Mario Tennis Fever Preview: A Racket-Smashing Blast New Mario sports games are a rare treat, typically arriving just once per console generation. That makes the early arrival of Mario Tennis Fever on the Switch 2 particularly exciting. After some hands-on time ahead of its February 12 release, this title is shaping up to be the best entry in the franchise yet. The game builds on the series familiar foundation of topspin, slice, and flat power shots. The major new twist this time is the introduction of Fever Rackets. Similar to selecting karts in Mario Kart, each character can equip a different racket, each with a unique special ability. By rallying the ball, players charge a gauge. Once full, they can unleash a powerful Fever Shot with game-changing effects. For instance, the Fire Racket turns the ball into a fireball that scatters embers across the court. Opponents who get burned lose health, slowing their movement or even knocking them out temporarily in doubles matches. The Pokey Racket summons the giant cactus monster onto the court, obstructing both view and movement. With 38 characters and 30 different Fever Rackets, the customization and strategic possibilities are vast. The most appealing aspect of the Fever Shot mechanic is its built-in counterplay. Unlike some past special moves that felt like automatic points or meter-management battles, Fever Shots can be returned. If an opponent sends a Fever Shot your way, you can volley it back before it bounces, preventing its effect from activating on your side. This creates frantic, chaotic volleys that epitomize the fun of Mario Tennis, but with a more balanced feel. For those seeking a different kind of chaos, the new Wonder Court Matches are a perfect alternative. This mode removes Fever Rackets and instead uses Wonder Seeds from Super Mario Bros. Wonder to dynamically and unpredictably change the rules of the match. Players might need to hit seeds with their shots to trigger wild effects while dodging spike balls or navigating around a parade of Piranha Plants partying on the net. While the preview session did not include access to the Adventure mode, reports suggest it is a deeper and more fleshed-out single-player experience compared to the somewhat thin campaign in Mario Tennis Aces. The game also retains support for motion controls, offering an accessible option for younger players or those who prefer swinging a virtual racket. Multiplayer is well catered for, with support for both online matches, including ranked and unranked play, and local wireless connectivity via LAN. Notably, the Switch 2’s Game Share feature allows players to send the game to nearby consoles, letting friends try Mario Tennis Fever even if they don’t own a copy. For fans of over-the-top, imaginative sports games rather than strict simulations, Mario Tennis Fever is shaping up to be a grand slam. Pre-orders for the $70 title are available now ahead of its launch on February 12.
