Nintendo has officially announced the inclusion of Baby Waluigi in the upcoming release of Mario Tennis Fever, set to launch on February 12, 2024. The announcement was made during a new overview video, confirming that the toddler version of Waluigi will be part of the playable roster, which boasts a total of 38 characters from the beloved Mario franchise. This addition marks a significant milestone for the character, who has often been overshadowed by more prominent figures in the Mario universe.
Baby Waluigi’s introduction is particularly notable as it connects to the long history of baby versions of Mario characters, dating back over 30 years. The initial baby characters, Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, were first seen in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. Waluigi himself entered the Mario canon five years later with the original Mario Tennis for the Nintendo 64, where he was designed as Wario’s doubles partner. With the arrival of Mario Tennis Fever, Waluigi is set to join the ranks of other iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser in their adorable baby forms.
Exciting New Features in Mario Tennis Fever
The excitement surrounding Baby Waluigi is just one aspect of the new game. Nintendo’s overview video also showcased innovative elements aimed at enhancing gameplay. Among these are the newly introduced Fever Rackets, which come with unique abilities. For instance, the Ice Racket transforms sections of the court into a slippery surface, while the Mini Mushroom Racket shrinks opponents to miniature size. The Shadow Racket creates a duplicate of the player, adding a strategic layer to matches.
Other notable features include the Trial Towers mode, where players face a series of challenges, and Mix It Up mode, offering unconventional rules such as the Ring Shot, which requires players to hit balls through rings to score points. Additionally, the Forest Court Match allows players to expand the court by feeding tennis balls to Piranha Plants, adding a whimsical twist to traditional gameplay.
Anticipation Builds for Release
Mario Tennis Fever is developed by Camelot, and the team aims to set this title apart through its diverse features and engaging gameplay mechanics. The game will also include Tournament mode, featuring live commentary from a Talking Flower, and Swing Mode, where players use the Joy-Con controller to execute various shots.
As the launch date approaches, fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience both Baby Waluigi’s debut and the game’s new features. With a release on the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Tennis Fever promises to deliver fresh excitement to long-time players and newcomers alike. Those interested can view the full overview video to explore the game’s features in detail.
As anticipation rises, the gaming community prepares for what could be one of the standout titles of 2024, combining nostalgia with innovative gameplay.
