Nintendo’s Mario Tennis franchise is back, and by the looks of the newly released overview trailer, the upcoming iteration will be bigger and better than ever. Mario Tennis Fever, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, is scheduled to hit the system on Thursday, Feb. 12, with a host of new gameplay modes and abilities. What’s more, the latest entry will bring nearly 40 iconic Nintendo faces to the court — some for the very first time. According to a news release from Nintendo, Mario Tennis Fever will offer approachable gameplay for newcomers as well as challenges for seasoned tennis titans.
Mario Tennis Fever brings the heat
Mario Tennis Fever boasts 38 playable characters — the most in the series’ decades-long history – with Goomba, Nabbit, Piranha Plant, Baby Wario, and Baby Waluigi serving and swinging for the first time ever. Regardless of your go-to character, be sure your topspins and slices are up to snuff by using the game’s Adventure mode to get some solo practice in. The single-player campaign sees Nintendo mainstays Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Wario, and Waluigi transformed into babies. The crew must rebuild their tennis capabilities and tackle tricky challenges to return to normal.
As if dozens of playable characters weren’t enough, gamers can also customize their playstyle by selecting one of 30 available tennis rackets. The equipment, called Fever Rackets, ups the ante with special abilities. Freeze your opponents’ side of the court with the Ice Racket; shrink other athletes with the Mini Mushroom Racket, or disorient your competition with the double vision-inducing Shadow Racket. Fill that Fever Gauge to unleash a powerful Fever Shot. Got a Fever Shot flying your way? React in time to send it back at your opponent.
Feeling brave? Tackle the gauntlet-like Trial Towers mode, where players must climb their way up to the top by taking on increasingly difficult challenges. In the newly introduced Mix It Up mode, enjoy tennis matches with some wacky twists. Hone your aim with Ring Shot, expand the court by feeding Piranha Plants in a Forest Court Match, or relish the Super Mario Bros. Wonder-inspired Wonder Court Match.
In the game’s Online Room, casual tennis players can enjoy customizable matches with other gamers from around the world. Competitive pros can hop into Ranked Matches, too. In the comparatively subdued Swing Mode, players can let off some steam by swinging their Joy-Con 2 controllers to hit different shots.
While Mario Tennis Fever promises a ton of new modes, the franchise’s classic Tournament mode isn’t going anywhere. This version, though, includes quirky play-by-plays from a Talking Flower.
The game also supports GameShare, which allows one user with a copy of Mario Tennis Fever to invite three nearby Nintendo Switch 2 users — only one copy of the game is necessary.
The cherry on top? Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch 2’s first colorful Joy-Con 2 controllers alongside Mario Tennis Fever. The Light Purple and Light Green Joy-Con 2 controllers also launch on Feb. 12. The new Mario Tennis title and its corresponding Joy-Con 2 hardware are available for pre-order today. The controllers and game are expected to retail for $69.99 and $99.99, respectively.
All-new ‘Mario Tennis’ Fever trailer
Check out the exciting new overview trailer for Mario Tennis Fever and pick up the game and inspired Joy-Con 2s when both launch on February 12.
