Super Mario Party Jamboree Hands-On: Fresh Minigames and Modes Elevate Nintendo Switch Classic

Super Mario Party Jamboree: Reinventing the Classic Formula for Nintendo Switch Nintendo’s beloved Mario Party franchise has been a staple of social gaming since its 1999 debut on Nintendo 64, blending competitive minigames, unpredictable board events, and that special kind of friendly rivalry only Mario Party can deliver.

Now, with Super Mario Party Jamboree set to release worldwide on October 17, 2024, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch via retail and the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo aims to once again energize gatherings with fresh modes, inventive boards, and an expanded player count. Returning to the essence of what makes Mario Party thrive, Super Mario Party Jamboree features seven unique game boards—five brand new and two returning fan favorites.

My hands-on session kicked off on Mega Wiggler’s Tree Party, a board that encapsulates classic Mario Party energy with a new twist: a massive Wiggler at the board’s center.

When activated, this colossal character shuffles across the board, forcing players to rethink their strategies as movement routes are abruptly altered.

Each player’s turn stays true to tradition with dice rolls, item use, and the ever-present minigame after each round. Notably, Jamboree introduces several thoughtful improvements to the formula.

Item options are now more robust, including a new item that allows players to summon a shop at any location, increasing strategic flexibility.

The ally system, first introduced in Super Mario Party, returns with significant changes.

Instead of gathering allies randomly, a character (Daisy, in this demo) now appears during the final five turns.

Players compete in obstacle courses reminiscent of the popular platformer Fall Guys, racing to collect coins.

The victor earns the ally for three turns, gaining special advantages such as discounted shop items and increased event triggers.

However, this ally can be stolen by another player who overtakes them on the board, ensuring the dynamic remains lively and unpredictable. During the session, the classic antics of Mario Party came alive—losing my ally to a rival who soon after stole both my coins and precious Star, sending me tumbling from first to fourth place.

Yet, it’s these dramatic shifts that continue to define the singular joy of Mario Party. Jamboree offers more than traditional board battles.

Themed minigame sets bring creative spins, such as food-focused challenges where players dodge falling sandwiches, stamp cookie cutters with precise timing, and work in pairs to perfectly split steaks.

These brisk competitions provide quick, enjoyable diversions between intense main events. Of the newly introduced modes, Koopathlon stands out.

This unique competition pits up to 20 players against each other in a blend of coin-collecting minigames and an elimination showdown with Bowser.

Each player’s board progress is constantly visible, fostering a competitive, high-energy environment.

Early eliminations during Bowser’s final minigame mean lost ground, increasing tension and replay value. Kaboom Squad offers a cooperative twist for up to eight players who gather bombs and hurl them into a cannon targeting a rampaging Bowser, balancing offensive action with the necessity to dodge his relentless attacks.

Team-based minigames present opportunities to earn valuable items, although success is anything but guaranteed. Based on this initial playtime, Super Mario Party Jamboree is poised to deliver the hallmarks of the series—chaotic board play, eccentric mini-games, and all-important social rivalry—while integrating new modes that meaningfully expand its appeal.

As Nintendo Switch prepares for new single-player adventures like Echoes of Wisdom and Brothership, Jamboree promises to be the go-to party experience for Nintendo fans when it launches globally on October 17, 2024.

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