Mario Tennis Aces

Mario Tennis Aces is an upcoming sports game in the Mario Tennis series for Nintendo Switch set to release in 2018. It is the eighth installment in the series and will be the first Mario Tennis series game since Mario Tennis: Power Tour on the Game Boy Advance to feature a Story Mode. The game was first announced via a Nintendo Direct Mini presentation on January 11, 2018 (EST).

Gameplay
The base gameplay appears similar to that of Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash, featuring different types of shots. Characters have an energy gauge that can be used to perform Zone Shots, Zone Speed, or Special Shots. The energy gauge can be increased by simple rallies or by performing Trick Shots, which require proper timing to hit the ball back. Zone Shots can be performed upon reaching a star icon on the ground, and allow the player to aim their shot anywhere on the court using motion controls. The longer they take to aim, the more energy it depletes. Zone Speed allows the player to slow down time to allow them to reach a far-off shot in time. Special Shots are performed like Zone Shots, but require a full energy gauge. Some shots, such as the Ultra Smash, Zone Shots, and Special Shots, are able to damage rackets. Rackets can withstand three Zone Shots or one Special Shot before breaking, and after being broken they are replaced with a new one, forcing the player to retire when they no longer have any usable racket. With proper stroke timing, the shot can be blocked, increasing the character's energy gauge and protecting their racket from damage. Unlike Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash, there will be a left-handed option for characters.

Other than the base style of gameplay, the game will also include a "simple rules" mode which excludes the new types of shots, as well as "Swing Mode", which allows the player to use motion controls to swing their racket, similarly to. Online multiplayer is also supported for up to four players (friends or other players) as well as for online tournaments. Participating in these can provide the player with participation prizes, including special in-game outfits or additional playable characters.

The game also features a story mode set on an island, which includes various challenges for the player to complete.

Playable

 * Mario - All-Around
 * Luigi - All-Around
 * Peach - Technical
 * Toad - Speedy
 * Bowser - Powerful
 * Daisy - All-Around
 * Rosalina - Tricky
 * Yoshi - Speedy
 * Wario - Powerful
 * Waluigi - Defensive
 * Donkey Kong - Powerful
 * Bowser Jr. - Defensive
 * Toadette - Technical
 * Boo - Tricky
 * Chain Chomp (new) - Powerful
 * Koopa Troopa (obtainable through online tournament)

Bosses

 * Petey Piranha

Non-playable characters

 * Piranha Plants
 * Lakitus
 * Biddybuds
 * Toads
 * Yoshis
 * Little Birds
 * Rabbits
 * Fire Piranha Plants
 * Munchers
 * Piranha Creepers
 * Ant Troopers
 * Conkdors
 * Dry Bones

Audience members

 * Shy Guys
 * Koopa Troopas
 * Koopa Paratroopas
 * Hammer Bros
 * Sledge Bros
 * Goombas
 * Paragoombas
 * Penguins
 * Stone Spikes

Unknown

 * Lumas

Courts

 * Mario Stadium (Hard, Clay, Grass)
 * Bask Ruins (a court set in desert ruins)
 * A court set in a forest
 * A court set in ruins filled with Piranha Plants
 * A court set in a snowy plaza

References to other games

 * Mario Power Tennis: The sound Chain Chomp makes is reused from this game.
 * Mario Party 6: Mario's artwork from this game is reused on one of the large banners.
 * Super Mario 3D World: Several enemies from this title appear in the background of the courts, such as Piranha Creepers and Conkdors.
 * Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash: The stadium court bears a striking resemblance to the stadium found in this game. Character models and voice clips are reused from this game.