Downgrading versions
This page will guide you through how to downgrade Super Mario Odyssey to a previous version. Although the most recent version, version 1.3.0, is optimal for Any% and all other main speedrun categories, some obscure categories such as Star% may occasionally be faster on older versions such as version 1.0.0, and certain challenge runs such as 3 Captures are outright impossible on the latest version. Additionally, previous versions may be better for experimenting with glitches.
Prerequisites
Game cartridge
In order to downgrade to a previous version without using homebrew (which is only possible on Switches manufactured before a certain date), one must obtain a Super Mario Odyssey cartridge with the correct base version. Downgrading the game simply entails removing all update data from the Switch, which means the game cannot be downgraded to a version other than the one that is stored on the cartridge. The base version can be determined by reading the last three digits of the printed white text on the back of the cartridge:
| Last three digits | Base version |
|---|---|
| 000 | Version 1.0.0 |
| 001 | Version 1.1.0 |
| 002 | Version 1.2.0 |
| 003 | Version 1.3.0 |
Because version 1.3.0 is the latest version regardless, and version 1.2.0 is nearly functionally identical except for having slower load times, the only versions useful to downgrade to are versions 1.0.0 and 1.1.0. Version 1.0.0 has the fewest glitches patched, allows 3 Captures runs to be completed and is by far the most optimal for Star%, while version 1.1.0 is optimal for 3 Captures and has a few glitches that 1.0.0 does not.
Method of data backup
The only way to delete update data from the Switch aside from homebrew is by factory resetting the Switch, which erases all data. There are two options for retaining save data (however, your Super Mario Odyssey save data is only playable on the newest version, so it cannot be retained):
Nintendo Switch Online
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription or are willing to purchase one, or if you have not used your free trial yet, you can upload your save data to the cloud for safekeeping. If you have a permanent subscription rather than a free trial, you can even use this to store your existing Super Mario Odyssey save data until you are finished with using the older version, and then regain access to it after updating the game again. However, since data for some games such as Splatoon 2, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and others cannot be backed up to the cloud, save data for those games will be lost using this method.
Save data transfer
If you have access to another Switch, even temporarily, you can transfer your save data to that Switch and then transfer it back later. This has the advantage of retaining save data for all games, but by itself will not allow your existing Super Mario Odyssey save data to be stored for safekeeping until you update the game again. However, if you have access to both another Switch and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, it is possible to take advantage of both to keep as much save data as possible.