The game is known for being the introduction of Luigi's arch-rival, Waluigi, and the re-introduction of Princess Daisy and Birdo.

Camelot also developed a Game Boy Color (GBC) version, which was published under the same title in Western regions and as Mario Tennis GB in Japan.

Shots are performed by pressing one, or both, of the two main buttons (A or B), which make the ball spin in different ways.

The GBC version also features multiple mini-games, such as controlling Donkey Kong to hit banana targets on a wall within a time limit.

Notably, the character Waluigi makes his first appearance in this game, having been created to give Wario a doubles partner.

Linking the two games also unlocks Yoshi, Wario, Waluigi, Bowser, and their respective mini-games in the GBC version; completing these mini-games and connecting the two games again will in turn unlock up to six new tennis courts in the N64 version.

[1][2] All Transfer Pak functionality was removed from subsequent digital re-releases of both games, though the additional characters and minigames are unlocked by default in the Nintendo Switch Online release of the GBC version.

[2] At Nintendo's suggestion, Princess Daisy was brought back from obscurity after having only ever appeared in Super Mario Land and NES Open Tournament Golf in order to give Luigi a doubles partner like Mario had Peach.

[23][28] The Nintendo 64 version received "universal acclaim" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.

[40] Dutch magazine Power Unlimited gave the N64 version a score of 9.1 out of 10, calling it very addictive, especially with four players.