanese community. Outside tools (e.g. RAM watch, Lua script). Outside modification of the game's code. This includes things like cheat devices (e.g. game genie), crooked cartridges and modified ROMs.

Main Categories

Any% Warpless

Description: The no major glitches category of the game and the the main category of the Yoshi speedrunning community. In the past, this was the main category for just the Japanese community, as they did not want to use 1-1 Warps, however, the rest of the world did and thus, the Any% Warps category was created. The Japanese also timed their runs to the last input, whereas the rest of the world timed up until the Bowser explosion. This is where the difference in timing methods between this category and Any% Warps came from.

Leaderboard: http://www.speedrun.com/yi#Warpless

Timing: Start: On new file select. End: On the last input when the last text box is advanced after Bowser is defeated. Note: The US version of the game has 2 text boxes here, while the Japanese version only has 1.

Bans: Resetting 1-1 Warps Tongue Glitch Null Egg Arbitrary Code Execution

Useful Page: Fast strat list

Any% Warps
Description: The original Any% category of the game before the Null Egg Glitch and credits warp were discovered. This run takes advantage of 1-1 Warps and the 3-3 Tongue Glitch/map corruption to save time. It also allows resetting the console during the run to skip the cutscene at the end of each world. Other than that and the timing method, it is identical to Any% Warpless.
Leaderboard: http://www.speedrun.com/yi#Warps
Timing: Start: On new file select. End: On the first frame of the Bowser explosion.
Bans: Null Egg Arbitrary Code Execution
Useful Pages: 1-1 Warps Tongue Glitch

Any% Credits Warp

Description: The fastest category in the game. This run uses the Tongue Glitch to trigger the credits through arbitrary code execution.

Leaderboard: http://www.speedrun.com/yi#Any

Timing: Start: On new file select. End: When the screen completely fades to black (before the credits start).

This category has no restrictions other than the universal bans.

Useful Pages: Tongue Glitch Arbitrary Code Execution

100%

Description: The 100% category of the game. You must finish each level with 30 stars, 20 red coins and 5 flowers. Additionally, this run features the Extra level in each world, which normally does not appear in the Any% categories. 100% makes use of strategies from Any% Warpless, along with many egg shots and clever star routes to complete levels quicker. Red coins can be duplicated to skip slower ones and bonus games can also be reliably skipped at the end of every level. This is by far the longest and toughest run in the game and it is advised that you do not run it unless you have mastered the basics first. It is certainly a fan favorite though with how crazy and flashy the run is. Hot take on Any% vs. 100% speedrunners. Red coin despawn quirk to be aware of.

Leaderboard: http://www.speedrun.com/yi#100

Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKMmi2_vil8&index=5&list=PLNwzr3j2ErcYAfCpS2-j4_M0OxhEOJxRg

Timing: Start: On new file select. End: When the last completed level card flips over. Note: When the run is completed, a score check of all the worlds is usually done to confirm that all the levels have a score of "100", though it is not required.

Bans: 1-1 Warps Tongue Glitch Null Egg Arbitrary Code Execution The Japanese community also bans resetting the console, except after beating Bowser.

Required: A score of 100 on all levels (including Extras).

Useful Pages: Red Coin Duplication Bonus Skips

Any% Magical Journey

Description: The most unique category in the game and at one point, the fastest. Magical Journey uses the Null Egg Glitch in 2-3 through 6-8 to significantly shorten each level. Although the Any% Beat Bowser category obsoletes this one due to save file corruption in 3-1, it is different enough to warrant keeping it. Some people might even enjoy this category more simply because continuing the run past 3-1 isn't luck dependent like it is in Beat Bowser.

Leaderboard: http://www.speedrun.com/yi#Any (click on Magical Journey)

Theory TAS: 38:11

Timing: Start: On new file select. End: On the first frame of the Bowser explosion.

Bans: Save File Corruption Arbitrary Code Execution

Useful Pages: 1-1 Warps Null Egg

Any% Beat Bowser

Description: The second fastest category in the game, Any% Beat Bowser is the same as Any% Magical Journey up until 3-1, where it takes advantage of save file corruption to unlock 6-8 and subsequently beat Bowser. This run used to be the quickest way to beat the game until credits warp was found.

Leaderboard: http://www.speedrun.com/yi#Any (click on Beat Bowser)

Timing: Start: On new file select. End: On the first frame of the Bowser explosion.

This category has no restrictions other than the universal bans.

Useful Pages: 1-1 Warps Null Egg Glitch Save File Corruption