Nintendo Finally Delivers: Mario Tennis Returns After 8 Years
American gamers can finally celebrate. After an eight-year drought, Nintendo is bringing back the beloved Mario Tennis franchise with Mario Tennis Fever, set to launch February 12th, 2026 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.
A Winning Formula Returns
This isn't just another rehash. Nintendo is packing 38 playable characters into this arcade-style tennis experience, each with unique power moves that'll shake up the competition. The game features a full story mode loaded with the trademark Nintendo charm that built this company into an American gaming powerhouse.
The last Mario Tennis game, Mario Tennis Aces, proved this franchise has serious staying power. Released in June 2018, it earned Game Award nominations and sold over 4.5 million units by December 2022. That's the kind of American success story built on quality and innovation.
Nintendo's Smart Business Move
Mario remains Nintendo's golden goose, and for good reason. The Italian plumber has been driving console sales since the 1980s, proving that great characters and solid gameplay never go out of style. While competitors chase trends, Nintendo sticks to what works: family-friendly fun that brings people together.
Mario Kart's massive success on Switch proved there's still huge demand for these classic franchises. Now Nintendo is betting Mario Tennis can capture that same magic.
The Waiting Game Pays Off
Sure, fans have been waiting since 2018 for a new Mario Tennis game. But that's how Nintendo operates - they take their time to get it right rather than rushing inferior products to market. It's a business philosophy that's kept them competitive for decades.
The only downside? This is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Original Switch owners will need to upgrade to join the action. But that's progress - new hardware demands new games that push the envelope.
While fans still wait for a new 3D Mario platformer (the last was 2017's Super Mario Odyssey), Mario Tennis Fever proves Nintendo hasn't forgotten about their core franchises. Sometimes the best things are worth waiting for.