The Mario Tennis series has long been a staple of Nintendo’s sports game lineup, but it has often struggled to capture the sustained interest of gamers. While titles like Mario Power Tennis on the Wii brought excitement with their innovative motion controls, the novelty of such features has waned over time. However, with the release of Mario Tennis Aces on the Nintendo Switch, the series made a return to traditional gameplay, introducing a story mode that piqued curiosity. Now, with the upcoming launch of Mario Tennis Fever on the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo aims to elevate the series to new heights.
At a special preview event hosted by Nintendo, I had the opportunity to experience Mario Tennis Fever firsthand. Despite my previous indifference to the series, the game’s diverse modes, courts, and power-enhanced tennis rackets quickly captured my attention. The hour-and-a-half hands-on session barely scratched the surface of what this game has to offer, promising an experience reminiscent of the beloved Mario Party series.
Game, Set, FEVER!
The first impression of Mario Tennis Fever is its stunning visual presentation. Leveraging the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2, the game stands as one of the most visually impressive first-party titles from the studio. Players can choose from a massive roster of characters, each paired with a unique power racket. I opted for Donkey Kong, wielding a whimsical banana-shaped racket, which set the tone for the playful yet competitive matches that followed.
The introduction of Fever Rackets adds a dynamic layer to gameplay. These rackets, equipped with special power-ups, can turn the tide of a match, creating a fast-paced and challenging experience. The AI opponents proved formidable, and the interplay of Fever effects and court-specific elements showcased the game’s depth. As fireballs, banana peels, and other obstacles scattered across the court, the challenge intensified, making each match a thrilling encounter.
Tools of the Trade
In addition to the core mechanics, Mario Tennis Fever brings back the adventure mode, offering a full single-player campaign. Players navigate a Super Mario-style map as baby versions of iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, Waluigi, and Wario. The objective is to overcome various challenges and abilities to restore them to their full form.
The Fever Rackets play a crucial role in this mode, allowing players to unleash powerful abilities once their fever gauge is filled. However, these abilities can be a double-edged sword, sometimes backfiring and costing players valuable points. Among the selection, the Bullet Bill racket stood out, particularly in doubles matches, where the chaos of four characters on the court injected the fun and whimsy the series is known for.
New Court Types and Motion Controls
The game also introduces a variety of court types, each inspired by different Nintendo titles. From the lush Donkey Kong Jungle Court to the vibrant Wonder Court inspired by the latest Super Mario Bros. game, each court offers unique challenges and aesthetics.
While motion controls make a return, they are implemented as an optional feature rather than a necessity. In “Swing Mode,” players can attach the Joy-Con 2 to their wrist to mimic swinging a tennis racket. Although character movement is automated, the motion controls add a layer of interactive fun akin to Mario Party, albeit with occasional responsiveness issues.
Thoughts So Far
Mario Tennis Fever appears poised to be a significant evolution for the series. With its expansive roster of 28 playable characters, innovative Fever rackets, and breathtaking graphics on the Nintendo Switch 2, the game promises to deliver an engaging and visually stunning experience. As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the chance to dive into the mayhem when Mario Tennis Fever launches on February 12, 2026.
As the release date approaches, the gaming community is abuzz with excitement, eager to see how Mario Tennis Fever will redefine the franchise and capture the hearts of both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
