As far as reviews go, Mario Tennis Fever is shaping up to be an enjoyable experience. This latest Mario Tennis game sees the iconic Mushroom Kingdom crew return to the court with high-sped, arcade-style tennis. It is packed with various power moves, special shots, and distinct Fever attacks for each character.
Launching on Nintendo Switch 2, it is the perfect blend of accessible controls with deep strategy. However, newcomers often struggle with shot selection and positioning. This guide focuses on the essentials: basic controls, when to use each shot type, and core movement tactics.
Mastering these may take time, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll rally like Mario himself. No matter if you play singles or doubles, nailing the basics converts casual swings into championship volleys.
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Mario Tennis Fever Controls Guide
Mario Tennis Fever uses intuitive Switch controls for Joy-Cons or Pro Controller. All shots must be performed by pressing buttons as the ball approaches. To time your swing, it is better to hold your charge for more speed and power. To aim direction, tilt the Left Stick during swings.
- Topspin: Press A to perform a high-bounce shot with an orange trail. This pushes the opponent back
- Slice: Press Y to perform a fast, low-trajectory shot with a purple trail.
- Lob: Press the A and B buttons to perform a high-arcing shot.
- Drop Shot: Press B then A to perform a short-landing shot (gray trail) near the net.
- Power Topspin: Double-tap A to do a charged topspin with massive knockback. This costs stamina.
- Power Slice: Double-tap B to perform an enhanced defensive slice.
- Power Flat: Double-tap Y for an ultra-fast flat for punishing returns
- Fever Shot: Press X when the fever gauge is full to perform a character and racket-specific attack.
- Star Shot: Press Y when you have a glowing to star to performa a powerful, hard-to-return special.
- Fever Counter: Press X when there’s an incoming Fever Shot to volley before the bounce.
- Move/Aim: Business as usual here. Use the left stick to position your character and tilt while swinging to direct the ball.
- Charge: Press any shot button combination early as the ball approaches to charge your shot for extra power and speed.
When To Use Different Shot Types
The secret to controlling rallies is having a shot variety. Mix different shots to confuse your opponent, and manipulate their position, then attack short; defend to reset.
- Topspin (A or Power Double-Tap A): The central component to your rally. The high bounce forces opponents baseline-ward, restricting their angles. Use deep topspins early to take control or after serves. Power version for more aggressive knockback when centered; however, it drains stamina.
- Slice (B or Power Double-Tap B): The lifeline to your defense. The low bounce and curve buy recovery time during long rallies or vs. power shots. Use under pressure to reset the tempo; perfect after being pushed wide. Power slice tackles strong returns without risking any errors.
- Flat Shot (Y or Power Double-Tap Y): The speed demon for winners. It is low and fast, pushing high-bouncing topspins, lobs, or Star Shots. As it may be risky, avoid as an opener; use it against poor returns or positioned attacks. It is the perfect shot to overpower slow reactors.
- Lob (A + B): A positional disruptor. To buy easy space, lob over net-rushing enemies. However, time after deep shots to force them forward, as it is risky against strong overheads.
- Drop Shot (B then A): The net trapper. Used to drag your opponents back after facing deep topspins. Deadly against baseline campers; feint with topspin motion for deception.
Another tip is that specials like Fever (X) unleash when the gauge fills, hence save them for kill shots. Star Shots (Y on stars) appear randomly throughout the match; grab for immeasurable power. You may think, how to react against specials like Fever; counter them with X volley. Once you have the handle of the basics, check our guide on deeper tips and tricks.
Published: Feb 16, 2026 05:30 pm