Super Mario Party Jamboree is the biggest and boldest entry in the Mario Party franchise to date—and that’s saying something for a series that’s been going strong since 1998. Released on October 17, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch, Jamboree packs in a staggering 112 minigames, seven vibrant boards, and a robust lineup of 22 playable characters—including newcomers like Pauline and Ninji. It even includes online Tag Match mode, which was recently improved with the Version 1.1.1 update to fix bugs in Minigame Bay.
Critics and fans alike have called Jamboree the new gold standard for Mario Party. IGN’s Logan Plant even called it “an amazing follow-up to Mario Party Superstars and easily one of the best games in the series.” And that sentiment is echoed across the fanbase, with the game becoming the highest-rated Mario Party title on Metacritic.
But let’s be real: no matter how many minigames you throw in, the boards are the heart of any Mario Party game. They determine the strategy, the chaos, and the fun. Now that we’ve had time to play through all seven boards—including the newly added Motion Island and Party-Planner Trek—we’re ranking every board in Super Mario Party Jamboree from worst to best.
7. Mario’s Rainbow Castle
Despite its charming name and low difficulty rating, Mario’s Rainbow Castle feels like the most underwhelming board in the lineup. It’s small, predictable, and heavily reliant on a gimmick that wears thin fast. The Impostor Bowser constantly swapping places with the real Star Dealer makes it frustrating in a way that doesn’t feel strategic—just unfair. This board is a nostalgic nod to the original Mario Party, but it lacks the depth and dynamism players expect in 2025.
6. Goomba Lagoon
The tide mechanic is either hilariously chaotic or deeply annoying, depending on your luck. When the tide rises, key pathways flood and Goombas reroute your plans, which can lead to some funny sabotage moments—but also wild swings that feel totally out of your control. It’s a bold experiment that lands somewhere between fun and frustrating. Definitely one of the more divisive boards in the game.
5. Mega Wiggler’s Tree Party
This is your classic, middle-of-the-road Mario Party board. It’s got the traditional four-quadrant layout, a few unique events (like Wiggler going on a rampage), and a good balance of RNG and planning. But it doesn’t really wow in the way the higher-ranked boards do. Think of it as the vanilla ice cream of Mario Party boards—it’s fine, it works, but you probably won’t be begging to play it again right away.
4. Western Land
A fan-favorite callback to Mario Party 2, Western Land is full of personality. From the hootenannies that force every player into a saloon standoff, to the train that can send rivals flying back to start, this board is peak Mario Party chaos. The setting is memorable and the mechanics encourage trolling your friends in the most hilarious ways. It doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly why it works.
3. Roll ‘Em Raceway
This board is pure speed and strategy. Stars are easy to snag thanks to the tight layout, and the multiple item shops and shortcuts make for some of the most fast-paced turns in the game. It’s an excellent choice for competitive players who want to maximize coin gain, use items smartly, and constantly adjust tactics. While it’s one of the simpler maps visually, its balance and replayability are top-tier.
2. King Bowser’s Keep
This board is dense with mechanics, and that’s what makes it so addictive. The vault system adds a layer of planning that rewards map knowledge and timing, while the Bowser Byway—an ever-present threat—keeps everyone on their toes. It’s chaotic in the best way, especially in later turns when players start unlocking vaults and unleashing chain reactions. It’s one of the most intense boards ever in a Mario Party game and a must-play for veterans of the series.
1. Rainbow Galleria
Rainbow Galleria is the crown jewel of Jamboree’s board lineup. It’s sprawling, multi-leveled, and filled with shops, elevators, and moving parts that make each playthrough feel totally different. The sticker and stamp mechanics add a layer of depth that encourages long-term planning while still leaving room for surprise twists. Whether you’re playing with newcomers or Mario Party pros, this board delivers spectacle, strategy, and fun in equal measure.
