February only has one first-party Nintendo launch, and it’s a big one: Mario Tennis Mania, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Instead of just porting or tweaking 2018’s Mario Tennis Ace for Switch, Nintendo handed development to Camelot Software for a full, ground-up reboot. This isn’t a small upgrade—it’s a full-on racket revolution for the series.
Character Roster
Past Mario sports games often launched light on characters, with most arriving later as DLC. That changes with Mario Tennis Mania. The game launches with 38 playable characters, the biggest roster in series history.
Baby Mario, Baby Peach, and Baby Luigi all make a comeback. You’ll also find Nabbit, Goomba, and Baby Wario unlockable right in the base game. It’s a generous lineup that feels complete from day one.
Graphics & Performance on Switch 2
Visually, Mario Tennis Mania shines on Switch 2. The game outputs at a higher resolution with sharper textures, richer background details, and more lively NPCs around the courts. Character models are drastically improved too—especially in CG cutscenes, where facial expressions feel expressive and polished.
It’s easily the best-looking Mario Tennis title ever, and it runs smooth on Nintendo’s new hardware.
Unlockable Characters & Rackets
Characters are split into six categories: All-Around, Technical, Trick, Speed, Power, and Defensive. Each has unique stats in speed, power, control, and spin, with tight balancing so no single type dominates.
20 characters start locked, unlocked by playing matches. Of the 30 rackets, 24 are also unlockable through play—similar to the progression style in Super Smash Bros. It gives you a fun reason to keep coming back.
Game Modes
Content is where Mario Tennis Mania really delivers. The mode list covers every playstyle:
- Adventure Mode (single-player)
- Trial Tower (1–2 players)
- Tournament (1–2 players)
- Mix Games (1–4 players)
- Swing Mode (1–4 players)
Whether you’re grinding solo or playing party games with friends, it’s perfect for casual sessions and competitive matches alike. Great for holiday gatherings or solo gaming sessions.
Course Count (The Only Weak Spot)
If there’s one letdown, it’s the number of base courts. Mario Tennis Mania only has 7 unique courts at launch. That feels thin for a full-priced release.
To soften the issue, Nintendo added variations: grass, hard, clay surfaces, plus wood, brick, mushroom, and ice-themed layouts. These variants push the playable court types into the teens, but the core selection still feels small.
Final Verdict
Mario Tennis Mania is a fantastic first-party standout for 2026 and the first real major Mario sports blockbuster on Switch 2. Tight controls, a huge roster, and sharp visuals prove Nintendo still dominates the sports genre.
Pros
- Stunning graphics optimized for Switch 2
- Massive base roster & tons of rackets
- Packed, varied game modes for solo & group play
Cons
– Too few unique base courts
If you own a Switch 2 and love arcade sports games, this is an easy must-own.
