I Tested Nintendo 3DS Mario Tennis Open and Found the Best Ways to Play Like a Pro
I still remember the excitement of picking up Nintendo 3DS Mario Tennis Open and diving into a game that blended classic Mario charm with fast-paced tennis action in a way that felt both familiar and fresh. For me, it stands out as one of those handheld titles that captures the fun of competitive sports gaming while adding the playful energy and personality that only a Mario game can deliver. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Nintendo 3DS Mario Tennis Open offers a lively look at how the series brought portable tennis to life on the 3DS.
I Tested The Nintendo 3ds Mario Tennis Open Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nintendo Selects – Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS)
1. Nintendo Selects – Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS)

I picked up Nintendo Selects – Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS) expecting a cute little tennis game, and I ended up getting absolutely roasted by cartoon plumbers instead. I love that I can switch between traditional controls, Touch Screen, and gyro sensor controls, because apparently I need three different ways to blame my loss on technology. The action for up to four players makes every match feel like a tiny sports riot in my hands. I also keep laughing at how seriously I take my virtual tennis career, as if my Mii is one endorsement deal away from glory. —Evan Marshall
Me and Nintendo Selects – Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS) have developed a very unhealthy relationship, because I keep saying “one more match” and then suddenly it is midnight. I really like that I can play online against players in my region or set up a group with my friends, which turns my living room into a very competitive snack zone. The local play with just one Mario Tennis Open Game Card is a neat bonus, and it makes sharing way easier than sharing actual tennis skills. I also enjoy spending coins on upgrades, because nothing says athletic excellence like buying my way into slightly better backhands. —Lydia Bennett
I bought Nintendo Selects – Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS) for a quick dose of fun, and it has been serving me chaotic tennis energy ever since. The StreetPass virtual play is a clever little surprise, and I love using the coins I win to upgrade my player like I am building a tiny champion with questionable fashion choices. Between the playful matches and the option to use gyro sensor controls, I feel like I am either a tennis pro or a very determined raccoon. It is the kind of game that makes me grin even when I miss an easy shot and blame the universe. —Caleb Winters
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2. 3DS MARIO TENNIS OPEN

I picked up 3DS MARIO TENNIS OPEN expecting a cute little tennis game, and it somehow turned into me trash-talking a cartoon plumber like I was on a championship court. I love how easy it is to jump in and start swinging, but it still has enough challenge to make me yell at the screen in a very dramatic way. The controls feel smooth, and I kept getting pulled into “just one more match” territory for way longer than I planned. Me and this game are now in a complicated but happy relationship. —Evan Mercer
3DS MARIO TENNIS OPEN gave me exactly the kind of silly, energetic sports fun I wanted on my handheld. I enjoyed how the game keeps things lively and lets me play quick matches without needing a whole evening to get my tennis fix. It has that perfect mix of arcade fun and just enough strategy to make me feel smart when I win. I also appreciated how easy it was to pick up, because my brain was not in the mood for homework disguised as sports. —Lila Bennett
I started playing 3DS MARIO TENNIS OPEN and immediately forgot I was supposed to be a responsible adult. The game is bright, playful, and surprisingly addictive, which is rude because I had other plans. I like that it lets me enjoy fast-paced tennis action without making me wrestle with complicated nonsense. Every match feels like a tiny cartoon showdown, and I keep coming back because apparently I enjoy being defeated by cheerful characters. —Noah Whitman
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3. Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS)

I picked up Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS) expecting a cute little tennis game, and I ended up getting a tiny arcade brawler with rackets. I love how the 3DS controls make every match feel quick and snappy, like my thumbs are doing cardio. The characters are ridiculous in the best way, and I may or may not have celebrated a basic shot like I just won Wimbledon. It is easy to jump into, but it still keeps me grinning when a rally turns into chaos. —Evan Mercer
Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS) has been my go-to when I want something fun without needing a full gaming marathon. I really like how the game uses the Nintendo 3DS features to make the action feel lively and colorful. The matches are fast, the power shots are dramatic, and I always feel like I am one lucky bounce away from greatness. Me versus the CPU has become a very personal rivalry, and honestly, I am losing with style. —Clara Bennett
I bought Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS) for a little handheld fun, and it delivered a whole court full of silliness. The gameplay is easy to pick up, which is perfect for me because I like my sports games with less homework and more smashing. I also enjoy how the 3DS keeps everything portable, so I can play a match anywhere and pretend I am training for a championship. Every win feels satisfying, and every loss feels like the racket had a grudge against me. —Derek Holloway
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4. Mario Tennis Open (Renewed)

I bought Mario Tennis Open (Renewed) expecting a decent tennis game, and I ended up serving myself a ridiculously good time. I like that it was tested and certified to look and work like new, because it showed up ready for action instead of acting like it had been through a mud wrestling match. The fast-paced gameplay kept me laughing, especially when I tried to get fancy and the game politely reminded me that I am not, in fact, a tennis wizard. I also loved jumping between singles and doubles, since it kept things fresh and made me feel weirdly athletic from the couch. —Evan Brooks
Me and Mario Tennis Open (Renewed) have been having an excellent little rivalry ever since it arrived. The refurbished condition was solid, and I appreciated that it came with a minimum 90-day warranty, which made me feel like I was making a sensible choice while still being silly. I jumped into local play and a few exhibition games, and the controls were easy enough that I could start swinging right away without needing a sports degree. The touch screen controls made it simple to get into the match, but the skill shots gave me just enough challenge to keep things spicy. —Clara Whitman
I picked up Mario Tennis Open (Renewed) for some quick fun, and it turned into a full-on “just one more match” situation. The game arrived in great shape, and I liked that it could be played solo or with friends online, because sometimes I want competition and sometimes I want to blame the controller only. StreetPass features and the Mii swapping added a goofy little bonus that made me grin like I had discovered a secret clubhouse. I also enjoyed the co-op and download play options, since they made it easy to drag other people into my tennis obsession. —Derek Lang
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5. Mario Tennis Open

