Nintendo has officially removed Super Soccer (known as Super Formation Soccer in Japan) from the Nintendo Switch Online service as of March 28, 2025, marking the first time Nintendo has ever removed a game from its subscription service since its launch in 2018. This unprecedented move has created concern among subscribers and game preservation advocates.
Just sharing the last moments of Super Soccer on #NintendoSwitchOnline with my man @TomLegend101. Shame they had to remove it but oh well. 👀 #SNES #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/6ASCRE5dWW
— 🦑★Gustavo★ツ🦑🇧🇷 (@LightBlueSquid) March 28, 2025
The removal affects both the Japanese Super Famicom version and the international release of the 1991 SNES soccer game developed by Spike Chunsoft. Nintendo confirmed the removal through its support channels and on the game’s official page within the Switch Online service, stating the title would “no longer be available” after March 27/28 (depending on timezone).
What’s particularly troubling for subscribers is that even those who had previously downloaded the game can no longer access it. Unlike services such as Game Pass or PS Plus, where removed games can still be purchased separately, Nintendo Switch Online titles are exclusively tied to the subscription, with no alternative way to play them on Switch once removed.
Industry observers point to licensing issues as the likely cause. While Nintendo published Super Soccer internationally, Spike Chunsoft was the original developer and publisher in Japan, suggesting the licensing agreement for the game has expired. This sets a concerning precedent for other third-party titles in the service, including games from Capcom, SNK, Rare, and Sega.
The removal has intensified calls for Nintendo to reinstate something similar to its previous Virtual Console system for its next console, which would allow permanent purchases of classic games rather than tying them exclusively to a subscription service. Many fans see this as further evidence of the fragility of digital game libraries and the importance of game preservation efforts.
Though Super Soccer wasn’t among the most popular titles on the service, its removal has ironically likely driven more people to try it during its final month of availability than throughout its entire time on the service.
