While the increased power, faster screen and improved JoyCons grabbed the headlines when the Switch 2 launched, retro gaming fans were arguably more excited about Gamecube titles joining the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack line-up.
The good news is that after almost a month on sale, Nintendo has announced the first new addition to the Gamecube library for subscribers.
Super Mario Strikers aka Mario Smash Football is coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on July 3.
The news was announced by Nintendo on X: “Get ready to kick off when Mario Smash Football comes to Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics on July 3rd!”
Mario Smash Football made its Nintendo Gamecube debut all the way back in 2005.
Featuring 5-vs-5 gameplay, Mario Smash Football contains a number of iconic Nintendo characters, each with their own stats and skills.
Similar to other Mario Sports games, players can also grab power-ups such as red shells and bananas to impede opponents.
The game is described by one publication as the “Mario Kart of soccer games”, largely thanks to its entertaining multiplayer mode and selection of power-ups.
As a reminder, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs £34.99 for an annual membership, or £59.99 as part of a Family membership.
As part of the subscription, members can play Gamecube titles such as Wind Waker, F-Zero GX and Soulcalibur 2.
That’s on top of N64 titles like Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64 and Sin and Punishment on N64, as well as Zelda Ocarina of Time and Mario Tennis.
SEGA Mega Drive games are also playable with the Expansion Pack tier, alongside Game Boy Advance titles.
Mega Drive games include well known classics like Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2 and Gunstar Heroes, as well as cult favourites such as Crusader of Centy (Soleil), Musha, Pulseman and Alisia Dragoon.
Then there are the Game Boy Advance releases, which include everything from Zelda: The Minish Cap and Metroid Fusion, to Kuru Kuru Kururin and the Japanese version of F-Zero Climax.