Nintendo Switch 2 Brings Back GameCube Classic July 3
▼ Summary
– Nintendo is adding Super Mario Strikers to the Switch 2’s GameCube library on July 3, expanding its classic game lineup.
– Super Mario Strikers, originally released in 2005, is a fast-paced arcade soccer game featuring Mario characters and unique power-ups.
– The game spawned two sequels: Mario Strikers Charged (2007) for Wii and Mario Strikers: Battle League (2022) for Switch.
– The Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan includes the GameCube library and free Switch 2 upgrades for Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
– Switch Online’s Expansion Pack costs $50/year, with a family plan for $80/year, and includes GameChat, a free trial feature until March 2026.
Nintendo fans have reason to celebrate as the Switch 2 continues expanding its retro GameCube offerings with a beloved sports classic. On July 3, Super Mario Strikers joins the growing lineup, bringing its chaotic arcade soccer action to modern players. This marks another step in Nintendo’s effort to preserve and revitalize its classic catalog for new audiences.
First hitting shelves in 2005, Super Mario Strikers stood out with its high-energy gameplay and trademark Mario charm. Players control familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, and Peach in over-the-top matches filled with power-ups and special moves. Banana peels, shells, and other items add unpredictable twists, while perfectly timed “Mega Strikes” can turn the tide with a single shot. The game’s success led to sequels on the Wii (Mario Strikers Charged) and Switch (Mario Strikers: Battle League), but the original remains a fan favorite for its pure, fast-paced fun.
This release brings the Switch Online + Expansion Pack’s GameCube library to four titles, with more confirmed to follow. Classics like Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, and Pokémon Colosseum are slated for future additions, giving subscribers plenty to look forward to.
The GameCube collection is exclusive to the Expansion Pack tier, which also includes bonus content for major Switch titles. Subscribers can grab free upgrades for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, though details on these enhancements remain scarce.
Pricing for Nintendo’s online service starts at $20 annually for the basic plan, while the Expansion Pack runs $50 per year. Families can opt for an $80 yearly plan covering up to eight accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for households with multiple gamers.
Beyond retro games, the service offers GameChat, a feature allowing voice communication and screen sharing between friends. Currently in an open trial phase until March 2026, it will eventually require an active subscription, another incentive for players to consider the paid membership.
With Super Mario Strikers leading the charge, Nintendo proves its commitment to blending nostalgia with modern accessibility, ensuring these classics find new life on the Switch 2.
(Source: Game Spot)
