Iconic Gamecube-era Mario spin-off is coming to the Switch 2 next month

Nintendo has confirmed Super Mario Strikers will be coming to the Switch 2 next month.

• READ MORE: The essential games for every Switch 2 owner

Originally released in 2005, Super Mario Strikers is a chaotic sports game with plenty of Mushroom Kingdom charm. The street football title sees players creating a five-person squad featuring one of eight team captains (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Wario, Waluigi and Donkey Kong) and four sidekicks (Toad, Hammer Brother, Birdo Koopa Troopa).

The sporting venues are filled with typical Mario power-ups, while players can also make use of the timed ‘Super Strike’ function, which counts as two goals if pulled off correctly. A sequel Mario Strikers Charged was released for the Wii in 2007 and Battle League launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2022. But from next week, Nintendo Switch 2 owners can play the original.

Super Mario Strikers is the fourth Gamecube title to come to the Nintendo Switch Online Library, and will be free-to-play for all Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers from July 3.

“This is one of the best sports games of all time,” one fan wrote in response to the announcement. “This is the best news ever,” said another. Other fans are hoping the arrival of Super Mario Strikers means Mario Superstar Baseball and Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour will be hitting the service in the near future.

Switch 2 users can currently play F-Zero GX, The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker and SoulCalibur 2 via the Switch Online Library, and Nintendo has confirmed a lot more Gamecube-era titles will be coming to the service.

Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Chibi-Robo, Luigi’s Mansion and Pokémon Colosseum are all set to join the online library in the future, though exact release dates have yet to be announced.

Nintendo has recently angered Mario Kart World fans by changing what courses can be selected in online multiplayer ‘VS’ mode. “I’m heartbroken by this update. And the lack of communication from Nintendo is even worse,” said one fan.

In other news, Hideo Kojima has celebrated the launch of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach by shredding on a custom-made guitar.

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