Mario’s Tennis

Virtual tennis with a Mario twist

Mario’s Tennis brought the fun of tennis to the Virtual Boy in a colourful and unique way. Released in 1995, the game featured Mario and other characters from the Mario universe competing in tennis matches. Unlike more traditional tennis games, Mario’s Tennis had a quirky Mario-style charm, with characters using special moves and power-ups to gain an advantage. Players could choose from characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and more, each with their own stats and abilities, making for a fun and strategic experience.

Leveraging the Virtual Boy’s 3D technology

The game made full use of the Virtual Boy’s stereoscopic 3D graphics to create a more immersive experience. The 3D perspective added a sense of depth to the court, making it feel like players were really hitting balls back and forth in three-dimensional space. Though the red-and-black colour scheme of the Virtual Boy might not be for everyone, it worked surprisingly well in this tennis game, helping to give it a unique look and feel compared to other sports games of the time.

A forgotten gem for Virtual Boy fans

Mario’s Tennis was one of the standout launch titles for the Virtual Boy, and though the system’s short lifespan limited its audience, it still holds a special place for collectors. The game’s fun and accessible mechanics, along with the addition of the Mario characters, made it a memorable part of the Virtual Boy’s library. While not as complex as other sports games, Mario’s Tennis remains a charming and nostalgic piece of Nintendo’s history for those who are willing to dive into the Virtual Boy’s unique offerings.