I am guessing the moment you update to 1.1.2 that you can't go back, but I figure I asked this anyway.

I do happen to have both a digital and physical version. The digital one I have is my casual file, but the physical already has the 1.1.2 update, I was also wondering if doing that method would not involve deleting my save data.

The feature where you sync your version with a friend's can't downgrade any version, it can only update. The only way for you to downgrade your version would be to either mod your switch, or factory reset the switch, which brings the physical version down to 1.0, then play on the physical version. Afterward, if you want to update from 1.0 to 1.1.0, you can use the version syncing feature with a friend who has 1.1.0. A person near you with this version would probably be hard to find though.

You won't be able to keep your save data afaik unfortunately.

I'm quite sure TotK needs an update to even run, and will refuse to start if not. (i've tested this) please do correct me if i'm wrong

No it doesn't?? I've been playing on version 1.12 and it runs fine?

does not being able to downgrade mean if you accidentally upgrade to latest you can no longer speedrun pre-latest categories?

Yes. That is what I did. 😭

about downgrading, if you try, it’ll put you in 1.0.0, except it will need an update to run. i honestly have no idea how to do it without buying a new switch.

but then again, i did it in such a way that it kept my save data.

to downgrade via factory reset, how would it affect other games on your switch? would it delete save progress on other games, or even remove the games entirely? because I would love to be able to do 1.0.0 speedruns, but I really don't want to spend money for another switch or buy my digital games again

when you reset your switch, if you link your nintendo account to it, you have the games avalible in the eshop unless of they are physical. except, you have lost all your progress. unless if you back it up, then you are fine

ok great thanks