Release: 1986
Genre: Sport
Developer: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Tennis takes on a new court
The Tennis (FamicomBox kiosk version) brought Nintendo’s classic sports title to hotels, stores, and other public venues. Released in 1986 for the FamicomBox and its NES counterpart, this version was functionally the same as the home release but designed for use in the rental and demonstration system. Players could experience fast-paced tennis action without needing to own the cartridge themselves.
Classic rally action
With simple yet engaging gameplay, Tennis put players on the court against AI opponents of increasing difficulty. Mario himself made a cameo as the umpire, overseeing the match with his usual charm. The game’s intuitive controls, smooth animation, and competitive edge made it a fun and accessible sports title, whether played casually or for a challenge.
A unique piece of Nintendo history
While the FamicomBox version of Tennis remained the same at its core, its limited distribution makes it a notable piece of Nintendo’s history. These kiosk-exclusive versions were used to introduce new audiences to games, making them an interesting collectible today. For fans of retro Nintendo and sports games alike, this remains a nostalgic look back at a time when Mario was just as likely to be found on the sidelines as on an adventure.