Mario Tennis Fever full character list (every playable character)
Mario Tennis Fever Character Roster
Mario Tennis Fever boasts a massive roster of 38 playable characters – the largest in the series to date. This full character list includes classic Mushroom Kingdom icons, their rivals, and some surprise newcomers. Below is every playable character in Mario Tennis Fever:
- Mario – All-Around
- Luigi – All-Around
- Peach – Technical
- Daisy – All-Around
- Rosalina – Tricky
- Pauline – Speedy
- Wario – Powerful
- Waluigi – Defensive
- Toad – Speedy
- Toadette – Technical
- Luma – Technical
- Yoshi – Speedy
- Bowser – Powerful
- Bowser Jr. – Tricky
- Donkey Kong – Powerful
- Boo – Tricky
- Shy Guy – Technical
- Koopa Troopa – Speedy
- Kamek – Tricky
- Spike – Powerful
- Diddy Kong – Speedy
- Chain Chomp – Powerful
- Birdo – All-Around
- Koopa Paratroopa – Technical
- Petey Piranha – Powerful
- Piranha Plant – Tricky
- Boom Boom – Defensive
- Blooper – Tricky
- Dry Bowser – Defensive
- Dry Bones – Tricky
- Baby Mario – All-Around
- Baby Luigi – All-Around
- Baby Peach – Technical
- Wiggler – Defensive
- Nabbit – Speedy
- Goomba – All-Around
- Baby Wario – Powerful
- Baby Waluigi – Defensive
Would you like me to look up the specific stats for the “Tricky” characters to see which one has the best curve shots?
This complete roster features every character you can play as in the game, from main heroes and villains to babies and even quirky enemies.
How many characters are in Mario Tennis Fever
Mario Tennis Fever features a total of 38 characters, matching the series’ all-time high. This roster is significantly larger than Mario Tennis Aces, which concluded with 30 characters.
- Starting Roster: 18 characters are available immediately.
- Unlockable Roster: 20 characters must be unlocked through gameplay.
- Variety: The expansive selection offers players numerous playstyles and icons from across the Mario universe.
Mario Tennis Fever character list in character select order
The following list represents the roster as it appears on the in-game character selection screen:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Peach
- Daisy
- Rosalina
- Pauline
- Wario
- Waluigi
- Toad
- Toadette
- Luma
- Yoshi
- Bowser
- Bowser Jr.
- Donkey Kong
- Boo
- Shy Guy
- Koopa Troopa
- Kamek
- Spike
- Diddy Kong
- Chain Chomp
- Birdo
- Koopa Paratroopa
- Petey Piranha
- Piranha Plant
- Boom Boom
- Blooper
- Dry Bowser
- Dry Bones
- Baby Mario
- Baby Luigi
- Baby Peach
- Wiggler
- Nabbit
- Goomba
- Baby Wario
- Baby Waluigi
Would you like me to look up the specific requirements for unlocking the 20 hidden characters?
This is the order the characters appear on the selection screen, reflecting how the game groups and presents the roster (generally grouping related characters together such as the heroes, princesses, villains, minions, babies, etc.).
Mario Tennis Fever Starting Roster vs Unlockable Characters
The game features 38 characters, divided between those available at launch and those requiring effort to access.
- Initial 18 Characters: Available at the start, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, Pauline, Wario, Waluigi, Toad, Toadette, Luma, Yoshi, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Donkey Kong, Boo, Shy Guy, and Koopa Troopa.
- Unlockable 20 Characters: These must be earned through matches, tournaments, or specific challenges, ranging from Diddy Kong to newcomers like Baby Wario and Baby Waluigi.
How to Unlock Every Character in Mario Tennis Fever
Each of the 20 unlockable characters is tied to a specific gameplay milestone:
- Match Count Milestones:
- Kamek: Play 1 Tennis Match
- Spike: Play 5 Tennis Matches
- Diddy Kong: Play 10 Tennis Matches
- Chain Chomp: Play 20 Tennis Matches
- Birdo: Play 30 Tennis Matches
- Koopa Paratroopa: Play 40 Tennis Matches
- Petey Piranha: Play 50 Tennis Matches
- Tournament Cups:
- Baby Mario: Win Mushroom Cup (Singles)
- Baby Luigi: Win Mushroom Cup (Doubles)
- Baby Peach: Win Flower Cup (Singles)
- Nabbit: Win Flower Cup (Doubles)
- Baby Wario: Win Star Cup (Singles)
- Baby Waluigi: Win Star Cup (Doubles)
- Trial Towers (Adventure Mode):
- Boom Boom: Clear the “Tower of Resolve”
- Dry Bowser: Clear the “Tower of Trickery”
- Goomba: Clear the “Tower of Growth”
- Score Challenges (Advanced Difficulty):
- Piranha Plant: Clear the Piranha Plant Challenge
- Blooper: Clear 4P Co-op Ring Shot
- Dry Bones: Clear Auto Tennis
- Wiggler: Clear 2P Co-op Ring Shot
Would you like me to look up strategies for clearing the “Tower of Trickery” to help you unlock Dry Bowser faster?
