The sun rises every morning, I eat fries every friday with my parents and everytime I see a game with a steep discount I buy it so it can rest on my backlog. And just like that a new Mario Party game is bound to appear every few years because it’s bounded by tradition. Historically, these releases have relied on familiar formulas, with the main attraction being a fresh batch of mini-games and boards. However, Super Mario Party Jamboree shakes things up, delivering what feels like the most complete Mario Party experience yet.
It might be surprising to realize that Super Mario Party Jamboree is already the third Mario Party installment on the Nintendo Switch. But when you consider that the hybrid console is now in its seventh year (with a successor on arrival), it makes sense. After all, Mario Party games have a tendency to lose their charm once you’ve seen all the mini-games and explored every board a handful of times. That element of surprise—the thrill of uncovering something new—has always been a core part of the fun.
Minigame mix-up
One of the most refreshing aspects of Super Mario Party Jamboree is the impressive variety of mini-games and boards, which hasn’t always been the case in previous titles. In many Mario Party games, mini-games were often designed to highlight a console’s gimmicks—like waving the Wii Remote in Mario Party 8, or having a friend control Bowser with the Wii U GamePad in Mario Party 10. On handheld consoles like the DS, we were busy scratching touchpads to play. When it wasn’t about showcasing technology, we’d often find ourselves playing the same mini-games from earlier editions.
Fortunately, Jamboree proves that Mario Party is more than just gimmicks and nostalgia. It not only streamlines the overall gameplay experience, making it feel faster and more dynamic, but it also introduces an exceptionally well-balanced selection of mini-games. The game’s variety is broader than we’re used to, with each mini-game offering fresh mechanics and creative presentations that keep the experience exciting. Whether you’re playing alone or with friends, you’ll find plenty of surprises in the challenges awaiting you.
Buddy up!
Super Mario Party Jamboree also introduces more variety in the length and triggers for mini-games. One notable example is the return of the Buddy mini-games, where you can gain a temporary partner to help you out. While this mechanic may have been met with mixed feelings by fans in previous titles, Jamboree brings it back with some clever adjustments. These Buddy mini-games are now less overpowered than before, and you must earn your Buddy through a mini-game series with a particular theme. The winner of this series gets a Buddy that can double their earnings for three turns, adding a strategic layer to the game. This not only adds more dynamics but also breaks up any potential monotony in the gameplay. Just make sure you don’t get waluigi’s minigame…
The variety doesn’t stop there. Jamboree also improves the experience with enhanced boards. While there are seven boards in total, two of them are returning from earlier installments, and the game doesn’t force you to revisit every single one. What stands out is the increased attention to the boards’ presentation. They’re more vibrant and detailed than in previous Switch entries, making each round feel more engaging and visually appealing. The extra care given to the design of these boards ensures that even familiar ones offer a fresh feel, helping to keep the game interesting for both new and returning players.
Chaos, chaos and more chaos!
If the variety in mini-games, boards, and playable characters isn’t enough to keep you entertained, Super Mario Party Jamboree also offers plenty of online modes to spice things up. One of the standout features is the new Koopatlon mode, where up to 20 players from around the world compete in a series of chaotic mini-games.
The concept is simple: collect coins in mini-games to reach the finish line first. Each coin you collect translates into a step on the board, so performing well in mini-games gives you a bigger chance to win. Of course, this wouldn’t be a Mario Party game without a little bit of sabotage—using Mario Kart-style items like Stars, Bullet Bills, or Bloopers to slow down your opponents. You’ll earn these items during the 20-player games, which occur every three turns, adding extra chaos and fun to the mix.
For those looking for something a little more experimental, Super Mario Party Jamboree also introduces Bowser Kaboom Squad, a mode where 20 players work together to defeat Bowser by shooting bombs at him. While the concept is interesting, the execution feels a bit underwhelming. The pace of breaking open crates, even with eight online players, lacks the excitement you might expect from a Mario Party mode. Although the mini-games sprinkled throughout the mode offer some fun, the overall pace is a bit too slow to make it a truly impactful addition.
This issue with game speed is something that occasionally affects the base game too. While Jamboree does feel faster overall, some of the animations—such as those for items and in-game events—can become repetitive. After seeing them countless times, the novelty tends to wear off, slowing the pace down just a bit.
For the die-hards
Super Mario Party Jamboree deserves a lot of praise, and one of its most welcome additions is the ability to enable Pro Rules. This option introduces a more competitive edge to the game by reducing the random factors that can sometimes frustrate players. In Pro Rules mode, players can earn just one bonus star, and everyone knows exactly how to earn it, making the game feel more strategic. Additionally, the shop no longer has an unlimited supply of golden pipes, and penalties are clearer—landing on a Bowser space means losing a star, while Boo can steal 15 coins or a star from you.
This mode doesn’t guarantee you’ll win every round against your parents or friends, but it does give you more control over the outcome. No longer can you blame the random bonus stars for an unexpected loss! For those who tend to “lose by accident” more often than they’d like, the Pro Rules mode offers a refreshing change of pace and adds an element of skill and strategy to the game.
At its core, Super Mario Party Jamboree keeps things interesting with a diverse array of mini-games and strategic features like Pro Rules. The game’s lively boards and the new 20-player online modes bring even more excitement and chaos to the table, making it feel more complete than ever before. While some aspects may shine a bit brighter than others, overall, Jamboree does an excellent job of keeping the fun fresh and engaging for all types of players.