Mario Tennis Fever (Nintendo Switch 2) Review: A Next-Gen Ace

Mario Tennis Fever Serves Up a Next-Gen Ace on Switch 2

As Lead Tech Analyst here at In Game News, I’ve seen my fair share of sports titles from the Mushroom Kingdom. From Kart to Golf, Mario and his crew have always brought a unique, often chaotic, flavor to traditional sports. The latest volley in this long-running series, Mario Tennis Fever, arrives exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, carrying the weighty expectation of being Mario’s first dedicated sports outing for the console. After sinking our time into countless matches, we can confidently say that Fever delivers a powerful smash, accommodating both the purists and those who crave pure, unadulterated Mario mayhem.

For over 30 years, Mario has been hitting the courts, starting way back with the Virtual Boy's *Mario’s Tennis* in 1995. This legacy has forged a wonderfully divisive fanbase; some crave the strategic depth of a true tennis sim, while others live for the zany, Mario-esque gimmicks that turn a match on its head. Our take? Mario Tennis Fever masterfully caters to both camps, ensuring that no player feels left out, a genuine quality of life improvement for the series.

The Fever Rackets: A Gimmick That Works

The centerpiece of Mario Tennis Fever’s new gameplay loop is undoubtedly the introduction of Fever Rackets. This isn't just a cosmetic change; there are 30 unique rackets to uncover, each packing a distinct special power. We saw everything from the frustratingly effective Banana Racket, Fire Bar Racket, and Mud Racket, which temporarily pepper the court with obstacles, to the more player-friendly Star Racket, Swerve Racket, and Golden Dash Racket, which offer offensive or defensive advantages.

Executing these special shots is remarkably fluid. As you play, a Fever gauge fills, and with a simple press of the X button, you unleash your racket’s power. Crucially, this system doesn't bog down the match flow. Instead, it feels like a natural enhancement, adding a layer of strategic depth without disrupting the pace. What truly impressed us was the counterplay potential: quick-thinking players can return an incoming Fever Shot before it bounces, turning the tables on their opponent. This mechanic acts as a brilliant equalizer, allowing newer players to stay competitive and fostering longer, more intense matches even against seasoned veterans. It effectively raises the skill ceiling for those looking to master it, while giving newcomers a fighting chance.

For those who lean towards a more traditional tennis experience, the developers included a fantastic option: Fever Rackets can be switched off entirely in most modes. This commitment to player choice means you won't be subjected to tornadoes or Pokeys on your court if you prefer to focus on pure skill and tactics. Tennis, after all, is a game of strategy, much like a chess match, and Fever understands that. On the flip side, if you're a fan of the chaos and struggle to pick just one racket, certain modes allow you to equip two per game, letting you mix up your loadout for varied playstyles.

An Expanded Roster and Visual Grand Slam

Variety is the spice of life, and Mario Tennis Fever delivers in spades with its massive roster of 38 characters – the largest in series history. Taking a page from *Mario Kart World*’s expanded cast, we were delighted to see unlikely contenders like Goomba, Chain Chomp, and Nabbit stepping onto the court. Frankly, seeing a Goomba wielding a tennis racket in its mouth is peak Mario absurdity and, for us, captures the very essence of the series’ charm. The entertaining pre-match cutscenes, introducing each player, add another layer of polish and personality.

Characters are neatly categorized into six distinct types: All-Around, Technical, Speedy, Tricky, Powerful, and Defensive. This encourages players to experiment and find their perfect main, adding replay value as you unlock new characters. Fever truly excels at providing a constant drip-feed of new content, much like its Kart cousins. After a certain number of matches, you're rewarded with a new racket, character, or court, providing continuous incentive to keep playing and exploring the meta.

Visually, Mario Tennis Fever is a stunning showcase for the Nintendo Switch 2. Our testing revealed zero slowdown and virtually non-existent load times, a testament to the console's power and the optimization from the development team. While it might not redefine visual boundaries at first glance, everything on screen is lush and detailed. Character outfits boast lovely textures, and the cut scenes and close-ups truly stand out, making each match feel like a high-stakes event.

Modes for Every Player

Mario Tennis Fever is packed with modes, offering ample content for both solo players and those looking for competitive or casual multiplayer fun. The Adventure Mode is your classic story experience, following Baby Mario on a quest to reverse an accidental "babification." What could have been a tedious tutorial instead serves as an engaging introduction to core mechanics, complete with training sequences, minigames, and even boss fights. We clocked it at around 5 hours for completion, a respectable length for a sports title’s story.

For a different challenge, the Tournament Tower pits one or two players against ten escalating challenges. With only three hearts (lives) per run, losing three matches means starting over, adding a roguelike element to the progression. Challenges like scoring points through on-court hoops or dodging specific return shots keep things fresh and surprisingly tricky, making it a solid addition for solo players looking to test their skills.

Beyond these, you’ll find Free Play, Mix It Up, Swing Mode, Ranked Match, and Online Room. The sheer customization options ensure that almost everyone will find a preferred way to experience the game. Crucially, the online modes are top-notch. We experienced no noticeable lag and had no issues finding opponents, which is a major win for any competitive title. Our only gripe, and this is purely personal, is that our ranking suffered dramatically against real-life players – clearly, the CPU had been going easy on us!

The Verdict: A Championship Season

Whether your preference leans towards a pure, tactical tennis experience or a riotous, gimmick-filled slugfest, Mario Tennis Fever unequivocally has you covered. It's a game that genuinely understands its audience and delivers on multiple fronts.

Mario Tennis Fever is a terrific entry in this long-running series. It adds a new gimmick that doesn’t distract from the game yet balances the playing field. Plus, you can turn it off if it’s not for you. With plenty of multiplayer modes and a decent solo adventure, this is a title that will satisfy even the most disgruntled of Mario Sports fans.

This is one title that our team, and our families, will continue to enjoy for a long time. Nintendo has truly served up a game-changer for the Switch 2, reminding us why Mario Tennis remains a beloved franchise. An 8.5 is a strong score, reflecting a well-executed, feature-rich package that delivers on its promises.