Mario Tennis Ultra Smash - launch gameplay and screens

It's a pity tennis video games aren't as frequent as they once were, but Nintendo knows that and starting today Wii U users will be able to enjoy Mario Tennis Ultra Smash, the fifth instalment from the RPG-flavoured arcade sports experts at Camelot Software Planning.

Now, our recent review explains that this title falls short when it comes to content, but also retains great core gameplay and offers some beautiful visuals. Below you'll find four gameplay clips depicting every game mode available (apart from online, as servers will be populated starting today) and a high-quality 1080p screenshot gallery.

Mega Battle Gameplay - Rosalina vs Yoshi

We try the main new mode in Wii U's Mario Tennis, Mega Battle, in which a Mega Mushroom can make a huge difference (and also adds some strategic component).

Classic & Simple Doubles Gameplay - Daisy & Boo vs DK & Mario

In Classic Tennis Mode there's no Mega Mushroom around. Standard means there's still Jump Shots and Chance Shots, but we try Simple, pure tennis, in doubles with Daisy & Boo vs Donkey Kong & Mario.

Knockout Challenge Gameplay - First 6 tiebreaks with Waluigi

In this arcade-like variant you play against every single character, but just tiebreaka and with a random court type. We capture the first 6 face-offs with Waluigi vs Toad, Luigi, Daisy, Yoshi, Wario and Sprixie Princess.

Mega Ball Rally Gameplay - Yoshi vs Toad

This is actually the only minigame available in Wii U's Mario Tennis. The ball is mega-sized, then it gradually shrinks throughout the game. The objective is not to win, but to keep the rally going for as many shots as possible.