Nintendo has exciting news for fans of classic Mario sports titles. On June 26, the company revealed that Super Mario Strikers will be joining the Nintendo Switch Online service via the GameCube app starting July 3. This marks the fourth title available on the GameCube app, accessible exclusively to subscribers with the Expansion Pack upgrade.

Originally launched in 2005, Super Mario Strikers delivers fast-paced five-on-five soccer action featuring beloved characters from the Mushroom Kingdom. Developed through a collaboration between Nintendo and Next Level Games, each team consists of a captain (like Mario or Princess Peach), three supporting characters (including Toad and Koopa Troopa), and a Kritter goalkeeper. The game uniquely blends traditional soccer with signature Mario elements, allowing players to collect power-ups such as the iconic Mushroom and Star during matches.

Notably, Super Mario Strikers holds historical significance as the final Mario franchise release for the GameCube in North America and Japan, preceding the launch of Nintendo's Wii console. Its arrival on the Switch preserves this piece of gaming history while introducing it to new audiences.

The GameCube app continues to expand its library, with Super Mario Strikers joining other classics like F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Soulcalibur 2. Nintendo has confirmed future additions including Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness and Super Mario Sunshine, though these will debut at later dates.

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The game's enduring popularity has unfortunately attracted imitators. Earlier this year, an Xbox title called Mariostro Strikers: Soccer League briefly appeared on Microsoft's store before being removed. The game's artwork featured a character suspiciously similar to Mario, though it remains unclear whether Nintendo or Microsoft initiated the takedown.