Tennis
| Details | |
|---|---|
| First game | Wii Sports |
| Latest game | Nintendo Switch Sports |
| Other game(s) | Wii Sports Club |
| Number of players | 1-4 |
| Peripherals needed | None |
| Real-world equivalent | Tennis |
Tennis is one of five sports in Wii Sports and Wii Sports Club, and one of seven in Nintendo Switch Sports. The object of the game is to use the racket to hit the ball over the net and have it bounce more than once on the opposing team's side. The rules are similar to that of real tennis, but simpler.
Gameplay
Wii Sports
To play tennis, the Wii remote is swung as a real tennis racket would be. The timing of the swing, and height of the remote determine the direction ball goes.
Scoring is calculated in a way very similar to real-life tennis, as four points are required to win a game. 0 to 3 point scores are described as "love", 15, 30, and 40, respectively. If both players have three points, the score is called "deuce", and the player who scores next gets the "advantage". In the next serve, if the player with "advantage" scores, they win. If the player without "advantage" scores, the game returns to deuce.
Each round is started by the designated server, who serves the tennis ball for the game. The non-serving team alternates positions between rounds. After every game a new server is chosen from the other team. If the server hits the ball at its peak, it becomes a fastball, which moves extra quickly and generates a white trail behind it.
Both the front and back player can hit the ball at any time, so the front player is very useful, especially in more difficult rounds. The mode can be played with a single game, best of 3, or best of 5. Best of 5 earns the most skill for the players. Each team has a yellow counter which keeps track of their wins.
Players
Tennis is always played in doubles, so CPUs will fill in if spots are left empty. CPUs are selected with skill slightly higher than the player. If two human players are selected, one CPU with a similar skill is set for each of them. Skill ratings only increase in matches against CPUs, and will not change if each side has a human player. The game also allows the same Mii to occupy multiple slots, and players can control all slots at once if they wish. It is also possible for all slots to be CPUs in Wii Sports. The audience consists of randomly-generated Miis, as well as Miis from the Parade.
Wii Sports Club
In Wii Sports Club, Tennis remains largely unchanged from its previous appearance. Most modifications are cosmetic. Notable changes are as listed:
- The scoring system is changed so that each point counts as 1, and 7 points are required to win.
- Matches now require at least one human player, so CPU-only matches are not available.
- The game announcer is different
Nintendo Switch Sports
The rules stay the same as they did in Wii Sports, only that players must control two characters if they are not paired with another human player and it’s not possible to watch CPU games. The game takes place in an indoor court as opposed to outdoors.
Gallery
Wii Sports
The player position selection screen
A single-player game
A 2-player game
The game is started
The player designated as server
A CPU designated as server
The server player swings to hit the ball
The ball bounced twice
The ball is out
The player hits a fastball
The instant replay system in action
The game point screen
The break point screen
The match point screen
The deuce screen
The back team gets the advantage
A match is won
The player wins
The player loses
The player is very sad (so sad)
The win counter
Nintendo Switch Sports
Artwork with players' hands superimposed
- NSS Volleyball Victory Screenshot.jpg
Tennis victory screen
Trivia
- If the 2 button is held during the black screen after the warning in Wii Sports, the game is played on the blue training court instead of the usual green and grassy court.
- The audience is significantly smaller in CPU-only matches in Wii Sports.
- In Nintendo Switch Sports, it is possible to splash the ball into the water in the background.
- In the staff credits of Nintendo Switch Sports, there is a tennis mini-game where the player can hit the ball against the scrolling wall of names. Performing 50 consecutive hits awards the player with the "Staffer" title.
