The Mario Tennis franchise has never quite been my bag. But that looks set to change with Mario Tennis Fever, the latest release in the long-running franchise, set to debut for Nintendo Switch 2 on 12 February 2026.
In a new overview trailer, Nintendo has detailed more about what to expect from this game, highlighting gameplay features and unlockables that should make this franchise entry a bit more than a simple tennis simulator.
Mario Tennis Fever new trailer – quick links
Fever Rackets add style and flash to Mario Tennis Fever
As detailed, this is the biggest Mario Tennis game yet, with a roster of 38 playable characters, and opportunities to customise their gameplay style with 30 special Fever Rackets. Each of these rackets essentially gives your character a new ability. While in standard mode you can topspin, slice, and lob your tennis balls, Fever Rackets add in new, fantastical options like Flame Shot or an ice blast.
There’s Fever Rackets that summon Pokeys to trip your opponents, rackets that summon shadow doubles, and even a Golden Dash Racket that adds super speed to your arsenal.
It should certainly spice up your standard tennis gameplay, adding in elements of wild chance to matches, with visual flair and panache to really keep you on your toes.
Mario Tennis Fever‘s adventure mode continues to tantalise
The other biggest addition to Mario Tennis Fever appears to be the game’s companion Adventure mode, which allows players to freely travel an open map, taking part in story-based tennis quests as Baby Mario.
Based on the new overview trailer, this mode will feature traditional tennis matches, as well as twists on tennis gameplay that transform the game. In one particular segment, we see Baby Mario and Baby Luigi using their tennis skills to fight against towering snake monsters.
In addition to this mysterious story mode, Mario Tennis Fever will also feature an array of other challenge modes to keep the good vibes going.
In Tournament Mode, you’ll compete with players on a win-lose ladder. There’s also Trial Towers that task you with gathering the most points, Ring Shot mode to challenge your accuracy, Forest Court Match where you’ll use your tennis skills to feed Piranha Plants, Pinball Match where you’ll be playing a simulated version of pinball, Racket Factory Match which allows you to unlock various Fever Rackets, and even a Wonder Court Match, where hitting a Wonder Flower will unlock strange effects.
The diversity of modes present makes Mario Tennis Fever one of the more compelling Mario spin-offs, with Nintendo seemingly pulling out all stops to ensure there’s plenty to see and do. Even if you’ve never checked out the Mario sports series, Fever looks well worth your attention so far.
Also on ScreenHub: Xbox Developer Direct featuring Fable, Forza set for late January
Xbox has announced the return of its Developer Direct showcase, with a new iteration landing on 22 January. It’ll feature three major, upcoming titles – Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation – with studios Playground Games and Game Freak guiding new looks at gameplay and ongoing development work.
While all three games are worth watching, Fable is the most anticipated of the bunch. We know this game is set to launch in 2026, after several delays and a truncated development cycle, and it feels likely that release window will narrow, following this showcase. Per Xbox, developers from Playground Games will be on hand to ‘unveil the magic and mischief that awaits players in this fresh new beginning for the franchise’.
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