Unlocking Hidden Characters
Completing the specified requirements will unlock all 20 hidden characters in Mario Tennis Fever. The game rewards exploration across all its modes through both progression and skill-based achievements.
- Natural Progression: Seven characters unlock simply by reaching match count milestones (from 1 to 50 games), regardless of wins.
- Skill-Based Unlocks: Other characters require tournament victories or specific challenge completions.
- Strategy Tip: Players should focus on playing matches and completing initial tournaments first to unlock the bulk of the roster easily.
Mario Tennis Fever Secret Characters and Late-Game Unlocks
The unlockable roster functions as the game’s secret character list. Several characters are considered late-game rewards due to the high difficulty or specific effort required to obtain them:
- Piranha Plant: A hidden character only accessible after completing the Advanced Piranha Plant Challenge; many casual players may overlook this unlock.
- Dry Bowser: A prestigious late-game reward earned by conquering the difficult “Tower of Trickery.”
- Wiggler: This character requires mastering special modes, specifically the co-op Ring Shot challenge on Advanced difficulty.
- Baby Waluigi: Marking his first-ever appearance in the series, this newcomer is a “secret” reward for winning the Star Cup Doubles, the game’s toughest tournament tier.
- Blooper and Dry Bones: These characters are hidden behind Advanced Score Attack completions and optional Score Challenges, making them easy for some players to miss.
Would you like me to look up specific tips for beating the Advanced Piranha Plant Challenge to help you unlock that hidden character?
New Characters and Gameplay Unlocks
Mario Tennis Fever features 14 characters that were not shown in initial trailers and must be discovered through gameplay. These are often considered “secret characters.”
- Earned Content: All secret characters are unlocked exclusively through in-game play; none are tied to paid DLC or online-only events.
- Completion Requirements: To unlock the full roster, players must complete every tournament cup, Trial Tower, and challenge.
- Late-Game Challenges: Skilled-based unlocks like Dry Bowser and Piranha Plant serve as ultimate tests for completionists.
New Characters in Mario Tennis Fever (Series Debuts)
The game introduces six playable characters that have never appeared in a Mario Tennis title before:
- Nabbit: The rabbit from New Super Mario Bros. U makes his series debut.
- Goomba: Joins the roster for the first time, holding a racket in its mouth.
- Piranha Plant: A potted version is playable for the first time in tennis history.
- Baby Luigi: Luigi’s infant self makes his official debut in the series.
- Baby Wario: Marks his first appearance in a home console Mario Tennis game.
- Baby Waluigi: An entirely new character to the Mario franchise, making his grand debut in this title.
Would you like me to look up the specific playstyles and stats for these six newcomers to help you decide which one to unlock first?
Character Roster Novelty and Returns
The expanded roster introduces fresh dynamics to the series through both brand-new debuts and returning favorites.
- New Debuts: The six new additions include Baby Waluigi, a character created specifically for this game and making his first-ever appearance in the Mario franchise. Characters like Nabbit and Piranha Plant also bring unique personalities previously unseen in tennis titles.
- Returning Characters: Several characters reappear after long absences. Wiggler returns for the first time since 2004, while Baby Mario and Baby Peach return for the first time since 2012.
Mario Tennis Fever Character Types Explained
Characters are classified into six distinct playstyles that define their strengths and weaknesses on the court:
- All-Around: Balanced characters like Mario and Luigi with no major weaknesses. They offer moderate speed, power, and control, making them ideal for beginners.
- Power (Powerful): Characters like Bowser and Wario who hit heavy, fast shots to push opponents back. They rely on brute force to end rallies but generally suffer from slower movement.
- Speed (Speedy): Agile characters like Yoshi and Toad who can reach difficult shots and wear down opponents. Their high mobility is offset by weaker shot power.
- Technical (Control): Precision-focused characters like Peach and Shy Guy. They excel at accurate ball placement and spin, aiming for the lines to outsmart opponents rather than overpower them.
