The impressive Zelda-themed broadcasts continue at Awesome Games Done Quick 2026, this time with a striking showcase of The Wind Waker’s bizarre debug features.
Speedrunners EJ125 and TrogWW teamed up and used a technique called arbitrary code execution (or ACE), an exploit that manipulates the game’s code using fast and precise controller inputs. The video is an “ACE Showcase” demonstrating what can be done with the game’s hidden debug menu.
While a computer is used to speed things along, the duo explains that the debug menu is actually on The Wind Waker’s retail disc, and is accessible via a long series of complex inputs.
You’ll see Link explore surreal test rooms, run across the ocean with “Water Boots”, and defeat Jalhalla with a boulder-sized bomb. An amazing finale then sees the speedrunning duo taking a photograph of the AGDQ audience and importing it into the in-game Picto Box — a stunt reminiscent of the 2022 Games Done Quick Ocarina of Time showcase, which integrated the live Twitch chat into the game itself.
This year’s event also saw EJ125 tackle an Any% speedrun of The Wind Waker, clearing the game in a rapid 28 minutes and 12 seconds. Other Zelda-themed highlights include a blindfolded Majora’s Mask run, and a remarkable “All Dungeons” run of Twilight Princess HD — all recapped in our previous coverage.
Awesome Games Done Quick 2026 wrapped up over the weekend with $2.44 million raised for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
