Mario spin-offs are as beloved as the core series itself, with many getting recent iterations like Mario Golf and Paper Mario. In its latest Direct, Nintendo confirmed that the latest spin-off is a sequel to Mario Strikers, named Mario Strikers: Battle League. Fans can grab this upcoming Mario spin-off on June 10.
The trailer focuses on the gameplay, but fans are able to view many of the characters available in Mario Strikers: Battle League. These include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toads, Wario, Donkey Kong, Bowser, and more. Players will be able to compete in 5v5 matches, with the obvious goal being to win each match.
At first look, it essentially seems to be Mario Strikers and Mario Strikers: Charged improved and upgraded for the Switch. That's likely all it really needs to be for fans of the franchise, but the trailer emphasizes character design, a little bit of gameplay, and things like equipment. It'll be interesting to see what more Nintendo reveals about the game heading into launch, but for multiplayer fan, there are some incredibly promising features.
In terms of multiplayer, Mario Strikers: Battle League can support 8 players on 1 Switch system—4 players on each team. There are also online matches and online club with a ranking system, capable of featuring up to 20 players in a single club. Other notable reveals include how equipment affects stats (strength, speed, shooting, passing, technique), and there’s also the Hyper Strike, which requires players to grab an orb and charge it for a special ability.
This was not something many expected from this Nintendo Direct, but it’s certainly a welcome reveal. This was accompanied by new Nintendo Switch online reveals, content for Metroid Dread, Mario Kart 8 DLC, and far more. While these events tend to be hit or miss for fans, it's hard to deny that it's good for Mario Strikers fans.
Hopefully, this continued pattern of releasing beloved spin-offs on the Switch continues. New games in established franchises, like Pokemon Legends: Arceus, are important, but so is paying respect to the past. After Mario Strikers, there are plenty of other Mario spin-offs deserving their own Switch game such as Super Mario RPG, Dr Mario, Donkey Kong vs. Mario, and more.
Mario Strikers: Battle League releases June 10 on Switch.