- Defensive: Masters of reach and coverage like Waluigi and Boom Boom. They use their large frames to block shots and extend rallies, making up for slower movement with superior positioning.
- Tricky (Spin): A distinct category featuring Rosalina, Boo, and Kamek. They use unpredictable arcs and unexpected bounces to confuse opponents and force timing errors.
Would you like me to compare the specific stats of the All-Around characters to see if Mario or Luigi has a slight edge in speed?
Character Stats and Playstyles
In Mario Tennis Fever, the character select menu displays individual ratings for Speed, Power, Control, and Spin on a 5-point scale. These stats support the broader character type classifications.
- Strategic Planning: Understanding types helps players select a character that matches their strategy and anticipate opponent behavior.
- Type-Based Tactics: Facing a Tricky character requires preparation for curving balls, while playing as a Power character involves dictating the pace with fast shots to prevent Speedy opponents from returning them.
Best Characters in Mario Tennis Fever for Singles
Competitive community discussions have identified several standout characters for 1v1 matches, highlighting specific strengths that define the early meta.
- Power Dominance: Bowser, Wario, and Chain Chomp are highly ranked due to their ability to end rallies quickly with overwhelming serves and strokes.
- Donkey Kong: Frequently cited as a top contender, his combination of power and reach makes him formidable.
- Rosalina: Ranks high as a versatile character who blends well-rounded stats with deceptive spin and power.
- Tricky Specialists: * Blooper: Cited by some as the current #1 singles character because of unpredictable curved shots and sharp angles.
- Boo and Kamek: Their extreme spin can fluster opponents and force errors when used strategically.
- Petey Piranha: Noted for his massive size and strength, allowing him to dominate the net and hit powerful shots.
- Speedy and Balanced Options: * Mario and Yoshi: Remain solid choices but may not dominate at the highest competitive levels.
- Toad and Diddy Kong: Favored for defensive playstyles, though they can struggle to finish points against high-power opponents.
Would you like me to look up the specific 1-5 ratings for Blooper’s spin and speed to see why he is currently considered the top singles pick?
Best Doubles Characters and Synergy in Mario Tennis Fever
In doubles matches, team synergy and complementary abilities are prioritized over individual character strength. Effective teams pair styles that cover each other’s weaknesses.
- Style Mixing: A common strategy pairs a Defensive/Power character at the net with a Speed/Technical partner in the back court. This balances offensive pressure with defensive agility.
- Top Pairings:
- Waluigi + Peach/Daisy: Combines Waluigi’s net coverage with Peach’s precision and sharp angles.
- Bowser + Toad: Toad’s speed compensates for Bowser’s slow movement, allowing Toad to retrieve balls while Bowser finishes points with power.
- Rosalina + Waluigi: Pairs tricky spin with high defensive reach; their height also provides superior protection against lobs.
- Boom Boom + Boo: Utilizes a defensive wall alongside unpredictable curving shots.
- Team Composition: While double-offensive teams (e.g., Bowser and Petey Piranha) can overwhelm opponents, they may struggle against high-retrieval teams. Conversely, double-defensive teams may fail to close points. Most high-tier teams use one of each.
- Roles: Generally, the stronger hitter stays at the front to smash weak returns, while the quicker or more technical player manages the baseline.
- Fever Racket Synergy: Coordinating Fever Racket effects is vital. Teams that create area hazards benefit from having at least one fast character to chase down escape shots.
Summary of the Singles Meta
Early tier lists suggest the singles meta is currently dominated by powerful bruisers and deceptive tricksters.
- Top Choices: Bowser, Wario, Petey Piranha, and Donkey Kong (Power) alongside Rosalina and Blooper (Tricky/Spin) are frequently cited as top-tier.
- The Importance of Skill: Despite the meta, player skill is decisive; a mastered Speed character like Yoshi can outplay slower Power types.
- Style Preference: Aggressive players should favor Power types, while those preferring mind games should choose Technical or Tricky characters.
Would you like me to look up the specific area hazards produced by different Fever Rackets to help you find the best equipment for your doubles team?
Final Insights on Doubles Characters
The most effective doubles characters are those that complement their partner’s attributes. A team that successfully covers all five attributes—Speed, Power, Control, Defense, and Trick—across both players is difficult to defeat.
- Top Defensive/Support Characters: Waluigi, Boom Boom, and Dry Bowser are highly valued for their defense and reach.
- Top Setup Characters: Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and Shy Guy are excellent for support play and creating point-scoring opportunities.
