We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
One thing Nintendo does better than anyone else is creating party titles that get non-gamers into the action. Their latest demonstration of this skill is Mario Tennis Fever, a new game for the Nintendo Switch 2 that puts powered-up racquets (they spell 'em Rackets, which is apt) into the hands of Nintendo's most famous characters for solo and team play.
The new game introduces never-before-seen elements alongside core competitive gameplay.
This isn't Nintendo's first time on the tennis court by any means. Mario Tennis Fever is the latest entry in the Mario Tennis series, and it's clear from the first serve that this isn't your average game of tennis.
Whether you're a series veteran or a newcomer picking up a racket for the first time, the sheer variety of modes and the new "Fever" mechanics make this a standout title for the new hardware.
One Paragraph Review
Mario Tennis Fever is a great pick-up-and-play title for gamers and non-gamers alike. With a record-breaking roster of 38 characters everyone's sure to find a familiar favourite. The introduction of "Fever Rackets" adds unique elemental effects to every match, without undermining the skill required for players to actually get good at the core tennis mechanics. The new HP and KO system add a layer of strategy that might frustrate purists, the inclusion of Classic Rules and a robust Adventure Mode ensures there is something for everyone. Toss in crisp 4K graphics and the innovative GameShare feature, and it's easy to recommend this for anyone looking to grow their team-game library on Nintendo Switch 2.
Pros
- Massive roster of 38 playable characters
- Fever Rackets add incredible variety and strategy
- Supports GameShare for local multiplayer with one copy
Cons
- HP depletion and KO status can feel punishing in tight matches
- Swing Mode takes significant practice to master
- Some unique court effects in Wonder Court can be overly chaotic
Geeking Out Shop
Mario Tennis Fever
Multi-Player Fun
The latest sports title to reunite beloved characters from the Mario franchise is likely a must-have title for every Switch 2 owner. Because of the different modes and the fun of co-cop play (locally and online) the replay factor on this title is through the roof. Mario Tennis Fever adds just enoug "new" while maintaining the core mechanics of what makes Mario Tennis games great.
Story/Premise
In Mario Tennis Fever, players enroll in the prestigious Tennis Academy. They hone their skills and rise through the ranks. The Adventure Mode serves as the heart of the single-player experience, guiding you through the fundamentals of different shot types while throwing increasingly difficult challenges your way.
As you progress through the academy, you'll play matches in a variety of fantastical and traditional surroundings from the Forest Court and a Pinball-themed arena, to more traditional courts where spectators cheer on your skills.
Along the way, you'll face off against tennis bosses, including Petey Piranha and King Hisstocrat, who use their own "Fever" abilities (more on that in a sec) to block your path to the top.
The goal is to graduate from the academy and prove you have what it takes to handle the most powerful rackets in the Mushroom Kingdom. It's a lighthearted journey that does a great job of preparing you for the intense competition of online ranked matches. But easy enough to skip so you can jump into local co-op play without feeling lost.
Details
Fever Rackets and Shots
The biggest addition to the game is the Fever Racket system. There are 30 different rackets to collect, each with its own special "Fever Shot." As you build your Fever Gauge during a rally, you can unleash special attack shots and returns like the Flame Shot to burn the court or the Shadow Racket to make your opponents see double (this is probably the coolest move since the shadow player can also return the ball). It's up to you to keep an eye on that guage and figure out when to use it during a match.
A Massive Roster
With 38 characters, this is the largest roster in Mario Tennis history. Fans will be happy to see newcomers like Goomba, Nabbit, and Baby Waluigi joining the fray. Each character has unique stats for speed, power, control, and spin, allowing you to find the perfect pairing for your preferred Fever Racket. Or just pick your favourite player and vibe check the Fever Racket from the selection screen.
Innovative Modes and 4K Visuals
The game takes full advantage of the Switch 2 hardware, offering fast-paced sports action in 4K resolution when docked.
