Mario has seen his share of sporting events.  He raced with Sonic in the Olympics, teed off in Mario Golf, stepped to the plate in Mario Super Sluggers, shot hoops with Moogles in Mario Sports Mix, and much more.  My personal favorite of Mario’s various pastimes has always been his tennis matches.

After a hiatus, Mario is set to yet again step out onto the court with Mario Tennis Open.  In preparation for Mario’s latest game, Nintendo has announced several new features.
The most noteworthy of these new features is also the most expected.  Mario Tennis Open will support online play.  Online play will include cooperative and competitive modes along with monthly leaderboards.  Players will also be able to earn medals from defeated opponents.

Players can also interact indirectly through Streetpass.  Players will be able to exchange Mii data.  Once a player’s data is on your Mii, you can play tennis with a computer controlled version of them in Ring Shot Challenges and Tennis matches.  You can also show off your Mii, which can be customized with items purchased throughout the single player campaign.

In a move that will surprise no one, Nintendo has announced that they will have hidden characters in the game.  Some characters will be unlocked via gameplay, and others will be unlocked with QR codes.  Luma, Baby Mario, and Dry Bowser will be among the game’s unlockable characters.

Last but not least, Nintendo has announced Ink Showdown.  In this mode, players will content with a barrage of ink blasts fired at them from the back of the court.  While players contend with ink, they’ll also have to hit tennis balls away from their opponents.

Mario Tennis will be hitting US shores on May 20th, while European gamers will have to wait until the 25th.  You up for a game?