The second free update to Nintendo extreme soccer game Mario Strikers: Battle League is coming later this month. The update will add two new characters: Pauline, the mayor of New Donk City from Super Mario Odyssey, and Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong’s rambunctious best friend. This is the second of three planned free updates for 2022; the first update, which debuted in late July, added Princess Daisy as a playable character.
Pauline will be making her debut in Strikers as a physical powerhouse, described during the September 13 Nintendo Direct event as having “fast movements and strong tackles.” Based on her performance in the trailer, Pauline may even be able to go toe to toe with the game’s other Strength-based characters, Bowser and Donkey Kong. Diddy Kong, on the other hand, is a speedy midfielder with a focus on technique and a high pass accuracy. His reveal showed off a move where Diddy can shoot himself out of a cannon onto the playing field.
Gear up for the 2nd free update to #MarioStrikers: Battle League, releasing on #NintendoSwitch this month!
Tackle rivals as the physical powerhouse Pauline or dazzle ’em with Diddy Kong’s high speed – plus, more gear and another stadium are being added! #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/Aw1nKUORAV
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 13, 2022
In addition to the two new characters, the Mario Strikers: Battle League update is adding a new set of gear called “Barrel.” The trailer showed off Mario modeling the new gear, which does indeed appear as if the character is wearing a barrel instead of clothing. A new stadium, Planetoids, will also be added. The stadium theme seems to be inspired by Super Mario Galaxy, which featured a number of Planetoids for Mario to explore. Also coming to the update, although not detailed during the Nintendo Direct event, are a skill-based Striker Ranking, new customization options for supporters, and new match celebration effects.
The third and potentially final free update, releasing sometime later this year, will reportedly contain at least one new character as well as new gear and possibly another new stadium. It has not yet been confirmed if the new update will also include new game modes or quality of life improvements.
Mario Strikers: Battle League is currently available for the Nintendo Switch.