- Synergy Over Tiers: A mid-tier character can become top-tier when paired with a synergistic partner. Success in doubles relies on how characters function as a unit rather than individual rankings.
Mario Tennis Fever Color Variations Explained
Color variations in Mario Tennis Fever are purely cosmetic skins that provide a new look without altering gameplay, stats, or abilities. A blue Yoshi, for example, performs identically to a green Yoshi.
- Limited Availability: Only specific characters that traditionally appear in multiple colors in the Mario universe have these options: Yoshi, Shy Guy, Koopa Troopa, Koopa Paratroopa, and Luma.
- Unlock Method: Unlike previous titles that used limited-time online events, Mario Tennis Fever allows players to earn all color variants offline through specific in-game achievements and criteria.
- Visual Variety: These variants allow players to use classic alternate palettes, such as blue or pink Yoshis, different colored robes for Shy Guys, or changing the default yellow Luma to a blue Luma (Lumalee).
How Many Color Variations are in Mario Tennis Fever
There are 20 unlockable color variations in total, representing the unique skins available beyond each character’s default appearance.
- Yoshi: 7 alternate colors (plus default green).
- Shy Guy: 6 alternate colors (plus default red).
- Koopa Troopa: 3 alternate colors (plus default green).
- Koopa Paratroopa: 3 alternate colors (plus default red).
- Luma: 1 alternate color (blue, plus default yellow).
Would you like me to look up the specific in-game achievements required to unlock all seven of Yoshi’s alternate colors?
Unlocking Color Variations
All 20 alternate color variants in Mario Tennis Fever must be individually unlocked through gameplay. These are not available at the start; players earn them gradually by hitting milestones, such as the number of matches played, or by completing special challenges.
- Notification: The game notifies you when a variation is unlocked, after which it can be chosen in the character select menu.
- Progress Rewards: These variants serve as a side-goal for completionists and a way to display progress. For instance, using a Purple Yoshi demonstrates the completion of a difficult co-op challenge.
- Replay Value: The inclusion of 20 variants provides additional objectives beyond characters and rackets, extending the game’s overall replay value.
Mario Tennis Fever Color Variations List
Only specific characters feature alternate color palettes. Below is the full list of characters with variations and their available colors:
- Yoshi: 7 alternate colors – Blue, Light Blue, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, and Yellow (Default: Green).
- Shy Guy: 6 alternate colors – Blue, Green, Light Blue, Orange, Pink, and Yellow (Default: Red).
- Koopa Troopa: 3 alternate colors – Blue, Red, and Yellow (Default: Green shell).
- Koopa Paratroopa: 3 alternate colors – Blue, Green, and Yellow (Default: Red shell).
- Luma: 1 alternate color – Blue (Lumalee) (Default: Yellow).
Would you like me to find the specific match count milestones required to unlock the different colors for Koopa Troopa and Paratroopa?
Unlocking Color Variations in Mario Tennis Fever
The color variants in Mario Tennis Fever represent classic iterations from the Mario series, such as the multi-colored Yoshis and Shy Guys. Notably, the blue Luma (Lumalee) appears as a cameo from the Mario Galaxy series.
- Limited Roster: Only five characters (Yoshi, Shy Guy, Koopa Troopa, Koopa Paratroopa, and Luma) feature color swaps. Iconic characters like Mario, Peach, and Bowser do not have alternate outfits or colors in the base game.
- Collection Strategy: To collect all 20 variations, players must accumulate match counts and tackle advanced challenges.
How to Unlock All Color Variations in Mario Tennis Fever
Unlocking every color variation involves meeting specific in-game milestones. While some are tied to special modes, most are earned through total matches played across any mode.
- Match Count Milestones:
- Blue Luma (Lumalee): Play 15 tennis matches.
- Blue Yoshi: Play 25 tennis matches.
- Blue Shy Guy: Play 35 tennis matches.
- Blue Koopa Troopa: Play 45 tennis matches.
- Blue Koopa Paratroopa: Play 55 tennis matches.
- Light Blue Yoshi: Play 60 tennis matches.
- Green Shy Guy: Play 65 tennis matches.
- Red Koopa Troopa: Play 70 tennis matches.
- Green Koopa Paratroopa: Play 75 tennis matches.
- Orange Yoshi: Play 80 tennis matches.
- Light Blue Shy Guy: Play 85 tennis matches.
- Yellow Koopa Troopa: Play 90 tennis matches.
