Nintendo has revealed that a new version of Mario Tennis will be among the bulging roster of big-name releases planned for Nintendo 3DS in 2012.
The previously unannounced sports game was revealed as being in development for the handheld console at a special event in Japan this week, with the title being the first in the series since Mario Power Tennis appeared on Wii in 2009.
Mario fans can also expect to see a new instalment of the charming Paper Mario role-playing series on the console next year, alongside ghostbusting adventure Luigi's Mansion 2.
Other 2012 releases will include a 3DS edition of popular lifestyle simulation Animal Crossing, which will include new features such as the ability to become the head of a village and personalise it with upgrades and additions.
The long-awaited Kid Icarus: Uprising will also debut next year, with the launch to be marked by a series of 3D Kid Icarus animations on the Nintendo Video service.
Nintendo 3DS has sold one million units in Europe since its March 2011 launch and will soon launch in a new metallic red colour.