With Super Mario Party Jamboree, Nintendo has finally found a formula that blends nostalgia with innovation, creating boards that are both chaotic and clever. And while we don’t know what the next Mario Party installment will look like, one thing is clear: Jamboree has raised the bar—and set a new standard for what a party game can be.
Key Takeaways
- Super Mario Party Jamboree received a bug-fixing update to Version 1.1.1 in November 2024, improving the online Tag Match experience.
- The game features over 110 minigames and received additional content with Motion Island and Party-Planner Trek in January 2024.
- Jamboree stands as the largest Mario Party game in the series history for Nintendo Switch, first announced in June 2024.
Game Overview and Features
Super Mario Party Jamboree builds upon the series’ foundation with expanded content, innovative game modes, and enhanced online integration. The game delivers a comprehensive party experience with over 110 minigames and seven distinct game boards.
Core Gameplay and Mechanics
Super Mario Party Jamboree stays true to the classic Mario Party formula while introducing fresh mechanics. Players roll dice and navigate colorful boards, competing to collect the most stars and coins. The game features seven game boards, including five brand-new ones such as Mega Wiggler’s Tree Party.
Each character has unique dice blocks with different number distributions, adding strategy to character selection. The turn-based structure remains, with players taking turns moving across the board, landing on spaces that trigger events, minigames, or opportunities to gain advantages.
The newly added Pro Mode offers a more competitive experience with modified rules that emphasize skill over luck. Board events are more interactive than previous entries, with dynamic changes occurring as the game progresses.
New Minigame Highlights
Super Mario Party Jamboree boasts over 110 minigames across various categories. These include:
- Free-for-All Games: Four-player competitions testing reflexes and coordination
- 2v2 Games: Team-based challenges requiring cooperation
- 1v3 Games: One player against three others in asymmetrical challenges
- Duel Games: Head-to-head competitions for direct competition
Standout minigames include racing on water scooters, rhythm-based cooking challenges, and precision-based target shooting. The game utilizes the Switch’s motion controls, HD rumble, and touchscreen capabilities for immersive gameplay experiences.
Many minigames feature creative uses of the Joy-Con controllers, such as flicking, rotating, or aiming at targets on screen.
Character Roster and Guest Appearances
The game features an expanded roster of playable characters from the Mario universe. Mainstays like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi return alongside less frequent characters like Pauline, who makes her Mario Party debut.
The full roster includes:
- Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy
- Yoshi, Toad, Toadette, Rosalina
- Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong
- Bowser, Bowser Jr., Pauline, Birdo
Each character has unique abilities and special dice blocks that affect gameplay strategy. The game also features guest appearances from other Mario universe characters as board events, minigame hosts, or special interactions.
Jamboree Buddies, a new feature, allows players to recruit helper characters during board play for additional bonuses.
Game Modes and Nintendo Switch Online Integration
Super Mario Party Jamboree offers multiple game modes to accommodate different player preferences:
- Party Mode: The traditional board game experience
- Pro Mode: A competitive variant with more strategic gameplay
- Minigame Mode: Focus solely on minigame competitions
- Jamboree Mode: A new rapid-fire party mode with quick challenges
Nintendo Switch Online integration enables full online multiplayer functionality. Players can enjoy complete board games online with friends or random opponents, a significant improvement over previous entries that had limited online features.
The game supports voice chat through the Nintendo Switch Online app. Online leaderboards track player performance across various modes and minigames, adding a competitive element for dedicated players.
Critical Reception and Community Response
Super Mario Party Jamboree has received mixed to positive reviews from critics and players alike. The game has sparked debate about its balance of nostalgia and innovation, with opinions varying on whether it successfully builds upon the Mario Party legacy.
Media Reviews and Ratings
According to search results, some reviewers consider Super Mario Party Jamboree to be “not only the best Mario Party available on Switch, but also one of the best games ever made in the series.” IGN’s review highlights how “Jamboree surpasses Superstars by introducing five completely new boards (and two returning ones) with strategy-filled mechanics.”
