Mario Tennis : la saga tennis signée Camelot

Mario Tennis: The Tennis Saga by Camelot

1290 mots | Temps de lecture : 6 minute(s)

Since 1995, the Mario Tennis series has transformed the court into a wild playground where smashes, pipes, and Koopa Shells mix and mingle. Developed by Camelot Software Planning, this sports saga has accompanied almost every Nintendo console, alternating between home console and portable versions. It has even given birth to characters that have become cult favorites in the Mario universe.

From its beginnings on the Virtual Boy to Mario Tennis Fever on the Switch 2, here's a complete guide to a series that has made tennis a sport in its own right in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Summary

From Virtual Boy Debuts to N64 Revelation

The series started discreetly with Mario's Tennis, released on the Virtual Boy on July 21, 1995 (Japan). This red and black 3D title primarily served as a showcase for Nintendo's short-lived console.

The real kick-off arrived in 2000 with Mario Tennis on Nintendo 64, developed by Camelot. The game made history for the license: it was the first appearance of Waluigi, designed as Luigi's rival, and the grand return of Princess Daisy and Birdo to the Mario universe. Released in Japan on July 21, 2000, it arrived in Europe on November 3, 2000.

In parallel, a Game Boy Color version (November 2000 in Japan) offered a story mode with RPG-like gameplay mechanics, an originality unique to the portable installments of the era.

Mario Power Tennis and Power Shots

On GameCube, Mario Power Tennis (October 28, 2004, in Japan; February 25, 2005, in Europe) took the series to the next level. Its major innovation: Power Shots, unique to each character.

  • Offensive Shots: spectacular shots that push back or destabilize the opponent (Mario pulls out a hammer, Bowser breathes fire).
  • Defensive Shots: these allow players to return a ball even from a great distance and counter an opponent's offensive shot.

The game also introduced Gimmick Courts, obstacle-filled terrains inspired by Mario universes: ghosts from Luigi's Mansion, conveyor belts from Wario's Factory, etc. In 2009, the title was re-released on Wii under the New Play Control! label. A portable counterpart, Mario Tennis: Power Tour (2005), was released on Game Boy Advance, retaining the RPG story mode.

The HD Era: Open, Ultra Smash, and Chance Shots

With the next generation, Camelot sought to modernize the formula. Mario Tennis Open, released on Nintendo 3DS in 2012, introduced Chance Shots: colored markers appearing on the ground to trigger powerful and varied shots. The game also focused on customization via Miis.

On Wii U, Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash (November 2015 in Europe, January 2016 in Japan) built on these foundations by adding the Ultra Smash, a super powerful smash triggered when the opponent loses balance, and the Mega Mushroom, which enlarges the player. Despite its solid gameplay, the episode is often criticized for being too light on content, with a classic mode allowing bonus mechanics to be deactivated.

Mario Tennis Aces: The Return of Adventure Mode

Released on June 22, 2018, on Nintendo Switch, Mario Tennis Aces truly revitalized the series. It was the first installment since Power Tour to offer a genuine story-driven Adventure mode: Mario, aided by Toad, must rescue his friends possessed by an evil racket named Lucian, through missions and boss battles.

In terms of gameplay, Aces built its depth on several mechanics:

  • Zone Shots: by hitting a star on the ground, players can aim freely across the court in a first-person view.
  • Special Shots, triggered with a full energy gauge.
  • Zone Speed, which slows down time to retrieve difficult balls.

A new strategic element: rackets can break. A racket can withstand three Zone Shots or one Special Shot before breaking, and losing all rackets means a K.O. The launch roster featured 16 characters, including the new Chain Chomp, later expanded by numerous free DLC characters (Koopa Troopa, Blooper, Diddy Kong, Birdo, Pauline, Kamek...).

Mario Tennis Fever: The New Champion on Switch 2

The latest installment, Mario Tennis Fever, was released on February 12, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2. Still developed by Camelot, it boasts one of the largest rosters in the series with 38 playable characters, tying with Mario Tennis: Power Tour.

Its signature mechanic: Fever Rackets. By charging a Fever gauge during rallies, players unleash Fever Shots with varied effects depending on the equipped racket (Ice Racket, Mini Mushroom Racket...). Among the modes offered are the Tournament mode commentated by a Talking Flower, Trial Towers, and a mode with surprise rules incorporating Wonder Effects. Fever thus offers a wide variety of gameplay modes.

The Main Mario Tennis Series Games

Mario Tennis (N64) Nintendo 64 (2000)
Mario Power Tennis GameCube (2004-2005)
Mario Tennis: Power Tour Game Boy Advance (2005)
Mario Tennis Open Nintendo 3DS (2012)
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash Wii U (2015)
Mario Tennis Aces Nintendo Switch (2018)
Mario Tennis Fever Nintendo Switch 2 (2026)

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FAQ

  • What was the first Mario Tennis game?
    The very first was Mario's Tennis, released on Virtual Boy in 1995 (Japan). But it was the Nintendo 64 installment from 2000 that truly launched the modern series by Camelot.
  • Who develops the Mario Tennis series?
    All main installments are developed by the studio Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo. This same studio is also behind the Mario Golf series.
  • Which character first appeared in Mario Tennis?
    Waluigi made his debut in Mario Tennis on Nintendo 64 (2000), designed as Luigi's rival. This installment also marked the return of Daisy and Birdo to the Mario universe.
  • Does Mario Tennis Aces have a story mode?
    Yes. Aces offers a story-driven Adventure mode where Mario and Toad face bosses to free their friends possessed by the evil racket Lucian. It was the first true story mode since Power Tour.
  • What is the latest Mario Tennis game?
    Mario Tennis Fever, released on February 12, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2. It features 38 playable characters (tied with Power Tour for the largest roster in the series) and the new Fever Rackets.
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