Super Mario Strikers — or Mario Smash Football, as it's known in Europe — is joining Nintendo Switch 2's Nintendo Switch Online GameCube library next week. It's the first game to have been added to the library since Switch 2 launched earlier this month.
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based online gaming service for the Nintendo Switch gaming platform. Memberships include online functionality, allowing you to compete or cooperate with friends, as well as a collection of classic Nintendo games spanning four decades, including titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and, most recently, the new GameCube library. A free seven-day trial is also available.
The GameCube library currently includes The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur 2. Further titles thought to be joining the service include Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, and more.
"Mario and friends clash in this extreme soccer game originally released for the Nintendo GameCube system in 2005," Nintendo teased. "Matches unfold with white-hot speed, intensity, and familiar items, like shells and mushrooms, to give you a boost in crushing your opponent. But the real key to winning is the Super Strike, a powerful shot that can net you two points at once! Jump right in with simple controls, hone your techniques, and hit the pitch with Mario and his friends! Available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members!"
IGN declared Super Mario Strikers to be "Good" when released way back in 2008 — that's almost 20 years ago now; yikes — writing in our review: "Nintendo's foray into sports titles continues with Super Mario Strikers, a soccer game that's unlike anything ever to hit the pitch."
Don't forget, an extremely cool replica GameCube controller is also available for maximum nostalgia.
Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a strong start, with 3.5 million consoles sold, but an analysis on the console's launch week sales paints a mixed picture of how well games not made by Nintendo are now selling.
"The Nintendo Switch 2 is a vital upgrade over the original Switch if that's the only way you've been able to play games for the last eight years," we wrote in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 review, awarding it 7/10, "but improvements that are mostly playing catch-up and a big price jump make this sequel system about as exciting as a long-overdue phone upgrade in the larger scheme of things."
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