The game has been praised for its substantial content offering. Critics note that it features more boards than previous entries, with seven total maps providing variety for players. The mix of new and returning boards seems to strike a balance that appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans.
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some critics argue that the game “fails to find the fun at almost every step” despite being “the biggest Mario Party game yet.”
Player Feedback and Multiplayer Experience
The community response to Super Mario Party Jamboree emphasizes its strengths as a multiplayer experience. The game preserves the series’ reputation for creating memorable gaming sessions with friends and family, though opinions on its mechanics are divided.
Players appreciate the return to “an older time for Mario Party” while incorporating “new game modes, courses, mini-games, and characters.” This combination of nostalgia and fresh content has resonated with many fans of the series.
The multiplayer aspect remains the core appeal, with local play generating the most positive feedback. Many players find the chaotic nature of matches leads to unpredictable and entertaining outcomes. The game’s accessibility makes it appealing for casual gaming sessions.
Some players have expressed concerns about balance issues and luck-based mechanics that can sometimes overshadow skill. Despite these criticisms, the game continues to be a popular choice for Nintendo Switch owners looking for party games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Super Mario Party Jamboree has generated considerable interest among fans who have specific questions about gameplay, characters, and release details. The new entry in the Mario Party franchise brings several innovations and features worth exploring.
What new characters are included in the Super Mario Party Jamboree roster?
Super Mario Party Jamboree expands its character roster beyond previous iterations. While maintaining series staples like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, the game introduces several new playable characters.
Pauline makes her Mario Party debut, bringing her Mayor outfit from Super Mario Odyssey. Ninji and Nabbit also join the roster, offering unique dice blocks and animations during gameplay.
The full roster now includes over 20 playable characters, making it the largest selection in any Mario Party game to date.
Can you detail the multiplayer features of Super Mario Party Jamboree?
Super Mario Party Jamboree offers robust multiplayer options for both local and online play. According to search results, the game supports online co-op play even with just two players, addressing a common question among players.
Local multiplayer supports up to four players using a single Switch console or through local wireless connection between multiple systems. The online multiplayer requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
A special promotion currently offers a free Nintendo Switch Online code when purchasing the digital version of Super Mario Party Jamboree before March 31, 2025.
What is the release date for Super Mario Party Jamboree?
Super Mario Party Jamboree has already been released for the Nintendo Switch. The game is currently available in both digital and physical formats through the Nintendo eShop and retail stores.
Nintendo continues to support the game with software updates to enhance performance and add new features. A recent update was mentioned in the search results, suggesting ongoing support for the title.
Have any additional modes been introduced in Super Mario Party Jamboree?
Super Mario Party Jamboree introduces several new game modes that enhance the classic Mario Party experience. The Switch recently added a new article titled “Modes Part 1,” suggesting there’s significant new content to explore.
The game features both classic board game modes and new party games that take advantage of the Switch’s unique capabilities. These include motion controls and touch screen functionality in certain mini-games.
Different modes accommodate various play styles, from quick party sessions to more strategic, longer gameplay experiences.
Are there any special editions or DLCs planned for Super Mario Party Jamboree?
Currently, Nintendo offers a special promotion for digital purchases of Super Mario Party Jamboree that includes a free Nintendo Switch Online membership code when purchased before March 31, 2025.
While specific DLC plans haven’t been detailed in the search results, Nintendo has historically supported major first-party titles with post-launch content. The recent updates suggest ongoing development for the game.
Players should keep an eye on official Nintendo announcements for information about potential future content expansions or special editions.
How does Super Mario Party Jamboree improve upon its predecessors?
Super Mario Party Jamboree builds upon previous entries with enhanced graphics, more mini-games, and an expanded character roster. The game takes full advantage of the Nintendo Switch hardware capabilities.
Improvements to online play allow for more seamless multiplayer experiences, addressing limitations from earlier titles. The game includes a mix of brand-new boards and reimagined classics from previous Mario Party games.
The combination of traditional Mario Party elements with innovative new features creates a balance that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
