Mario's sport spin-offs are always a hoot, making the announcement of a new Mario Tennis rather exciting.
Nintendo announced during their Digital Event at E3 that a new Mario Tennis is in the works for the Wii U, by the name of Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash. This marks the series' return to consoles with a brand-new entry since 2004 with Mario Power Tennis (notwithstanding the Wii re-release in 2009). There is evidence to suggest that the gameplay in Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash will be more in line with the gimmicks of Mario Power Tennis than the streamlined stylings of Mario Tennis Open. Early footage showed Peach grabbing a Mega Mushroom on the court and continuing play in enlarged form.
It will be some time before it releases this holiday season, but it will be great to have another (possibly more high-stakes) option for tennis on Wii U next to Wii Sports Club.
