Mario Tennis Aces – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mario Tennis Aces

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2018Sport, Adventure

75%

WISE Score

71%

IGDB

Mario trades overalls for tennis whites in this solid arcade sports game that's wholesome fun but won't blow anyone's mind.

Mario Tennis Aces

game

2018, Sport, Adventure

75%

WISE Score

71%

IGDB

Mario trades overalls for tennis whites in this solid arcade sports game that's wholesome fun but won't blow anyone's mind.

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Where to Play

Nintendo

Screenwise Verdict

Mario Tennis Aces is exactly what it says on the box: a competent, polished tennis game starring Mario characters. It's not going to change anyone's life, but it's genuinely wholesome entertainment with surprising strategic depth.

The safety profile is excellent—online multiplayer without chat is the sweet spot for competitive play without toxicity, and the complete lack of microtransactions is refreshing in 2018 (and beyond). The story mode is a nice touch that elevates it above a basic sports sim.

That said, it's still tennis. If your kid isn't into sports games or doesn't care about Mario, this will gather digital dust. The IGDB rating of 71 tells the story: solid, fun, but not exceptional. It's a great choice for families who want clean competitive gaming, but don't expect it to spark deep conversations about life or unlock hidden creative genius. Sometimes a good game of tennis is just a good game of tennis.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-14. Younger kids can enjoy the colorful characters and simple rally mechanics, while older elementary and middle schoolers will appreciate the competitive depth and strategic elements. Teens might find it a bit young unless they're Nintendo superfans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic Nintendo wholesomeness with friendly competition between beloved Mario characters. No toxic behavior, appropriate cartoon sportsmanship, and colorful, upbeat presentation. The tennis setting naturally models turn-taking and fair play, though competitive mechanics can get intense during rallies.

Imaginative

It's tennis with Mario characters—fun but not particularly imaginative. The story mode adds some adventure flavor with boss battles and missions, which is creative for a sports game, but ultimately you're still hitting a ball back and forth. Limited room for creative expression beyond mastering shot techniques.

Safe

Very safe overall. Users can interact online but there's no chat functionality. No in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no predatory monetization. It's a complete game you buy once. Online play is straightforward competitive tennis without toxic communication channels. Cartoon action is limited to tennis moves and special shots.

Enriching

Teaches timing, hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and reading opponent behavior. The story mode adds problem-solving through varied challenges. Decent skill-building for reflexes and spatial awareness, but it's fundamentally an arcade sports game—entertaining and mildly educational rather than deeply enriching. IGDB rating of 71 suggests solid but not exceptional gameplay.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Pure Nintendo wholesomeness—colorful, friendly, and free of the toxicity that plagues many online games
Actually teaches legitimate skills: timing, reflexes, reading opponents, and strategic shot placement
Story mode adds variety beyond just playing tennis matches, with missions and boss battles keeping things interesting
No predatory monetization—buy it once, own the whole game, no surprise charges
Safe online play without chat means kids can compete globally without exposure to trash talk

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What to Watch For

Competitive online play can frustrate younger kids who aren't quick enough to keep up with experienced players
The skill ceiling is surprisingly high—mastering zone shots and special moves takes real practice
It's still fundamentally just tennis with Mario characters, so if your kid isn't into sports games, this won't convert them

Conversation Starters

"Which character's special move is the most fun to use? Why do you think the developers gave them that particular power?"
"When you're losing a match, what strategies do you try? How do you decide when to play it safe versus go for a risky shot?"
"Have you noticed patterns in how the computer opponents play? What tells you what shot they're about to use?"
"If you could add any Nintendo character to this game, who would it be and what would their special tennis move look like?"

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