Get your rackets ready and stretch those hamstrings, the Mushroom Kingdom is returning to the court. Mario Tennis Fever is the latest entry in Nintendo’s beloved sports franchise, developed once again by the masters at Camelot. This instalment is being hailed as a “return to form,” ditching the overly complex mechanics of Aces in favour of a physics-driven, high-speed experience that emphasizes characters’ unique movement and a brand-new “Fever” momentum system. Mario Tennis Fever looks to be the definitive sports title for the Nintendo Switch 2, so let’s find out everything about its release date, launch times, and more!
Mario Tennis Fever Release Date and Global Times
The first serve happens on February 13, 2026. As is standard for first-party Nintendo titles, the game follows a “midnight local time” rollout for the eShop, meaning players in Australia and Japan will be the first to hit the court.
Here is exactly when you can start playing based on your region:
RegionRelease DateRelease TimeRegionRelease DateRelease TimeJapan (Tokyo)February 13, 202612:00 AM JSTUK / West Europe (London)February 13, 202612:00 AM GMTEast US (New York)February 13, 202612:00 AM ESTWest US (Los Angeles)February 12, 20269:00 PM PSTEast Australia (Sydney)February 13, 202612:00 AM AEDT
Mario Tennis Fever Countdown Clock
If you’re not sure where your time zone fits with the above regions, then check out our handy countdown clock below to see exactly when Mario Tennis Fever releases in your region:
Platforms and Compatibility
As a core first-party franchise, Mario Tennis Fever is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. The game is optimized to run at a locked 60 FPS in both docked and handheld modes. In addition, the game offers special compatibility perks for your Switch controllers:
Pro Controller Support: Highly recommended for competitive play.
Joy-Con Motion Controls Support: The “Swing Mode” returns, allowing players to use the Joy-Con like a real racket for local multiplayer parties.
As before, you can play in singles or doubles. Image via Nintendo
New Gameplay Features: The Fever System
The headline feature this time is the Fever Gauge. Unlike previous games that focused on slow-motion Zone Shots, the Fever Gauge builds as you perform successful rallies and trick shots. When activated, it doesn’t just power up your hits – it alters the court physics for your opponent, making the ball move with unpredictable spin or varying speeds.
The roster features 22 characters at launch, including newcomers like Pauline and King K. Rool. Each character is categorized by playstyle (Power, Technical, Defensive, etc.), but for the first time, you can equip “Racket Charms” to subtly tweak your character’s stats to fit your specific game plan.
All Official Characters in Mario Tennis Fever
The Mario Tennis Fever lineup is officially confirmed to feature 38 playable characters, the largest in the series’ history. The roster includes everyone from Mario Tennis Aces, alongside five brand-new additions making their playable series debut: Goomba, Nabbit, Piranha Plant, Baby Wario, and the internet’s current obsession, Baby Waluigi.
CharacterPlaystyleSeries DebutMarioAll-AroundMario’s TennisLuigiAll-AroundMario’s TennisPeachTechnicalMario’s TennisDaisyAll-AroundMario Tennis (N64)RosalinaTrickyMario Tennis: Ultra SmashPaulineSpeedyMario Tennis AcesWarioPowerfulMario Tennis (N64)WaluigiDefensiveMario Tennis (N64)YoshiSpeedyMario’s TennisToadSpeedyMario’s TennisToadetteTechnicalMario Tennis: Ultra SmashDonkey KongPowerfulMario Tennis (N64)Diddy KongSpeedyMario Power TennisBowserPowerfulMario Tennis (N64)Bowser Jr.TrickyMario Power TennisDry BowserDefensiveMario Tennis OpenBooTrickyMario Tennis (N64)Shy GuyTechnicalMario Tennis (N64)Koopa TroopaSpeedyMario’s TennisParatroopaTechnicalMario Tennis (N64)BirdoAll-AroundMario Tennis (N64)Diddy KongSpeedyMario Power TennisLumaTechnicalMario Tennis OpenKamekTrickyMario Tennis AcesSpikePowerfulMario Tennis AcesChain ChompPowerfulMario Tennis AcesPetey PiranhaPowerfulMario Power TennisBoom BoomDefensiveMario Tennis AcesBlooperTrickyMario Tennis AcesDry BonesTrickyMario Tennis AcesWigglerSpeedyMario Power TennisBaby MarioSpeedyMario Tennis (N64)Baby LuigiPowerNEW (Debut)Baby PeachTechnicalMario Tennis OpenBaby WarioPowerNEW (Debut)Baby WaluigiTrickyNEW (Debut)NabbitSpeedyNEW (Debut)GoombaSpeedyNEW (Debut)Piranha PlantTrickyNEW (Debut)
While characters like King K. Rool have been rumoured by the community, they are currently not part of the launch roster. The five newcomers listed in bold above are the only official additions for the February 13 release.
Mario Tennis Fever Demo: The Open Tournament
Nintendo has confirmed a Global Online Demo Tournament will take place during the weekend of February 6-8, 2026.
Anyone with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription can download the demo client from the eShop. This preview features a limited roster of Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Yoshi. Participation is highly encouraged, as playing at least one match in the demo unlocks the “Classic 64” Mario Outfit for use in the full game. Like previous Camelot demos, your tournament points won’t carry over, but your unlocked cosmetic rewards will.
Pricing and Pre-Order Bonuses
Standard Edition ($69.99): Available both physically and digitally.
Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers: The game is eligible for the 2-for-$99 voucher program, making it an excellent deal for those looking to pick up another Nintendo title later this year.
Physical Bonus: Select retailers are offering a Mario Tennis Racket Joy-Con Attachment for those who pre-order the physical cartridge while supplies last.