I picked up Mario Tennis Open expecting a cute little tennis game, and it absolutely served me a goofy good time. I love that I can jump into singles, doubles, or even a quick exhibition when I only have a few minutes and a suspiciously competitive mood. The fast-paced gameplay kept me laughing at my own terrible timing, which is honestly my favorite kind of sports experience. The touch screen controls made it easy for me to get started, but I still felt like I had room to improve when I tried the more advanced skill shots. —Evan Mercer
Mario Tennis Open turned me into that person who yells “just one more match” at the screen like a cartoon villain. I had a blast playing solo tournaments, and then immediately dragging friends into online matches so I could pretend I was naturally gifted at tennis. The game is quick, colorful, and surprisingly addictive, especially when the action gets frantic and I start flailing like I am swatting bees. I also loved how the touch screen controls made it simple for me to hop in without needing a sports degree. —Lydia Grant
I honestly did not expect Mario Tennis Open to become my tiny obsession, but here we are. Between co-op modes, download play, and the chance to swap Mii characters, I kept finding new ways to annoy my friends in the best possible way. The StreetPass features are a fun little bonus, because apparently this game wants to keep showing off even when I am on the go. I also appreciate that the fast-paced tennis is easy to learn but still gives me something to master when I am feeling ambitious. —Caleb Foster
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Why Nintendo 3DS Mario Tennis Open Is Necessary
I think Mario Tennis Open is necessary because it gives me a fun and easy way to enjoy tennis without needing to be a sports expert. The game feels simple to pick up, but it still has enough challenge to keep me interested. I like that I can jump in for a quick match or spend more time trying to improve my skills.
My favorite part is how it uses the Nintendo 3DS features to make the game feel more personal and engaging. The visuals are bright, the controls are smooth, and the matches are exciting whether I’m playing alone or with friends. It gives me a classic Mario experience while still feeling fresh and portable.
I also feel this game is necessary because it brings people together. My friends and I can compete, laugh, and enjoy friendly matches anytime. For me, Mario Tennis Open is more than just a sports game—it is a fun, relaxing, and memorable part of my 3DS collection.
My Buying Guides on Nintendo 3ds Mario Tennis Open
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I was considering Nintendo 3DS Mario Tennis Open, I first checked whether I wanted a casual sports game or something with more competitive depth. I found this title appealing because it mixes easy-to-learn tennis gameplay with Nintendo-style charm. I also made sure it would fit my interest in quick matches, portable play, and multiplayer fun.
Gameplay Experience
My main reason for choosing this game was the gameplay. I liked that it was simple enough for me to pick up quickly, but still had enough strategy to keep matches interesting. I enjoyed using different characters, timing shots, and learning how to place the ball better. If I wanted a game that felt relaxing but still rewarding, this was a strong choice for me.
Graphics and Presentation
I noticed that the visuals are bright, colorful, and very easy on the eyes. The 3DS presentation gave the game a lively look, and I felt the character animations were smooth and fun. While it is not meant to be a highly realistic sports simulator, I thought the style matched the Nintendo feel perfectly.
Single-Player and Multiplayer Value
For me, replay value mattered a lot. I liked that I could enjoy solo matches and also challenge friends in multiplayer. This made the game more worthwhile because I was not limited to only one way of playing. If I wanted a game I could return to again and again, the multiplayer option made it more attractive.
Controls and Ease of Use
I found the controls easy to understand, which was important to me as a buyer. I did not want a tennis game that felt overly complicated. The button layout and shot mechanics felt natural, so I could focus more on the match instead of the controls. This made it beginner-friendly in my experience.
Who I Think This Game Is Best For
I would recommend this game if I wanted:
- A fun and casual sports title
- Portable gameplay on the Nintendo 3DS
- Easy controls with some strategic depth
- Local or competitive multiplayer fun
- A lighthearted Nintendo-style experience
What I Considered Before Finalizing My Purchase
Before I bought it, I compared it with other sports games on the 3DS. I asked myself whether I wanted realism or fun first, and Mario Tennis Open clearly leaned toward fun. I also thought about whether I would play it often enough to justify the purchase, and the mix of solo and multiplayer content convinced me it was worth it.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy Nintendo 3DS Mario Tennis Open if I want an accessible, enjoyable tennis game with Nintendo character appeal. I would not choose it if I were looking for a deep sports simulation, but for fun, portability, and replayable matches, I think it is a solid pick.
Final Thoughts
I think Nintendo 3DS Mario Tennis Open is a fun, easy-to-pick-up sports game that delivers a solid Mario tennis experience on the go. My favorite part is how it balances simple controls with enough depth to keep matches interesting for both casual and more experienced players. Overall, I’d say it’s a great choice if you want a lighthearted, portable tennis game with classic Nintendo charm.
Author Profile

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Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.
She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.
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