Retro acceleration: The SNES might be running faster as it ages

WTF?! Old hardware typically slows down over time as newer software becomes less optimized and components degrade with age. However, speedrunners and researchers have discovered the opposite effect on the SNES. While the phenomenon is intriguing, its impact on gameplay remains purely theoretical. Tinkerers and speedrunners have recently discovered that the audio processors in many aging Super NES consoles are now running at slightly higher clock frequencies. While the difference is currently just a few hundred hertz, research suggests the effect may become more pronounced over time. Alan "dwangoAC" Cecil, a developer of speedrunning tools, first raised awareness of the anomaly last month. To investigate further, he collected data from over 100 SNES owners using a flash cartridge and a diagnostic ROM. The results indicate minor but consistent speed increases, which may be influenced by heat. Based on 143 responses, the SNES DSP rate averages 32,076 Hz, rising 8 Hz from cold to warm. ... Read full article.