Nintendo Switch owners who are anticipating the arrival of "Mario Tennis Aces" won't have to wait long to play it. Nintendo has announced the dates for an early access beta for the hybrid console's exclusive that will allow players to test the single-player and online multiplayer functionality of the game before it arrives in Summer.

Tennis tournament, Mario-style

Nintendo's early access beta titled the "Mario Tennis Tournament" will commence on Friday, June 1 at 8 AM PAC,10 AM EAS, 3 PM UK and Midnight AEST. The beta will end on Sunday, June 3 at 4 PM PAC, 7 PM EAS, Monday, June, 4 and at 9 AM, Midnight UK AEST.

The early access beta will offer both single-player and online multiplayer gameplay to participating players. The playable roster will consist of four characters that include Mario, Peach, Yoshi, and Bowser. However, five additional characters will be unlockable with points accumulated through participation in the tournament and online stages. Nintendo is also offering unlockable content in the form of Mario's dungarees for the main game.

Not your typical 'Mario Tennis'

As mentioned before, players will be able to participate in more than just multiplayer gameplay with "Mario Tennis Aces." The latest installment in the franchise will include a single-player story mode much like the GBA title, "Mario Tennis Power Tour." The single-player mode will consist of stages full of challenges and boss battles.

So far, details for the multiplayer remain somewhat scarce but what was shared is pretty much what many have come to know and love about the franchise.

Players can expect to play as Nintendo's popular characters from several of their franchises and compete on zany courts using a combination of regular smashes and powered up smashes to win.

So far, there are 15 playable characters to choose from but only four will make it into the beta. "Mario Tennis Aces'" multiplayer will also provide both online and on-the-couch multiplayer. There will be online tournaments that will reward players with goodies like unlockable outfits.

A summer release date

"Mario Tennis Aces" is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch later this Summer; June, 22.

Unintentionally, the date was first revealed through a leaked box art for the upcoming game. Originally, the title was scheduled for a spring release, according to its initial announcement made earlier this year by Nintendo but has been pushed back for an undisclosed reason.