Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. It's beautifully constructed, funny, and exciting. It is simply jam-packed with the joy of gaming.
  2. If you're a hard-core tennis sim fan, then Mario Tennis: Power Tour might be a bit too cartoonish, mainly because of the over-the-top, unrealistic power shots. Otherwise, casual fans could enjoy this handheld-perfect title.
  3. Except for the mildly annoying audio elements and certain segments of the story mode bogging down in too much uninteresting dialogue, Mario Tennis: Power Tour really is a game you have to nitpick at in order to find any weaknesses -- nothing about the title stands out as being a serious problem whatsoever, it's that great.
  4. Its deep RPG mode and over-the-top game mechanics are perfect for gamers who are willing to try something different in the world of tennis.
  5. AceGamez
    90
    Except for the mildly annoying audio elements and certain segments of the story mode getting bogged down with too much uninteresting dialogue, Mario Tennis: Power Tour really is a game you have to nitpick at in order to find any weaknesses.
  6. 90
    It's the best representation of the sport on the handheld, and it offers up the same amount of depth and playability.
  7. One of those great Nintendo games that takes a somewhat interesting sport and makes it one seriously engrossing game well worth the purchase price.
  8. A rousing tennis game for the Game Boy Advance that's thick with bells and whistles in every regard.
  9. Play Magazine
    85
    The game is surprisingly close it its bigger brother, with the same addictive charge shots and simple, satisfying play. [Nov p.100]
  10. The simple, pick-up-and-play aesthetic that Nintendo oozes from its sweaty pores will soon have you thwacking the balls around the court like Roger Federer on Sunny D.
  11. 80
    Storming through the Power Tour mode in singles and doubles is an entertaining ride, and there's plenty of replay value with the multitude of unlocked minigames and characters.
  12. 80
    A perfect example of how to bring a fleshed-out console sport onto a handheld, and all of the seemingly frivolous extras only help to enhance the experience when you're tired of battling the A.I.
  13. Game Informer
    78
    Power Tour is a solid title, but it's not as tight as Bjorn Borg's headband. [Dec 2005, p.190]
  14. The bulk of the gameplay in Power Tour comes from its RPG narrative, and sadly, it's fairly average at best. Most people won't even pay attention to much of the dialog, no matter how good and funny it it--and if you do decide to read it, there really are a lot of sparks of humor to be found in it.
  15. Despite the fairly deep single-player mode, the fact remains that in some ways, this title isn't as deep as its companion game "Mario Golf: Advance Tour."
  16. Nintendo Power
    70
    While Mario Tennis is by all means a decent game, it lacks the flair that would make you want to play it over and over again. [Jan 2006, p.108]
  17. Computer-controlled opponents offer a solid challenge and matches are often tense and exciting.
  18. Ew, they put RPG in my tennis... [Jan 2006, p.135]
  19. It's not that the story mode isn't deep or won't provide you with a good time if you've never experienced anything like it, but for those of us who have, it's about as dry as an overcooked piece of chicken.
  20. 60
    But the actual tennis is excellent and the various mini games are lots of fun, so if you absolutely love the Mario Tennis series and/or have a few friends that also own this game (because each player needs a copy), it's a decent purchase.
  21. The game tries to do too many things rather than focus on perfecting a single facet of the gameplay, and as a result Mario Tennis: Power Tour just misses the mark and ends up serving up a shallow, forgettable game.

Awards & Rankings

8
8
#8 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
15
#15 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 43
  2. Negative: 2 out of 43
  1. Jun 12, 2012
    10
    I don't like tennis, but this game was great. Playing matches was so much fun and kept me satisfied for a while. It isn't all about theI don't like tennis, but this game was great. Playing matches was so much fun and kept me satisfied for a while. It isn't all about the matches though, the characters are neat, and the machines are challenging and never left me bored. I beat the game doing doubles, and it wasn't too short, but I then realized I wasn't halfway done when I still had to do singles. This game is incredibly fun, and belongs in your gba library. Full Review »
  2. Jun 22, 2018
    9
    NOTE: This review is based on the Wii U Virtual Console version.

    I'm surprised how well this game holds up today. A fantastic tennis game
    NOTE: This review is based on the Wii U Virtual Console version.

    I'm surprised how well this game holds up today. A fantastic tennis game with many playable characters, as well as a story mode with RPG elements. It's an absolute bargain for the price they're selling it for.
    Full Review »
  3. Aug 1, 2016
    9
    This game is kinda strange and isn't like any mario tennis games and the game has a story? Well Power Tennis did have an okay and simple storyThis game is kinda strange and isn't like any mario tennis games and the game has a story? Well Power Tennis did have an okay and simple story but Power Tour has a weird story but the gameplay is fun and addicting. Full Review »