- Yellow Koopa Paratroopa: Play 95 tennis matches.
- Orange Shy Guy: Play 100 tennis matches.
Would you like me to look up the specific “advanced challenges” required to unlock the remaining six color variations not listed in the match count milestones?
Unlocking Special Color Variations
Dedicated play is required to complete the color roster, with Shy Guy’s final variant demanding 100 total matches. The remaining six colors are tied to specific game modes or high-performance rankings.
- Special Matches:
- Pink Shy Guy: Play one Ring Shot match (Singles) in the Special Matches menu.
- Yellow Shy Guy: Play one Ring Shot match (Doubles) in the Special Matches menu.
- Score Attack S-Rank Challenges:
- Yellow Yoshi: Achieve an S Rank in the single-player Auto Tennis mode.
- Pink Yoshi: Achieve an S Rank in the 2P Co-op Ring Shot challenge (requires a partner or a second controller).
- Purple Yoshi: Achieve an S Rank in the 4P Co-op Ring Shot. This is a difficult team challenge requiring four-player cooperation.
- Red Yoshi: Achieve an S Rank in the Piranha Plant Challenge, a difficult single-player target-based mode.
Would you like me to look up some tips for achieving an S Rank in the Piranha Plant Challenge to help you unlock Red Yoshi?
Unlocking Color Variations Efficiently
In Mario Tennis Fever, 13 of the 20 color variants are unlocked by playing up to 100 matches, while the remaining 7 require specific modes or high scores. All variants can be earned at the player’s own pace without time-limited or online-only events.
- Optimal Approach: Grind 100 matches first to unlock the majority of colors, including all Koopa and Shy Guy variants plus Blue and Light Blue Yoshi. Subsequently, focus on Score Attack challenges and Ring Shot matches.
- Co-op Strategy: Tasks involving 2P or 4P Ring Shot are easier with friends, though solo players can attempt them by controlling multiple characters.
- Achieving S-Ranks: This is the most difficult requirement; players should practice and use high-stat rackets or strong characters to reach score targets.
Yoshi Color Variations in Mario Tennis Fever
Yoshi features the most unlockable variety, starting with the default green and offering 7 alternate colors.
- Blue Yoshi: Play 25 matches in any mode.
- Light Blue Yoshi: Play 60 matches in any mode.
- Orange Yoshi: Play 80 matches in any mode.
- Pink Yoshi: Achieve an S Rank in Score Attack – 2P Co-op Ring Shot.
- Purple Yoshi: Achieve an S Rank in Score Attack – 4P Co-op Ring Shot.
- Red Yoshi: Achieve an S Rank in Score Attack – Piranha Plant Challenge.
- Yellow Yoshi: Achieve an S Rank in Score Attack – Auto Tennis (a mode where movement is automatic and the player focuses on timing hits).
Would you like me to look up the specific score thresholds required to reach an S Rank in the Auto Tennis mode?
Yoshi Color Summary and Unlocks
Unlocking all Yoshi variants is a significant task due to high-score requirements. While some are time-consuming, others test the player’s skill and coordination.
- Match-Based Unlocks: Blue, Light Blue, and Orange Yoshis are earned by accumulating a high number of total matches.
- Challenge-Based Unlocks: Pink, Purple, Red, and Yellow Yoshis require achieving an S rank in specific Score Attack challenges.
- Rare Variant: Purple Yoshi is considered the rarest color to obtain because it requires coordinating four players or controllers for the 4P Co-op Ring Shot.
- Accessibility: No colors are missable; challenges can be attempted indefinitely. Once unlocked, colors are toggled on the character select screen.
- Series Heritage: These colors reference classic appearances, such as the special Yoshis from Super Mario World.
Shy Guy Color Variations in Mario Tennis Fever
The default red Shy Guy can be customized with 6 additional robe colors. These are earned through match milestones and specific game modes.
- Blue Shy Guy: Unlock after 35 matches played.
- Green Shy Guy: Unlock after 65 matches played.
- Light Blue Shy Guy: Unlock after 85 matches played.
- Orange Shy Guy: Unlock after 100 matches played. This is the final reward for the match-count grind.
- Pink Shy Guy: Play one Singles Ring Shot match in the Special Matches mode.
- Yellow Shy Guy: Play one Doubles Ring Shot match in the Special Matches mode.
Would you like me to look up the specific button command for toggling character variants on the select screen?
