The upcoming launch of Mario Tennis Open is coinciding with the start of summer, warm days and the prospect of taking to the courts in real life. It's also launching at the same time as the USTA SmashZone Mobile Tour, which encourages young people to try the sport; so a doubles team has naturally followed.
The SmashZone tour is a large interactive attraction in the U.S. designed to tour and boost the sport's popularity, and it's now teamed up with Nintendo so that participants will get the opportunity to try the 3DS title between sets. As well as the game touring around the country, Mario and Luigi will also make an appearance at the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, to be held on August 25 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center: full details of the summer plans are in the press release below.
The USTA announced today that Nintendo has signed on as an Official Sponsor of the SmashZone Mobile Tour, the interactive tennis fan attraction which introduces children to tennis in a fun and engaging way. As part of the agreement, Nintendo, the worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, will incorporate video game kiosks into the SmashZone experience throughout the duration of the tour. The partnership will launch at the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, Calif., on May 19 - 20.
This year’s SmashZone Mobile Tour will serve as a launching pad for Mario Tennis Open for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system. Mario Tennis Open, a fun, portable tennis game that can be played in 3D without the need for special glasses, is scheduled for release everywhere on May 20, and this partnership provides an opportunity for an integrated fan experience where audiences can demo the new game.
SmashZone Mobile includes a 53-foot trailer, which anchors four kid-sized tennis courts for youth play. Courts feature games such as Xerox Rally Courts, Esurance Sweet Spot and Target Challenge. The trailer itself, which is handicap accessible, features interactive activities for visitors, including a TENNIS Magazine Green Screen Cover Shoot and touch screen kiosks. The Nintendo video game kiosks will be located in the game room of the trailer. Additionally, Nintendo brand ambassadors will be on site to provide hands-on demonstrations of Mario Tennis Open on the youth tennis courts.
“Video games can serve as a gateway to help get kids interested in real-life sports and activities,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Mario Tennis Open features all their favorite Nintendo characters, and fast-paced tennis action that people will have fun experiencing.”
In addition, Nintendo will be an Official Sponsor of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess, which will be held on August 25 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The sponsorship will enhance fans’ on-site experience by having in-person visits from Mario and Luigi from Mario Tennis Open and product demonstrations on the grounds during the free activity portion of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.
“We are thrilled to welcome industry leader and innovator Nintendo as an official partner,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “Their collaboration and support of the SmashZone Mobile Tour provides a tremendous opportunity to engage thousands of parents and children throughout the country.”
For more information about the SmashZone Mobile Tour and to find out if it is coming to a city near you, check out www.10andundertennis.com.
For more information about Mario Tennis Open for the Nintendo 3DS, please visit http://mariotennisopen.nintendo.com.
Comments 6
This gives me in the mood for some real Tennis.
Hey @LordJumpMad, wanna tennis battle to the death?
Well this sounds interesting maybe I might check it out.
It's a shame that the few (1) review sites that have already reviewed this game have hated it D:
@Kyloctopus
A.. t..tennis ma..match to t..the...DEATH?!
I wonder who'd win the Tennis Tour
Darn, it seems like most of the dates have already passed (including the one at the location closest to me, though it would have been a bit too far to go just to try a game). Hopefully Nintendo releases a demo on the eShop eventually, because I'm still not sold on this game (I like tennis games, but Mario Tennis on the GBA was a bit too unrealistic for my tastes).
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