MARIO TENNIS ACES

Switch You don’t need us to tell you that Mario is a staggeringly multi-talented chap. In the Switch’s first year, we’ve already seen the Mushroom Kingdom’s moustachioed MVP hop into a go-kart, shoot mutant Rabbids in the face, and perform all manner of complicated acrobatics with a magic hat. In fact, Mario’s been so busy he’s neglected his many sporting interests. Enter Mario Tennis Aces.

As well as being the first tennis-focused entry in the franchise since 2015’s Ultra

Smash on the Wii U, this is the first notable tennis game of any kind in yonks, so there’s pressure on the plumber to deliver. The good news is, while recent Mario sports titles have underwhelmed, we’re optimistic about Aces.

For a start, it’s getting a story mode. The last time we had one of them was in

Mario Tennis on the Game Boy Advance. We’re not holding out for a narrative that could rival The Last of Us, but throwing missions and boss battles into the mix could make for more intense tennis contests. Just imagine that final Bowser showdown.

Sports games are always best in multiplayer too, and the Switch is fast becoming the console of choice for that format. If your after-work

Mario Kart 8 tournaments are becoming too predictable, this could be the game to redress the balance. Federer vs Nadal has nothing on a clash between Toad and Yoshi.