Shy Guy Color Summary and Selection
Shy Guy’s wardrobe includes four colors (Blue, Green, Light Blue, and Orange) earned by reaching match milestones of 35, 65, 85, and 100 respectively. Two additional colors (Pink and Yellow) are unlocked simply by playing the Ring Shot minigame in singles and doubles modes once, without a score requirement.
- Requirement: Players must unlock the Special Matches mode via Adventure Mode to access Ring Shot.
- Selection: Once unlocked, players use a toggle on the character select screen to cycle through colors.
- Tradition: These variants reflect the multi-colored Shy Guys seen in titles like Yoshi’s Island and Paper Mario.
- Completion: Orange Shy Guy is the most demanding unlock, requiring 100 total matches.
Koopa Troopa Color Variations in Mario Tennis Fever
The standard Koopa Troopa, which defaults to a green shell and red bandana, has three unlockable shell variations based on traditional Mario platformer colors.
- Blue Koopa Troopa: Unlocks after 45 matches played, providing a blue shell and outfit.
- Red Koopa Troopa: Unlocks after 70 matches played, featuring the classic red shell.
- Yellow Koopa Troopa: Unlocks after 90 matches played, featuring a yellow shell.
Would you like me to find out if these shell color changes affect Koopa Troopa’s AI behavior, such as whether the Red Koopa variant stays on platforms better like in the platforming games?
Koopa Troopa and Paratroopa Color Unlocks
All color variants for Koopa Troopa and Koopa Paratroopa are tied exclusively to match count milestones. There are no special challenges or modes required to earn them.
- Koopa Troopa Unlocks: * Blue Shell: 45 matches.
- Red Shell: 70 matches.
- Yellow Shell: 90 matches.
- Koopa Paratroopa Unlocks:
- Blue Shell: 55 matches.
- Green Shell: 75 matches (a rare variant for the series).
- Yellow Shell: 95 matches.
- Cosmetic Nature: While different shell colors often signify stat changes in other Mario sports titles, these are purely cosmetic in Mario Tennis Fever.
Luma Color Variation (Lumalee)
Luma features a single alternate color, transforming the default yellow Luma into the blue Lumalee from Super Mario Galaxy.
- Unlock Requirement: Play 15 tennis matches.
- Aesthetics: This is one of the earliest available unlocks and serves as a visual nod to the Mario Galaxy shop character.
Optimal Unlock Strategy
To unlock the full roster and all 20 color variations efficiently, follow this roadmap:
- Grind Match Counts: Play short matches (1-game sets or tie-breakers) to reach the 100-match milestone. This will unlock 7 characters and 14 color variants automatically.
- Complete Tournaments: Clear the Mushroom, Flower, and Star Cups in both Singles and Doubles to unlock the “Baby” characters and Nabbit.
- Tackle Skill Challenges Last: Save Trial Towers and Advanced Score Challenges for the end. Use your best characters and high-stat rackets to secure the S-ranks required for the rarest Yoshi colors.
- Use Co-op Efficiency: Play with friends to make the 2P and 4P Ring Shot challenges easier. Additionally, human doubles matches count toward the match total for both players simultaneously.
Achievements and Challenge Summary
Unlocks are categorized by the type of “achievement” required:
- Cumulative Milestones: 13 variations unlock between 15 and 100 total matches played, regardless of outcome or difficulty.
- Participation Rewards: Pink and Yellow Shy Guy unlock simply by playing one match of Ring Shot (Singles and Doubles, respectively) in the Special Matches mode.
- Mastery Rewards: Yellow, Pink, Purple, and Red Yoshi require achieving an S Rank in specific Advanced Score Attack modes (Auto Tennis, Co-op Ring Shot, and Piranha Plant Challenge).
Would you like me to find the specific point thresholds required to earn an S Rank in the Piranha Plant Challenge? see the new character color open up as your prize.
Impact of Color Variations on Gameplay
Color variations in Mario Tennis Fever are purely cosmetic skins and do not change any stats, abilities, or attributes of a character. Each alternate version functions identically to its original counterpart.
- Equal Performance: All versions of a character—such as different colored Yoshis or Shy Guys—possess identical speed, power, and shot stats.
- Fair Play: The game explicitly states these are “fresh looks without changing gameplay,” ensuring that choosing a favorite color does not grant an advantage or sacrifice performance.
- Customization Focus: Unlike some older titles where colors signified different stats, variations in this game are used for personalization, showing off achievements, or differentiating players in matches where the same character is selected.
- Competitive Use: Because they confer no gameplay edge, color variants are typically allowed in competitive and tournament settings as alternate uniforms.
