There are eight installments in the Mario Tennis series, disregarding ports and game compilations. There are many different views on the various games in this series. Some people debate between the original and the N64 version or the version for the GameCube, and so on. But several major aspects need to be taken into consideration here.
For example, you must consider the matters of game depth, RPG features, and gameplay mechanics. This guide will focus on these and other reasonings to rank every Mario Tennis game from worst to best in an ascending order.
8. Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash (Wii U, 2015)
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash has the lowest ranking due to its lack of content and rushed quality. Its bare-bones gameplay modes simply don’t offer the depth of the RPG tournaments of the previous titles. There is only one court to play on, and the player roster has shrunk from over 18 characters in previous games to only 16 characters in Ultra Smash.
There are also Mega Mushrooms, which affect the game flow, as well as the ability to locate and hit the ball. Of course, you’ll still have fun with it for a little bit when playing solo, but the online experience is mostly dying out now that most players are no longer playing.
7. Mario Tennis Fever (Switch 2, 2026)
Mario Tennis Fever has a whole set of hit-or-miss combinations of fun with chaos and a lack of solo experiences. The Fever Rackets in this game provide some really entertaining multiplayer party mode, while using 38 characters and over 30 rackets, though the Adventure Mode provides very little in the form of a tutorial experience, estimated at only four hours.
To put it bluntly, the game ultimately lacks depth in comparison to many of the classic title’s previous releases by having mechanics that are pretty much floaty, offering significantly imbalanced power for the rackets, and having many of the same modes as previous versions being far too repetitive.
6. Mario Tennis Open (3DS, 2012)
Mario Tennis Open is not nearly as hyped as other Mario Tennis games and is certainly in the category of lower tier installments. Some of the aspects of this title that you’d be happy with are the Chance Circle shots, the various minigames, the StreetPass capabilities, gyroscopic controls, and finally, the multiplayer.
But the biggest problem with this game is that it doesn’t feel like you’re playing a full tennis match. At the same time, the game has drawbacks, such as no RPG storyline, and the tournament structures and general content are weak. Also, there are issues with lags, and online play is very basic without leaderboards or doubles.
5. Mario’s Tennis (Virtual Boy, 1995)
Mario’s Tennis earns its spot for innovation in the incredible 3D demo, which showed what the system was able to accomplish versus the simple portable experience of the GBC. The first game in the series not only featured tight controls, catchy music, and skill-based AI that worked well for great short bursts, but also started the entire franchise.
But it wasn’t without its flaws, such as the lack of multiplayer, when the planned link cable was canceled, the very small roster, and short tournaments. Plus, the problems with eye strain and repetitive gameplay were major reasons for not having the longevity of GBC’s Transfer Pak and the campaign.
4. Mario Tennis Aces (Switch, 2018)
Mario Tennis Aces offers refined, deep mechanics, such as energy system and trick shots, that add so much fun to the gameplay, along with the largest character roster, awesome presentation, and fantastic multiplayer.
Compared to Ultra Smash, it’s a much better and polished experience, but not as good as the classic Mario Tennis games. It lacks the RPG depth of Power Tour, and the court is gimmicky. Also, the Adventure Mode can seem very grindy and, honestly, difficult at times, when starting out of the gate.
3. Mario Tennis (N64, Game Boy Color, 2000)
Mario Tennis for N64 is the absolute best example of top-notch arcade gameplay. It has smooth controls, a balance of receiving and power shots, and multiplayer that formed the foundation for the rest of the series.
The Exhibition mode is incredibly fun too, and provides limitless fun. However, its single-player gameplay experience pales in comparison to the storyline and progression of Power Tour. On top of that, you’ll find that the Game Boy Color version of the game is very much simplified in comparison to the N64 version.
2. Mario Power Tennis (GameCube, 2004)
With all the content available, including a plethora of game modes, tournament, minigames, hazardous courts, power shots, and up to four-player support in multiplayer mode, Mario Power Tennis is among the best in the franchise.
The only thing that players have reported is some minor interruptions during gameplay, such as power animations, which generally disappointed people with how they feel while playing. However, what can be said for sure is that the replayability of Mario Power Tennis is unbeatable.
1. Mario Tennis: Power Tour (Game Boy Advance, 2005)
With over 20 hours of role-playing depth, Mario Tennis: Power Tour has no equal in the series. Here, you play as a student at a tennis academy working your way from Junior A-D, Senior A-D, to Varsity and through an Island Open against Mario, Peach, and Bowser.
Here, you can level up your stats through experience gained from matches and minigames. You can also level your doubles partner independently of yourself. It also provides more solo fun and has better overall designs than the Nintendo 64 version, which lacks a story. But both titles are widely regarded as the best portable tennis games of all time.