Mario Tennis is returning to center court after an eight-year hiatus. Nintendo released a comprehensive overview trailer for Mario Tennis Fever on January 8, showcasing the series’ most ambitious entry yet ahead of its February 12, 2026 launch exclusively on Switch 2. The game packs 38 playable characters, 30 unique Fever Rackets with special abilities, and a quirky Adventure mode where iconic characters get turned into babies.
Power Rackets Transform Traditional Tennis
The defining feature of Mario Tennis Fever revolves around its Fever Racket system, which replaces the Zone Shots from 2018’s Mario Tennis Aces. Each of the 30 rackets offers distinct special effects that activate when players fill their Fever Gauge by maintaining rallies. The Ice Racket creates frozen patches on the opponent’s side of the court, while the Mini Mushroom Racket shrinks rivals. The Shadow Racket spawns a duplicate to play alongside you, effectively creating unexpected angles for shots.
These power-ups drastically change match dynamics compared to previous entries. Players can set parts of the court on fire, spawn enormous enemies to distract opponents, or manipulate court conditions in ways that professional tennis referees would definitely frown upon. The system encourages aggressive play and extended rallies rather than quick points, fundamentally shifting the pace of matches.
Biggest Character Roster Ever
Mario Tennis Fever launches with 38 playable characters at release, marking the largest roster in the franchise’s history spanning back to the Game Boy era. The lineup includes familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom alongside deeper cuts from Mario lore. Most notably, the game introduces Baby Waluigi to official Mario canon for the first time, settling years of fan speculation about whether this variant existed in Nintendo’s universe.
While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed post-launch DLC plans, Kotaku reports that additional characters will likely arrive in the months following release based on the game’s structure. The character variety pairs with the racket customization to create thousands of potential combinations, giving competitive players plenty of options for finding their preferred playstyle.
Adventure Mode and Baby Shenanigans
The single-player Adventure mode delivers a story-driven campaign built around an absurd premise. Mysterious monsters invade a remote island and transform Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Wario, and Waluigi into babies. The pint-sized heroes must re-master their tennis skills through a series of challenges to break the spell and return to normal. Game Informer notes that the mode features individual levels with specific objectives rather than a traditional tournament structure.
This narrative setup provides context for the baby character variants while teaching players the game’s mechanics through increasingly complex scenarios. The lighthearted tone fits Nintendo’s approach to Mario sports titles, prioritizing fun over serious athletic simulation.
Wonder Effects and Talking Flowers
Mario Tennis Fever borrows elements directly from 2023’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder, one of the Switch’s most acclaimed platformers. Wonder Court Matches introduce Wonder Flowers that trigger trippy visual effects and gameplay modifiers mid-match. Courts can transform with surreal animations, obstacles might appear unexpectedly, or physics might temporarily shift in bizarre ways.
The Talking Flower from Super Mario Bros. Wonder returns as a play-by-play commentator for Tournament mode. This anthropomorphic flower delivers running commentary on matches with its characteristic enthusiasm and occasional sass. Mix-It-Up mode expands on the Wonder concept by introducing new rules dynamically as matches progress, keeping players adapting to changing conditions.
Multiplayer Options and Game Share
Local multiplayer supports four players and takes advantage of the Switch 2’s Game Share feature, allowing matches without requiring every participant to own a copy of the game. This accessibility option mirrors features Nintendo introduced with previous first-party titles to lower barriers for group play. Online functionality includes both casual and competitive options through a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Online Rooms offer customizable rule sets for relaxed play with friends, while Ranked Matches pit players against opponents worldwide for competitive standing. The online infrastructure aims to support long-term engagement beyond the single-player content. Trial Towers mode presents various objectives during matches for players seeking structured challenges outside traditional tournaments.
Motion Controls Return
Swing Mode utilizes the Joy-Con 2 controllers’ motion sensing capabilities for physical gameplay. Players can gently swing the controller to execute different shot types, mimicking the motion control experiences from Wii Sports Tennis and subsequent Nintendo sports games. IGN’s coverage suggests this mode provides a more accessible entry point for casual players or family gaming sessions compared to button-based controls.
Traditional control schemes remain available for players preferring standard inputs. The game introduces new defensive maneuvers including slides and dives that expand tactical options beyond the offensive focus of previous Mario Tennis titles. These mechanics add depth for competitive players while maintaining the series’ arcade accessibility.
FAQs
When does Mario Tennis Fever release?
Mario Tennis Fever launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026. The game is available for preorder now at major retailers for $69.99.
Is Mario Tennis Fever coming to the original Nintendo Switch?
No. Mario Tennis Fever is exclusive to Switch 2 and will not release on the original Switch hardware. This marks Nintendo’s strategy of releasing major first-party titles exclusively for its newest console.
How many characters are in Mario Tennis Fever?
The game launches with 38 playable characters, the most in the franchise’s history. Nintendo hasn’t officially announced DLC plans, but additional characters will likely arrive as post-launch content based on industry reporting.
What are Fever Rackets?
Fever Rackets are the core new mechanic replacing Zone Shots from Mario Tennis Aces. There are 30 different rackets, each with unique special effects like freezing the court, shrinking opponents, or creating shadow duplicates. You activate these powers by filling your Fever Gauge through sustained rallies.
Does Mario Tennis Fever have online multiplayer?
Yes. The game includes online functionality with two main modes – Online Rooms for casual play with customizable rules, and Ranked Matches for competitive play. Online features require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Can multiple people play with one copy of the game?
Yes. Mario Tennis Fever supports four-player local multiplayer using the Switch 2’s Game Share feature, which allows matches without everyone needing their own copy. Additional Joy-Con 2 controllers may be required depending on the mode.
Is there a story mode in Mario Tennis Fever?
Yes. Adventure mode features a campaign where mysterious monsters turn Mario, Luigi, Peach, Wario, and Waluigi into babies. Players must complete tennis challenges to help them regain their skills and return to normal. The mode includes individual levels with specific objectives.
Switch 2 Launch Window Heating Up
Mario Tennis Fever arrives during a crucial period for Nintendo’s new hardware. The Switch 2 launched in late 2025, and February represents a key month for building the console’s software library beyond launch titles. Positioning a major Mario sports game just over a month after the January reveal demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to maintaining momentum for the new platform.
The game represents developer Camelot’s return to the Mario Tennis franchise after Mario Tennis Aces sold over 4 million copies on the original Switch. Camelot previously developed beloved entries like Mario Tennis on Nintendo 64 and the Game Boy Advance titles that featured RPG modes. While Fever doesn’t appear to include RPG elements, the robust Adventure mode and extensive character roster signal Camelot’s ambition to create a definitive modern Mario Tennis experience that appeals to both casual players and competitive fans when it launches February 12.