On June 26, Nintendo announced that Super Mario Strikers will be available on the Nintendo Switch Online service through the GameCube app starting July 3. This exciting addition marks the fourth playable game in the GameCube app, which is available exclusively to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.
Originally launched in late 2005, Super Mario Strikers is a dynamic five-on-five soccer game developed by Nintendo and Next Level Games. Players can control teams led by iconic characters such as Mario, Luigi, and Peach, alongside three sidekick characters like Toad and Koopa, while a Kritter takes on the role of goalkeeper.
The game features traditional soccer mechanics but also incorporates beloved Mario franchise power-ups like the Mushroom and the Star, providing players with unique advantages during matches. Notably, Super Mario Strikers was the last title in the Mario franchise to be released on the GameCube in North America and Japan before the Wii launched the following year.
With the addition of Super Mario Strikers, players will have another classic title to enjoy on the GameCube app on their Nintendo Switch. A trailer released by Nintendo showcases the game’s fast-paced action, and it joins other titles like F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Soulcalibur 2.
Other anticipated GameCube games, including Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness and Super Mario Sunshine, will be added in future updates. However, access to these games requires the Expansion Pack upgrade for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
The anticipation surrounding Super Mario Strikers has also attracted the attention of imitators. In January 2025, an Xbox title called Mariostro Strikers: Soccer League briefly appeared on Microsoft’s storefront before being removed, likely due to its similarities to the beloved franchise.
As July unfolds, with Super Mario Strikers and the launch of Super Mario Party Jamboree’s Switch 2 edition, fans are eager to see what surprises Nintendo has in store for the GameCube lineup.