Regular speedrunning is impressive enough, but the Games Done Quick charity speedrun marathon tends to up the ante by allowing people to showcase other talents during special trick runs. This year's AGDQ brought us something special with Wes' performance of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, where he played the game while performing its entire soundtrack on the piano.
How do you play a video game while your hands are busy playing the piano? By strapping the controllers to the body, of course. Wes's kit included a pair of Joy-Con controllers adapted to control the Wii game. He had a controller strapped to his head, which Wes could tilt left or right to run in any direction. The other was tied to his foot, allowing him to grip the bumper with his toes to run or dig his thumb into the ground to jump.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii on Piano by Wes at 41:20 – Amazing Games Made Quickly 2025 – YouTube
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It's with this setup that Wes took the AGDQ 2025 stage, playing the game's entire soundtrack on piano (using his own arrangements) while playing the entire thing in under 42 minutes. He played each main level theme as he reached it, and at one point switched directly from the main theme to the invincibility star music and back when he picked up the temporary power-up.
“The piano isn't actually my main instrument,” Wes explained during the race. “I write the arrangements to fit my skill level. And that's one thing to keep in mind: you don't have to be an amazing musician to do this. You can play the music at whatever level you want. The important thing is to just practice.” and develop muscle memory.”
Wes's time is well behind that of any standard Super Mario Bros. Wii race, but normal racers don't play by tilting their heads back and forth, much less while simultaneously playing the piano. Wes suffered a few deaths during the race, and the final moments were truly exciting, causing the entire crowd to come out with a standing ovation when he finally finished.
Wes then received a second ovation when he returned to the first level and did everything blindfolded again. The speedrun community never ceases to amaze.
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