Mario Tennis Fever | Nintendo's Latest Game Gets Mixed Reviews
Edited By
Liam Chen
A fresh wave of excitement surrounds Mario Tennis Fever, but players express dissatisfaction over its pricing and gameplay mechanics following its release. Fans are split as the new installment launches on Nintendo Switch 2 with a mix of reviews hitting gaming forums.
Key Details of the Release
The game was released on February 12, 2025, with an ESRB rating of "Everyone." It supports multiple modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld, and comes with a hefty file size of 7.4 GB. While it offers support for 15 languages, Nintendo's decision to price it at $70 has sparked controversy among fans looking for better value.
Players Weigh In on Gameplay
Commenters on various forums have shared varying opinions about the gameplay. Some argue the game feels sluggish compared to previous titles. "Feels very spongy and like I am not really in control" noted one player. Another user mentioned, "The Fever Rackets are kind of just a pain in the ass while I’m trying to play tennis."
Additionally, criticism focused on the unwanted voiceover by the talking flower, with one user declaring it unbearable during matches:
"It talks EVERY TIME THE BALL IS HIT. JESUS CHRIST."
Luckily, players have the option to disable some features, although frustrations remain high overall.
Grasping the Sentiment: A Mixed Response
Despite the negatives, some appreciate the nostalgia and solid gameplay mechanics. A user stated, "It’s another solid Mario Tennis game," while another claimed the new content exceeds what was available in Mario Tennis Aces. However, many are concerned about long-term engagement, highlighting issues with online modes.
Comment Highlights
High Price Tag: "I want to get it, but not for 70 bucks."
Content Gaps: "It has less content than the Switch version."
Local Play Confusion: "Can they be used that way for a Switch 2 game?"
Key Takeaways
◼️ Mario Tennis Fever scored a 77 on Metacritic and 76 on OpenCritic.
▲ Pricing concerns dominate discussions, with a strong push for game discounts.
⚠️ Gameplay received mixed feedback; some enjoy it while others found it lacking.
While this game has certainly sparked a range of reactions, it remains to be seen how Nintendo will respond to community feedback. As developments continue, players are left wondering if a discount or patch will help smooth out the rough edges.
What’s on the Horizon for Nintendo?
There's a strong chance that Nintendo will address player concerns in the coming months. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that a price drop could be announced, given the backlash regarding the $70 tag. Additionally, there's talk of potential patches to improve the gameplay mechanics and online modes, which might increase player satisfaction and engagement levels. If these changes are implemented, they could turn the narrative around Mario Tennis Fever, encouraging broader adoption and revitalizing the gaming experience.
Past Lessons from the Gaming World
In the gaming universe, a notable parallel can be drawn with No Man's Sky, which faced heavy criticism upon launch in 2016 for unfulfilled promises and gameplay issues. Initially met with disillusionment, the developers committed to fixing the game through a series of extensive updates, ultimately transforming it into a beloved title. This situation mirrors the current fallout from Mario Tennis Fever, highlighting how dedicated support and engagement from developers can reshape player perceptions and playability over time.