How to Change Character Color in Mario Tennis Fever
Changing a character’s color is a simple process once at least one alternate variant has been unlocked. To switch variants on the character select screen:
- Highlight the Character: Navigate to the character you wish to use (e.g., Yoshi, Shy Guy, Koopa Troopa).
- Confirm Selection: Press the confirmation button (usually A) to place your token on that character.
- Cycle Colors: Press the toggle button (typically X or Y on Nintendo Switch controllers) before the match starts to cycle through all available color variations.
Would you like me to look up if there are any other unlockable cosmetic items, such as different racket designs, that also don’t affect stats?
Character Color Selection Mechanics
To change a character’s color, you must first select the character on the roster. The process follows a specific sequence to ensure the selection is registered:
- Selection and Toggling: After placing your token on a character (e.g., Yoshi) by pressing A, you must press the toggle button (typically X or Y) before starting the match.
- Cycling Options: Each press of the toggle button cycles through your available unlocked colors, such as moving from Green to Blue to Pink and back to the default.
- UI Indicators: The character model or portrait will change color on the screen, and some menus may display a “Press X to change color” prompt or show small icons representing available outfits.
- Controller Configurations: While X/Y are standard, the top or side buttons serve this function when using a single Joy-Con.
- Timing and Limitations: Toggling only works after a character is selected; it will not function if you are merely highlighting them. If you start the match too quickly, you may miss the window to toggle. If a character has no unlocked variants (like Mario), the button will have no effect.
- Practical Use: This feature allows for personalization in any mode and prevents confusion during “mirror matches” where both players choose the same character.
Would you like me to look up a video demonstration of the character select screen to see exactly where these color icons appear?
Mario Tennis Fever version 1.0.1 update and whether it affected unlocks
The version 1.0.1 update for Mario Tennis Fever was a minor Day-One patch that did not alter character or color unlock requirements.
- Purpose of the Update: Official patch notes indicate the update was a polish and stability patch aimed at fixing gameplay issues and ensuring online play compatibility. It did not add new content or change game progression.
- Consistency of Unlock Criteria: All requirements remain the same as the launch version. For example, Dry Bowser still requires clearing the Tower of Trickery, and Blue Yoshi still requires 25 matches.
- Roster and Variants: The update did not introduce any new characters or color variations; the roster remains at 38 characters and 20 color variants.
- Gameplay Improvements: While the patch did not change unlock conditions, it may have improved stability, input responsiveness, or fixed glitches, potentially making certain challenges more stable to complete.
- Compatibility: The same unlock conditions apply to both the updated version and the offline, unpatched version (1.0.0). Players can update without worrying about losing progress or facing new requirements.
Would you like me to summarize the specific requirements for any of the 38 characters to help you finish your roster?
Mario Tennis Fever characters and color variations FAQ
- How many characters are there in Mario Tennis Fever?
There are 38 playable characters in total. This includes 18 characters available from the start and 20 characters that must be unlocked through gameplay. - How many characters do you start with, and who are they?
You start with 18 characters unlocked. The starting roster includes Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, Pauline, Wario, Waluigi, Toad, Toadette, Luma, Yoshi, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Donkey Kong, Boo, Shy Guy, and Koopa Troopa. All other characters beyond those must be earned by meeting unlock conditions. - How do you unlock characters in Mario Tennis Fever?
Characters are unlocked by playing the game and achieving specific milestones. For example, 7 characters unlock just by playing a certain number of matches (1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 matches). Others unlock by winning tournament cups (all the Babies and Nabbit), and the rest unlock by completing Advanced challenges (Trial Towers and Score Attack modes). There are no paywalls or DLC required – just play and complete modes to get them. (See the “How to unlock every character” section above for full details.) - Are there any secret or hidden characters?
The 20 unlockable characters can be considered the “secret” characters, since they aren’t initially accessible. Notable ones often called secret include Dry Bowser, Blooper, Piranha Plant, Wiggler, Baby Waluigi, etc., which you only get via late-game challenges. There are no characters beyond the 38 listed (no cheat-code characters or guest characters) – once you unlock those 20, you have the full roster. - Who are the new characters debuting in Mario Tennis Fever?
Six characters make their Mario Tennis series debut in this game: Nabbit, Goomba, Piranha Plant, Baby Luigi, Baby Wario, and Baby Waluigi. Baby Waluigi is completely new to the Mario universe, introduced in this game. The others have appeared in Mario games before, but never as playable in a tennis title until now. - How many color variations are in the game and which characters have them?
