Much like Nintendo’s other online-heavy games on Nintendo Switch, like Splatoon 2, Nintendo Switch Sports, and Arms, the upcoming Mario Strikers: Battle League is getting a free demo with limited time slots for players to try out the action online.
From June 3 to June 5, you’ll be able to try out Quick Battle online multiplayer with friends or strangers across the globe. The times are as follows:
Friday, June 3
- 8:00-9:00pm PT/04:00 – 05:00 BST
Saturday, June 4
- 4:00-5:00am PT/12:00 – 13:00 BST
- 12:00-1:00pm PT/20:00 – 21:00 BST
- 8:00-9:00pm PT/4:00 – 5:00 BST
Sunday, June 5
- 4:00-5:00am PT/12:00 – 13:00 BST
- 12:00-1:00pm PT/20:00 – 21:00 BST
The demo is already available to download now for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. While you can’t play any online matches outside of the specified windows, you can play the offline training exercises starting today to learn the controls and techniques in the game.
Nintendo also revealed that Mario Strikers: Battle League will receive free post-launch updates that include new characters. This is similar to the approach seen in Mario Tennis Aces and Mario Golf Super Rush, where the roster was expanded for months after launch.
On release day, the Battle League roster will have ten playable characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Wario, Waluigi, Rosalina, and Toad. This has led some longtime Strikers fans to note the absence of Daisy, who was a part of both previous Strikers games. Now there’s hope that she could be added via post-launch support.
Mario Strikers: Battle League launches on Nintendo Switch on June 10. For more, you can check out our Mario Strikers preview.
Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.