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Nintendo Switch Online's July 2025 update introduces Super Mario Strikers, a classic GameCube title. This game is now accessible on the Switch 2 through the Expansion Pack. Super Mario Strikers brings back fast-paced arcade soccer action, enriching the platform's expanding collection of retro games for contemporary players.
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Service Tier: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on Nintendo Switch 2.
Originally released in 2005, Super Mario Strikers is a frenetic, arcade-style soccer game starring Mario franchise characters. It features power‑ups, aggressive play, and chaotic mechanics that bend traditional soccer rules—highlighted by two-goal “Super Strikes.”
This marks the fourth GameCube addition to the “Nintendo Classics” lineup on Switch 2, following The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F‑Zero GX, and Soulcalibur II, which launched with the console on June 5.
Nintendo’s ‘Nintendo Classics’ emulator library, available exclusively on Switch 2 with the Expansion Pack, debuted on June 5, 2025. It launched with three major GameCube titles: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F‑Zero GX, and Soulcalibur II. With Super Mario Strikers added on July 3, the GameCube lineup now features four classic games.
Nintendo previously teased a broader lineup of GameCube games set to arrive eventually, including:
Super Mario Sunshine
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Chibi‑Robo!
Luigi’s Mansion
Pokémon Colosseum.
These titles aren't live yet but are confirmed for future release.
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The GameCube emulator on Switch 2 supports flexible control mapping, suspension points, and ‘CRT mode.’ Players could choose to play using the Joy-Con 2, the Switch 2 Pro Controller with modern features including GameChat buttons, and USB‑C charging.
Since it was designed primarily for GameCube games, the controller may have some compatibility issues with a few modern non-GameCube games due to limited input options.
For Nintendo Switch Online, there are two tiers of subscription. The base plan allows access to classic libraries, including NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, N64, and Genesis—but not GameCube.
To access GameCube content, users need the Expansion Pack stand-alone service that comes with all base benefits and the Zelda ‘upgrade packs.’ Considered to have a $50 yearly subscription for individuals or $80 for families, the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription stands at a mere $20 per annum.
On Switch 2, fans named the game Super Mario Strikers, praising it for its HD visuals, 16:9 ratio, and online play, calling it a ‘free remaster.’ Meanwhile, online speculation builds excitement for other GameCube titles on the horizon, much like Smash Bros. Melee.
The update that came out in July only sets the stage for bringing more GameCube heritage to present-day audiences. Using Super Mario Strikers as a starter is genuinely exciting since it transports the action in HD to still vibrant and multiplayer-oriented gameplay.
This addition opens for four titles currently in the GameCube catalog, with many more star-studded titles. For Switch 2 owners with Expansion Pack, that means loads of nostalgia-and maybe it's also a very subtle nod toward bigger surprises.
New shipments? Retro soccer chaos? The entire classic roster? This update gives a solid reminder of what is worth remembering and even more to go.
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