Nintendo has announced that, this week on the eShop, you can download and play a free-to-play version of Mario Tennis Aces on the Switch with multiplayer functionality. Downloading it will also give you access to a seven day trial of Nintendo Switch Online, meaning you can find out what all that Tetris 99 hubbub is about.
The Mario Tennis Aces trial starts today and lasts for two days until April 28. Playing the demo lets you earn unlocks that carry over into the main game, as well, like a classic overalls costume for Mario. While the game does have a story mode, the demo pretty much keeps things to multiplayer, which is where that handy trial for Switch Online comes in.
Haven’t hit the courts in #MarioTennis Aces? Now is your chance to take advantage with the Mario Tennis Aces: Special Online Demo, which includes a seven-day free trial for #NintendoSwitchOnline! Download now and play from 4/26, 12pm PT – 4/28, 9pm PT. https://t.co/6NWeQFf3UW pic.twitter.com/pbYXHKL1y6
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 25, 2019
It’s rare for Nintendo to experiment with free online demos for a short period of time, but it isn’t entirely unprecedented. They are likely taking influence from things like Steam free weekends and trials for games like Street Fighter V. I wonder if they would ever be convinced to do something like this for, say, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in the future.
Source: Game Informer Mario Tennis Aces Demo Comes With A Free Week Of Switch Online