Nintendo has officially served up its first major sports title for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it is a loud, colorful, and mechanical marvel. Mario Tennis Fever, developed by the veterans at Camelot, isn’t just a sequel to Aces; it’s a complete overhaul that embraces the “party game” chaos of Mario Kart while keeping the tight, competitive fundamentals that fans of the series crave.
Whether you’re a solo player looking for a quirky adventure or a competitive pro ready to climb the online ranks, there is a lot to unpack in this 40th-anniversary celebration of the Mario franchise.
The Fever Racket System: Game-Changing Mechanics
The headline feature of this installment is the titular Fever Rackets. Unlike previous games where special moves were tied to the character, players can now choose from 30 unique rackets, each possessing a distinct ability.
These aren’t just minor stat boosts. The “Bullet Bill Racket” can turn your return into a high-speed projectile, while the “Fire Bar Racket” literally places rotating fire hazards on your opponent’s side of the court. You activate these by filling your Fever Gauge and unleashing a Fever Shot. The catch? If your opponent is quick enough to return a Fever Shot before it bounces, they “Reverse” the effect, sending the chaos right back at you. It creates a high-stakes game of “chicken” that makes every rally feel intense.
A Massive Roster: Baby Waluigi and New Playable Stars
For the completionists out there, Mario Tennis Fever boasts the largest roster in series history with 38 playable characters. While the usual suspects like Mario, Peach, and Bowser are present and look better than ever thanks to the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, the internet has already fallen in love (or terror) with the newcomers.
- Baby Waluigi: Making his official debut, this “Tricky” archetype infant has already become a fan favorite for his mischievous animations and surprisingly high defensive reach.
- New Additions: For the first time, fans can play as Nabbit, Goomba, and Baby Wario, each bringing a fresh playstyle to the court.
Exploring Adventure Mode and Trial Towers
If you’re playing solo, the Adventure Mode provides a bizarre but entertaining story. The premise? A curse has transformed the main cast into babies, and they must “re-learn” the art of tennis to defeat monsters on a remote island. While the campaign is a bit short – clocking in at around 4 to 5 hours – it serves as an excellent tutorial for the game’s more complex mechanics.
For those who want a steeper challenge, the Trial Towers mode offers a rogue-lite experience where you climb floor by floor, facing randomized opponents and court gimmicks. One floor might have you playing in a lightning storm, while the next tasks you with defeating an invisible Boo.
Is Mario Tennis Fever Worth It?
While the Mario Tennis Fever release date has only just passed, the consensus is clear: this is a must-have for local multiplayer. The game runs at a crisp 60fps, and the level of detail on character models—down to the fabric textures on Luigi’s cap – shows off the power of the new hardware.
Some may find the “Fever” mechanics a bit too chaotic for serious competitive play, but thankfully, Nintendo has included a “Classic Mode” that strips away the gadgets and hazards for those who prefer a pure game of skill.
