The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to receive a vibrant new entry in its long-running sports series with the release of Mario Tennis Fever. The game, which dials back the complexity of recent installments while adding a wealth of new modes and features, aims to appeal to both newcomers and seasoned tennis veterans alike.
For those familiar with the series, Mario Tennis Fever offers a familiar yet expanded range of options. Players can engage in one-on-one or doubles matches against friends or AI opponents, participate in structured tournaments, or dive into the creatively named “Mix It Up” mode. This mode introduces a series of unique tennis derivatives, such as the “Forest Court,” where piranha plants threaten to swallow any errant balls, and “Pinball,” which transforms the court into a chaotic landscape of bumpers and barriers.
Adding a roguelike element to the mix is “Trial Towers,” a challenging series of increasingly difficult tennis matches. Success unlocks new content, but failure – three times, to be exact – sends players back to the beginning, adding a layer of risk and reward to the experience.
While the breadth of options is impressive, the “Adventure mode” appears to be the least compelling aspect of the game. Described as a four-hour tutorial, it sees Mario and Luigi inexplicably transformed into babies and tasked with relearning their tennis skills to rescue Princess Daisy. The narrative, reminiscent of the original Tennis Academy story mode from the Game Boy Color era, is threadbare, and the progression through minichallenges feels somewhat grindy, particularly given the relatively straightforward nature of the core gameplay.
The true heart of Mario Tennis Fever, according to early impressions, lies in its accessible and engaging multiplayer. The game is designed to be picked up and played quickly, with top spin, flat, and slice shots mapped to dedicated buttons. Two-button combos unlock lobs and drop shots, expanding the player’s tactical options. Mastering the timing of serves and returns, along with strategic shot placement, is key to success.
A central new feature is the introduction of “fever rackets,” each possessing a unique special ability that can be charged during rallies. These abilities range from offensive maneuvers, like setting the opponent’s court ablaze, to defensive tactics, such as deploying banana peels to induce slips. However, a clever twist prevents these abilities from becoming overpowered: if an opponent successfully returns the ball before it bounces, the effect is reversed, adding a layer of strategic depth and frantic energy to matches.
The design philosophy behind the fever rackets echoes that of the power-ups found in Mario Kart – leveling the playing field and providing less experienced players with opportunities to turn the tide of a match. The game’s vibrant, cartoonish visuals further enhance the chaotic and appealing atmosphere, immersing players in a world of flaming rocks and icy blasts.
The game’s appeal is most potent when played locally with friends, though an online mode is also available for ranked and friendly matches. Mario Tennis Fever strikes a balance between accessibility and depth, offering a charming and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. It delivers on the core promise of a Nintendo sports title: something for everyone, with enough hidden layers to reward dedicated players.
Mario Tennis Fever is currently available for , priced at £58.99.
