Mario Tennis Aces – Review

Mario Tennis Aces is one of favorite 4-players games to play and one of our firsts. We have a collection of over 70 games for our Switch but this one is still one of our favs, here is my review to tell why.

Why Mario Tennis Aces?

Mario Tennis Aces brings fast-paced, arcade-style tennis action to the Nintendo Switch, delivering a vibrant and competitive experience that both newcomers and series veterans can enjoy. It combines classic Mario charm with intense sports gameplay, making it a standout entry in the Mario sports lineup.

The core gameplay of Mario Tennis Aces revolves around strategic shot placement and mastering special moves. The game introduces a dynamic energy gauge that allows players to perform powerful Zone Shots, Zone Speed maneuvers, and Special Shots, adding a layer of strategy beyond simple racket-swinging. The depth of the mechanics keeps matches exciting and engaging, especially in competitive multiplayer settings.

The game’s visuals are bright, colorful, and full of personality. Each character is animated with their own unique flair, from Mario’s confident swings to Waluigi’s dramatic poses. The courts are equally lively, featuring unique themes and environmental hazards that keep matches unpredictable.

Mario Tennis Aces offers a range of modes, including a single-player Adventure Mode, tournament modes, and both local and online multiplayer. While Adventure Mode provides a fun way to learn the game’s mechanics, it feels somewhat short and lacks depth compared to other story-driven sports games. Multiplayer is where the game truly shines, with fast-paced matches that test your reflexes and strategic thinking.

The roster features a diverse cast of Mario favorites, each with distinct playstyles. From power hitters like Bowser to technical pros like Peach, the variety allows players to find a character that suits their preferred playstyle. While the balance is generally well-maintained, some characters’ special moves can feel a bit overpowered, which might frustrate competitive players.

A comparable game to Mario Tennis Aces is Mario Golf: Super Rush. They’re both sports games made to spice up regaluer sports games. David M wrote a post about Mario Golf, check it out here.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 4-players on one Nintendo Switch.

Pros

Fast-paced, dynamic gameplay that keeps matches exciting

Strategic depth with special moves and energy gauge mechanics

Bright, colorful graphics and charming character animations

Diverse roster with unique playstyles

Great for competitive multiplayer, both online and local

Cons

Some character abilities can feel overpowered in competitive settings

Online matchmaking can occasionally be unbalanced

Summary

Overall, Mario Tennis Aces is an energetic, fun, and visually appealing sports game that nails the thrill of tennis while adding the unique twist only Mario can bring. Although the Adventure Mode could use more depth, the multiplayer experience and strategic gameplay mechanics make it a must-have for Switch owners looking for competitive and casual fun alike.