Beyond the standard singles and doubles matches, the game has additional creative modes once you're done with the Academy:
- Wonder Court: Collect Wonder Seeds to trigger unpredictable, game-changing events…sometimes those game-changing events undermine your skill, so go into this mode with a little more whimsy than competition mindset.
- Pinball Match: Trigger flashy effects in a high-speed, arcade-style arena. Overall super fun!
- Trial Towers: Take on a series of increasingly difficult challenges to reach the top of the tower. Fine for solo play if you're looking for something a little more difficult than the standard academy (best once you've mastered the basics).
Mario Tennis Fever - What we liked most
- Strategic Depth: The HP system means you can't just spam power shots; you have to manage your movement speed and avoid taking too much damage from Fever Shots.
- Visual Fidelity: The 4K upgrade makes the Mushroom Kingdom look great (when docked)
- Accessibility: Between the Adventure Mode tutorials and the option to play with Classic Rules (no Fever Rackets), the game is fun for a whole swath of skill levels.
There's a lot of great things about this game. It's instantly fun. Feels familiar, with just enough "new" (thanks to those Fever Rackets) to feel pleasantly different.
Mario Tennis Fever - What we didn't like
- KO Status: Falling into KO status after losing all your HP leaves you vulnerable for several seconds, which can feel like a death sentence in competitive play.
- Chaos Factor: Some of the special courts, particularly the Wonder Court, can become so chaotic that it's difficult to keep track of the ball.
- Motion Controls: I was initially really excited about swinging the Joy-Con 2s around (reliving the Wii heyday), but I didn't really clue in that I would need an extra set of Joy-Con 2s for 4-player play (obvious now, but this is actually the first game I even thought to play with 4 players since getting Switch 2). So just make sure you have at least 2 sets of Joy-Cons for your Switch 2 so everyone can enjoy.
With some slight exceptions related to certain courts, overall I found that the new mechanics of the Fever Rackets or the wild elements of some courts didn't undermine the need to have basic fundamental skills of the game.
It's not like someone could be losing terribly and magically get an unbeatable Fever Racket. Button mashing isn't going to be enough to keep you competitive. For me this is something I like, for others, maybe they'll want something that allows for even the weakest of players to have a competitive advantage.
The Bottom Line Is Mario Tennis Fever Worth It?
If you are looking for a definitive sports experience to kick off your time with the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Tennis Fever is an absolute no-brainer. It's fast, it's beautiful, and it offers enough content to keep you swinging for a long time.
Geeking Out Shop
Mario Tennis Fever
Multi-Player Fun
Mario Tennis Fever is the ultimate version of the long-running sports series. With the largest roster to date and the addition of strategic Fever Rackets, it offers a deep and rewarding experience that looks spectacular in 4K on the Switch 2.
Whether you're tackling the bosses in Adventure Mode or climbing the global rankings in Online Play, there is a sense of joy in every match. Nintendo has successfully evolved the formula without losing the "pick-up-and-play" magic that makes these games so special. Grab your Joy-Cons and get ready for the fever!
The best 4-player game for Switch 2 continues to be Mario Kart World Tour. But since that was released, there hasn't been another great option for friends to enjoy local gameplay. And for some, MKW, isn't always beginner friendly when playing against skilled rivals.
With Mario Tennis Fever, newbies, non-gamers, and veterans can all hit the court together and have a blast while doing it!
Read more
5 Easter eggs super fans caught in the Super Mario Galaxy movie trailer
The next major trailer for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie is here - and there's some fun surprises!
Ultimate Gift Guide For Nintendo Switch 2 Fans
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a great library of games and so many fun accessories! This article dives into some great gift options for the Nintendo Switch 2 on your list.
Hades II - Don’t Miss Out On The Switch 2’s Best Roguelike
Hades II builds on the best parts of the original while adding improved game mechanics alongside a new story. It's a great edition for Switch or Switch 2 libraries.
Nintendo Switch Online price increase coming to Canada Aug 1st
The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service is great, but is it great enough you'll pay $6 more dollars per year?