Nintendo Switch Super Mario Party Jamboree Review

The new Mario Party game has arrived, bringing fresh excitement to the beloved franchise. Super Mario Party Jamboree offers a mix of classic elements and innovative features, promising to shake up the party game scene. Fans of the series and newcomers alike are eager to see if this latest installment lives up to the hype.

This review dives into the heart of Super Mario Party Jamboree. We'll explore its gameplay mechanics, examine the quality and quantity of minigames, and assess the online multiplayer options. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of whether this game is the ultimate party experience or falls short of expectations.



Super Mario Party Jamboree brings exciting new elements to the beloved franchise, enhancing the gameplay experience for both newcomers and longtime fans. The game introduces innovative mechanics and features that add depth and strategy to the classic party game formula.

Jamboree Buddies System

One of the most significant additions to Super Mario Party Jamboree is the Jamboree Buddies system. These CPU-controlled allies can appear on the game board at random times, offering players the chance to gain powerful advantages. When a Jamboree Buddy appears, players must race to reach them first. The first player to pass by the Buddy initiates a special "Showdown Minigame."


These Showdown Minigames are character-specific, tailored to the personality and traits of the Jamboree Buddy. For example, a minigame featuring Donkey Kong might involve beating bongos to a certain rhythm. The first player to pass by the Buddy gets an advantage in the minigame, such as having the first puzzle room already solved.

Winning a Showdown Minigame grants you the Jamboree Buddy as an ally for three turns. These allies provide unique benefits, such as:

1. Doubling coin rewards
2. Allowing players to obtain two Stars at once (though still requiring 40 coins)
3. Providing special abilities like launching players across the board

The Jamboree Buddies system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game. Players must decide whether to pursue a Star or try to reach a Buddy, knowing that allegiances can quickly change. If another player passes a space occupied by a Jamboree Buddy, they can steal the ally, adding an element of risk and reward to the gameplay.

Pro Rules Option

For players seeking a more skill-based experience, Super Mario Party Jamboree introduces the Pro Rules option. This new ruleset aims to reduce the impact of luck and emphasize strategy, offering a fresh take on the classic Super Mario Party formula.

Key features of the Pro Rules include:

1. Fixed 12-turn games
2. Three potential Bonus Stars, with only one randomly chosen at the end
3. Players choose one of eight items at the start of the game
4. Modified board spaces and mechanics
5. Limited item shop inventory
6. Fixed Star Space locations with Star Signs indicating future spawns
7. Changes to Boo's coin-stealing mechanic
8. Removal of Hidden Blocks
9. Player voting on minigame selection
10. No special events in the last five turns
11. Option to wager stars in Duels during the final five turns

These Pro Rules cater to experienced players looking for a more competitive and strategic gameplay experience. By reducing random elements and providing more information upfront, players can make more informed decisions throughout the game.

Expanded Character Roster

Super Mario Party Jamboree boasts the largest character roster in the series' history, with 22 playable characters at launch. This diverse lineup includes fan favorites and newcomers alike, ensuring that every player can find a character that suits their style.

The expanded roster features:

1. Classic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi
2. Returning favorites such as Waluigi and Rosalina
3. New additions to the series, including Pauline from Super Mario Odyssey
4. Unexpected choices like Ninji, adding variety to the cast

This wide selection of characters not only adds replay value but also allows for more diverse team compositions in multiplayer modes. Each character brings their unique personality and animations to the game, enhancing the overall party atmosphere.


The combination of the Jamboree Buddies system, Pro Rules option, and expanded character roster demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to evolving the Mario Party franchise. These new features provide fresh experiences for veteran players while maintaining the accessible, fun-filled gameplay that has made the series a staple of party gaming for over two decades.


Mario Party Jamboree boasts an impressive lineup of over 110 minigames, making it the largest collection in the series' history. This sheer quantity is undoubtedly one of the game's strongest selling points. However, as with any extensive collection, the quality of these minigames varies significantly.

Standout Minigames

Among the vast array of minigames, several stand out as genuine crowd-pleasers. "Slappy Go Round," "Prime Cut," and "Unfriendly Flying Object" are particularly noteworthy. These games showcase the creativity and fun that Mario Party is known for, providing engaging experiences that players will want to return to time and time again.

"Prime Cut" has teams working together to slice steaks as close to a 50/50 split as possible, testing players' precision and teamwork. "Unfriendly Flying Object" challenges players to survive as long as possible while dodging endless falling sandwiches, adding a humorous twist to the classic survival game format.

However, for every standout minigame, there are others that might make players groan when they appear. Some games feel repetitive or lack the spark that makes Mario Party minigames memorable. This inconsistency in quality can sometimes detract from the overall experience, especially during longer play sessions.

Showdown Minigames

One of the most significant additions to Mario Party Jamboree is the introduction of Showdown Minigames. These longer, more involved games are triggered by the new Jamboree Buddies system, where characters from the series appear on the board at various points during gameplay.

Showdown Minigames are character-specific and celebrate different aspects of Nintendo's rich history. For example, Luigi's game takes place in a mansion, while Donkey Kong's features a rhythm game where players bang on bongos. These games add a layer of depth and strategy to the traditional Mario Party formula, as winning them grants players powerful allies for a limited number of turns.

While Showdown Minigames are generally well-received, some players might find them to be too long, potentially disrupting the flow of the main board game. The extended duration of these games, combined with the regular minigames, can significantly increase the overall playtime of a single match.