There are 20 color variations in total to unlock. Five characters have alternate colors: Yoshi (7 colors), Shy Guy (6 colors), Koopa Troopa (3), Koopa Paratroopa (3), and Luma (1). Characters like Mario, Luigi, etc., do not have alternate outfits – only the ones listed have color swaps. - How do I unlock the color variations?
Most color variants unlock by reaching certain match counts. For example, Blue Yoshi at 25 matches, Orange Shy Guy at 100 matches, etc. The rest unlock by completing specific challenges: Pink/Yellow Shy Guy by playing Ring Shot modes, and several Yoshi colors (Yellow, Pink, Purple, Red) by getting S-rank in various Score Attack challenges. There’s no online requirement; all can be done offline. (Refer to the sections on each character’s color unlocks for exact requirements.) - Do the different colors or outfits change any stats or skills?
No. Alternate colors are purely cosmetic and have no effect on gameplay attributes. A Blue Shy Guy plays exactly the same as a Red Shy Guy. These variants are just for fun/personalization. - How can I switch to a different color once I’ve unlocked it?
On the character select screen, choose your character, then press the X (or Y) button to cycle through available color variations before confirming. For example, select Yoshi, then press X to toggle between Green, Blue, etc. Make sure you’ve unlocked the colors; if nothing happens, you might not have any alternates for that character yet. - Do I need an internet connection or online events to unlock anything (like in Mario Tennis Aces)?
No, all characters and color variants are unlocked through offline play. Unlike Mario Tennis Aces, which had monthly online tournament rewards, Mario Tennis Fever does not tie unlocks to online events. Everything is achieved via gameplay milestones and challenges in the game itself. The internet is only needed if you want to play online matches, not for unlocking content.
(Bonus Q – If you’re curious: “Will there be DLC characters or more colors added later?” As of now, Nintendo hasn’t announced any DLC. The roster is already huge at 38. It’s possible there could be future updates, but nothing official yet. Keep an eye on Nintendo news if that changes.)
Conclusion
Mario Tennis Fever features a robust roster and a progression system that revitalizes the series. With 38 characters including heroes, villains, and newcomers, the game rewards play through diverse modes like tournaments and co-op challenges rather than a simple grind.
- Unlock System: Characters are earned by playing matches, winning cups, and completing difficult Trial Towers.
- Customization: There are 20 alternate color outfits available for Yoshi, Shy Guy, Koopa Troopa, Koopa Paratroopa, and Luma. These variants provide customization and act as a mark of mastery for difficult content.
- Efficiency Tips: To complete the game 100%, players should focus on match count milestones first, followed by tournament and special challenges.
- Accessibility: All unlocks are permanent, available offline, and feature no stat differences, ensuring a fair playing field regardless of the chosen color.
- Longevity: The roster size and the return of unlockable content are highlights for both casual fans and completionists, offering significant replay value.
In summary, obtaining all characters and color variations requires dedication but adds substantial depth to the game. Every match played brings the player closer to a complete roster and a full array of costume options.
Would you like me to create a summary table of all 20 color variants and their specific requirements so you have a quick reference guide?
Sources and citation
- Super Mario Wiki — Mario Tennis Fever.
- ClutchPoints Gaming — How to Unlock All Characters in Mario Tennis Fever.
- ClutchPoints Gaming — How to Unlock All Color Variations in Mario Tennis Fever.
- Gamereactor — Who are the 14 secret characters in Mario Tennis Fever?.
- GAM3S.gg — Best Mario Tennis Fever Characters Tier List.
- GAM3S.gg — Mario Tennis Fever: How to Unlock Everything.
- Reddit (r/MarioTennis) — Mario Tennis Fever – First Competitive TIER-LIST.
- Reddit (r/MarioTennis) — Is there a meta so far? Any Tier Lists??.
- Nintendo Everything — Mario Tennis Fever 1.0.1 update out now, patch notes.
- My Nintendo News — Mario Tennis Fever Version 1.0.1 now available (patch notes).
- Nintendo Life — Mario Tennis Fever Full Character List: Every Playable Character.
- Official Nintendo — Mario Tennis™ Fever for Nintendo Switch 2 (official game page).
- Nintendo Support — How to Start a Multiplayer Game (Mario Tennis Fever).
- Nintendo Support — How to Use amiibo Figures (Mario Tennis Fever).
- Mario / Nintendo official news — It’s time to hit the court in Mario Tennis Fever!.
- Polygon — Mario Tennis Fever: characters & color variations unlock guide.
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