The Mario Tennis series returns with its biggest roster yet when Mario Tennis Fever launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on 12th February. This latest instalment packs 38 playable characters, innovative Fever Rackets with game-changing abilities, and a range of new modes that should keep both casual players and competitive veterans entertained.
For those wanting a first look at the action, Nintendo has released a new overview trailer showcasing the gameplay mechanics and features. The character roster marks a series record, introducing several newcomers to the tennis court including Goomba, Nabbit, Piranha Plant, Baby Wario and Baby Waluigi. Traditional shot techniques like Topspin, Slices and Lobs return as the foundation of gameplay, but the real shake-up comes from the equipment system.
Fever Rackets add a strategic layer that can completely shift match momentum. Players can choose from 30 different rackets, each bringing its own distinct ability to the court. The Ice Racket transforms sections of the playing surface into a slippery frozen zone, whilst the Mini Mushroom Racket shrinks opponents down to a fraction of their normal size. The Shadow Racket creates a duplicate character that forces opponents to deal with doubled pressure. These abilities activate when you fill your Fever Gauge and unleash a Fever Shot, though there’s a defensive counter-play available where you can attempt to return the shot before it lands, redirecting the effect back at your opponent instead.
The mode selection caters to different play styles and skill levels. Trial Towers presents a progression of challenges as you climb towards the top, testing your abilities across various scenarios. Mix It Up introduces unconventional rule sets that break from standard tennis matches. Ring Shot requires precision as you aim balls through hoops to score points, while Forest Court Match lets you physically expand the playing area by feeding tennis balls to Piranha Plants. Wonder Court Match incorporates Wonder Effects inspired by Super Mario Bros. Wonder, adding unpredictable elements that keep matches fresh.
Tournament mode returns with an enhancement that feels distinctly Mario-like: play-by-play commentary delivered by a Talking Flower. Online functionality includes both casual and competitive options. Online Room lets you set up matches with customised rules, while Ranked Matches pit you against players worldwide as you climb the competitive ladder. There’s also Swing Mode, which uses gentle Joy-Con 2 controller movements to execute different shot types, making the game accessible for players who prefer motion controls.
Adventure mode serves as both a single-player campaign and a comprehensive tutorial system. The story sees mysterious monsters transform Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Wario and Waluigi into babies, forcing them to relearn and master their tennis techniques through various challenges before they can return to their normal forms. It’s a clever way to introduce mechanics progressively while providing a structured single-player experience.
The game takes advantage of GameShare functionality, allowing up to three nearby players to join matches using their own Nintendo Switch 2 or original Nintendo Switch consoles, even if only one person owns the game. This significantly lowers the barrier for local multiplayer sessions.
Alongside the game’s launch, Nintendo is releasing new Joy-Con 2 controllers in Light Purple and Light Green colours, available for pre-purchase today through My Nintendo Store. Both the controllers and Mario Tennis Fever arrive on 12th February.
Mario Tennis Fever launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on 12th February, bringing the series’ most extensive character roster and innovative racket-based gameplay mechanics to Nintendo’s latest console.