Motion Control Games

Mario Party Jamboree incorporates motion control minigames, utilizing the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers. These games add a physical element to the party experience, but opinions on their inclusion may vary among players.

Some motion control games, like those found in the Rhythm Kitchen mode, offer genuinely fun experiences. Players shake their Joy-Cons to the beat in various food-themed minigames, reminiscent of the popular Rhythm Heaven series. These games can be enjoyable and accessible to players of all skill levels.

However, not all motion control games are created equal. Some, like the Paratroopa Flight School, use flapping motions that some players might find awkward or tiring. The quality and enjoyment of these motion-based games can be inconsistent, potentially leading to mixed reactions from players.


It's worth noting that while the game boasts over 110 minigames, this number includes games from all modes, not just the main Mario Party mode. When focusing solely on the standard party mode, the number of available minigames is closer to 50. This reduction in variety for the core gameplay experience might disappoint some players who were expecting a larger selection in the main mode.

In conclusion, Mario Party Jamboree offers an extensive collection of minigames that cater to various playstyles and preferences. While the quantity is impressive, the quality can be inconsistent. The addition of Showdown Minigames and motion control games brings fresh experiences to the series, but their implementation may not appeal to all players. Ultimately, the game's strength lies in its ability to provide a diverse range of minigames, ensuring that most players will find something to enjoy, even if not every game hits the mark.


Mario Party Jamboree takes the series to new heights with its expanded online multiplayer options and innovative game modes. These additions cater to both casual players and those seeking more competitive experiences, offering a diverse range of gameplay styles.

20-Player Koopathlon

The Koopathlon mode is a groundbreaking addition to the Mario Party series, supporting up to 20 players in a fast-paced, competitive race. This mode can be played offline against 19 CPU opponents or online with a mix of friends and random players.

In Koopathlon, players advance around a racetrack by collecting coins in unique minigames. The game consists of three, five, or seven laps, with each lap containing 150 spaces. Every coin collected moves the player one space forward, creating a frantic rush to gather as many coins as possible.

The mode features nine single-player Coin Minigames, with players participating in three of these per lap. After each set of minigames, an Impostor Bowser appears, triggering one of five 20-player Survivathon Minigames. Success in these games rewards players with items, while failure results in a penalty that pushes players back on the track.

While Koopathlon offers an exciting multiplayer experience, it's worth noting that playing solo with CPU opponents might feel less engaging. The mode shines brightest when played online with a full roster of human players, creating a chaotic and thrilling race to the finish line.

8-Player Bowser Kaboom Squad

Bowser Kaboom Squad is another innovative mode that supports up to eight players in a cooperative setting. Players can enjoy this mode solo with seven CPU teammates or team up with friends online for a more dynamic experience.

In this mode, players work together to take down an Impostor Bowser who's causing havoc in a free-roaming area. The objective is to deplete Bowser's health bar within five rounds by collecting bombs and launching them at him using a cannon. The game requires quick reactions and teamwork, as players must gather 20 bombs to activate the cannon while avoiding obstacles and enemies.

Bowser Kaboom Squad features three different stages with varying difficulty levels, each presenting unique layouts and enemies like Chargin' Chucks and Bomber Bills. Between rounds, players participate in one of ten mode-specific 8-player minigames. Performance in these minigames determines the quality and quantity of items available for the next round, adding a strategic element to the gameplay.

This mode offers a refreshing change of pace from the competitive nature of traditional Mario Party games, encouraging cooperation and communication among players. The Squad Rank system provides an incentive for replays, making Bowser Kaboom Squad an addictive addition to the Mario Party formula.

Traditional Party Mode

For those who prefer the classic Mario Party experience, the traditional party mode returns with some new twists. This mode supports up to four players, either locally on the same system or online.

The core gameplay remains familiar: players roll Dice Blocks to move around the game board, navigating obstacles, traps, and helpful items. Each round concludes with a competitive minigame, where winners earn coins that can be used to purchase Stars or other advantageous items.

While the traditional mode maintains the series' signature gameplay, it introduces new elements to keep things fresh. These additions aim to balance luck and strategy, providing a more nuanced experience for long-time fans of the franchise.

Super Mario Party Jamboree's online capabilities extend beyond these main modes. Players can enjoy a variety of activities in the Minigame Bay, including Tag Match, Daily Challenge, Showdown Minigame Battle, and Survival. These options allow for quick play sessions and provide opportunities to practice specific minigames.

The game also features motion-controlled minigames that utilize the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers, adding a physical element to the party experience. However, players can choose between motion-controlled and button-controlled minigames based on their preferences.

With its diverse range of multiplayer options and game modes, Mario Party Jamboree offers something for every type of player. Whether you're looking for large-scale online competitions, cooperative challenges, or traditional party game fun, this latest installment in the Mario Party series has you covered.



Super Mario Party Jamboree brings a fresh twist to the beloved series, offering a mix of classic gameplay and new features that breathe life into the franchise. The game's extensive minigame collection, innovative modes like Koopathlon and Bowser Kaboom Squad, and improved online multiplayer options give players plenty to explore. While not every minigame hits the mark, the sheer variety ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In the end, Super Mario Party Jamboree proves to be a solid addition to the series, striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation. Its ability to cater to both casual players and those seeking more competitive experiences makes it a versatile party game. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Mario Party Jamboree offers a fun-filled experience that's sure to liven up any game night.