When Super Mario Party Jamboree was released on the original Switch, it was a real surprise. What looked like a romp in another family-friendly board game turned out to be one of the most fun and fully realized party games Nintendo has ever made. Fast forward to the new incarnation on Switch 2 and bundled with a new shiny Jamboree TV mode, which I’m so happy to report. It’s still a slap.
Don’t beat around the warp pipe, this is the best Mario party game ever.
I’m back to the party
For those new to the base game, Super Mario Party Jamboree offers a proven board game format with dice rolls, chaos, sabotage, surprise comebacks and mini-games. It was the official classic Mario Party, with seven vast boards and mode confusion, and was already a massive product. You can read my full review of the original Switch game here
The boards aren’t just flat arenas. They are dynamic, with trains, race cars, moving parts that keep you hooked and guessed. There are also fun confusions like Bowser’s Kaboom Squad and the glorious, messy Kooplathon. Everything is all laughable and is put together into a game that is even bigger about its replayability.
Mini-game? wonderful. There is a great spread of button mashing disruption, quick reflex challenges, and a competitive yet welcome skill-based testing. There is also an option to rule out games you don’t care about. This will help you tailor the experience to your group.
The rounds can run for longer (90 minutes), but the pace is more time-consuming and the more you don’t drag. It’s Nintendo’s secret source: momentum. It is also designed for everyone in the room with accessibility features such as handicap for younger and new players, as well as local and online multiplayer.
Input: Jamboree TV
The big, new and flashy feature of the Switch 2 version is of course the Jamboree TV, with the Switch 2 hardware now allowing for new expansions. With new camera, microphone and mouse support on the console, Jamboree TV adds a layer of personality and stupidity that feels fresh, wonderfully confused.
From the jump, it feels like a brand new experience. The format of the TV show is a clever move, turning the party into a silly game show with friends, pasting your own face into the action via the camera above the MII body. Seeing your own mug appearing from a green pipe on the soundstage of the Mushroom Kingdom is hilariously charming and somehow not old. The camera setup is surprisingly refreshing. Plug in and sit in front of it. The game automatically maps each player’s face to the character. It even adjusts the position so you don’t have to stuff everything awkwardly together. Your face is used in mini games, reaction shots, and goofy animations. It’s a local multiplayer riot and offers amazing, heartfelt moments when playing remotely with friends and family via gaming chat.
New technology, new toys
The new microphone-based mini-games are like the stupidity that Mario Party will flourish. It’s like an outrageous interaction that works best when you’re not taking things too seriously, spurting your rhythm, boosting your cart, or yelling to inflate your balloons with your voice. And yes, you can say absolutely anything, not something you see on the screen. Chaos Reigns.
Next, there is the mouse mode. This sounds like a gimmick, but it’s a real highlight. Switch 2 Mouse is responsive and the games built around it (think air hockey, bomb throwing, domino stacking, mail sorting, wire maze puzzles) are very fun. They are intuitive enough for children, but nuance enough to attract adults. It’s the peak of Mario Party energy to see everyone’s big heads in the air.
New ways to play
On top of all this, Jamboree TV brings in a new set of rules to shake things up. In Tag Team Mode, players are paired to share coins, stars and items, while Frenzy Mode is a shorter, more intense version of the traditional board game infuses opportunities for extra dueling and dramatic confusion. I feel that both modes are fresh and well thought out.
It’s packed with more content, like a carnival coaster. This is the Bonkers mini-event, a light gun style ride shooter game that works particularly well in co-ops, and a bonkers who scream tributes to Bowser himself. Yes, that’s strange. Yes, it’s fun. The Carnival Coaster in particular was the one I played the most. Your character is sitting on various roller coasters, allowing you to move around and reflect on the screen to earn extra coins. You can also use the mouse control to shoot down enemies. Enter the warp pipe on a roller coaster and jump into the mini-game. Various coasters and tracks keep the challenges interesting and make you come back for more.
Technology talk
Jamboree TV also watches some of this. With sharp visuals, smooth animations, and what appears to be a visual upgrade through lighting and reflections, it is oddly better than the original mode, not given the same polish. This is a noticeable gap and one of the few drawbacks here. Although you cannot play the base game, switching between the two modes highlights the visual leaps that Switch 2 can offer.
It is worth noting that this expansion does not have a “pro mode” or a ramp of difficulty, so hardcore players looking for a real strategic edge may not be able to find the extra challenges they want. But this is a Mario Party. It’s not about winning, it’s about stealing stars from your friends and watching the world burn. Often this happens at the end of the game when the winner is sure that he has won. This twist is very satisfying and fun to help you come back more.
Final Verdict
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is a great evolution of a great game. Adding new tech isn’t just about working on it. They greatly enhance the party atmosphere. Whether you’re playing face to face or online, this feels like the most social Mario party ever.
With tons of boards, an incredible amount of mini-games, and enough charm to keep your whole family smirking, this is what Nintendo does its best.
Is it perfect? There is not at all. But it’s the closest thing the series has come, and is an absolute must for party games fans.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: A large collection of mini-games, face cams, mice and microphone integrations are easy to set up, and the Jamboree TV is fantastic
Low Light: The lack of visual updates in the base game is a minor disappointment
Developer: Nintendo Cube
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Available: Now
Reviews conducted on Switch 2 using release code provided by the publisher.
