Nintendo Is Finally Taking Advantage of the Switch 2 With This New Game

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Since the Switch 2 came out, Nintendo hasn’t released many brand new games only for the new console. While Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders were released, major 2025 titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A were also available on the original Switch. Looking ahead to 2026, Nintendo plans to release fewer games on both consoles at the same time. This shift could explain why the first major Nintendo game of the year appears to be a significant improvement.

It’s easy to overlook the improved graphics on the Switch 2 when comparing games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza to their previous versions. Mario Kart World already looked good next to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and I noticed some extra details – like better hairstyles and fur – in the Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the differences aren’t immediately obvious unless you compare the games directly. But after playing Mario Tennis Fever, I think this is the first game that really shows off the Switch 2’s capabilities compared to older titles in the series.

Mario Tennis Fever Brings Next-Level Detail to Mario Characters

I recently got to play an early version of Mario Tennis Fever, and I was expecting a typical, enjoyable Mario sports game. What surprised me most was how good the graphics looked. Considering the Switch has been out for a while, the art style in Mario games hasn’t changed drastically. Even when I saw footage of the first Switch 2 games, the graphics were decent, but not particularly impressive. Mario Tennis Fever, though, really stood out to me in that regard.

Mario, Peach, and the rest of the crew still look familiar, as their overall designs haven’t changed much lately. However, Mario Tennis Fever really stands out when it comes to detail. You can now clearly see textures on things like the rackets and clothes – even the fabric weave on Luigi’s shirt! I was surprised by how much depth and detail the characters’ outfits have, and I was really impressed.

I immediately noticed a significant improvement in the graphics compared to Mario Tennis Aces. I hadn’t played the 2018 game in about five years, and picking up the Switch 2 Pro controller to play Mario Tennis Fever really highlighted how much better the new game looks. It seems like this latest installment has the best graphics we’ve seen in a first-party game on the Switch 2 so far.

The Details in Mario Tennis Fever Could Be Good News for the Next Super Mario

Seeing how much more detailed the Mario characters are now has me really looking forward to the next Super Mario game. While we haven’t heard anything about a follow-up to Super Mario Bros. Wonder yet, it feels certain that one will come out on the Switch 2… eventually.

While the mini-games I tried on the Switch 2 for Meetup at Bellabel Park looked decent, they weren’t as impressive as the brand-new Mario Tennis Fever. It appears that simply updating games for the Switch 2 can only achieve so much compared to games built specifically for the new console, which is exciting news for Nintendo fans.

Currently, we only know about a handful of first-party games that will be exclusive to the Switch 2 this year. However, I anticipate these games will have surprisingly impressive graphics. Titles like Yoshi and the Mysterious Book could showcase some of the best visuals Nintendo has ever created. I’m especially excited to see how the next 3D Super Mario game will look on the new console.

What are your thoughts on the graphics of games for the new Switch 2? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/gaming/list/6-major-rpgs-recently-confirmed-for-switch-2-in-2026-when-you-can-play-them/embed/#

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2026-02-06 23:41