Party Time Extravaganza: Unpacking Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV

Back to the Ultimate Party

The Mario Party series experienced some truly tough times throughout its history. Despite consistently strong sales, the artistic direction taken during the Wii and Wii U era was heavily criticized, prompting Nintendo to reassess which developers should helm the project. After Hudson departed, ND Cube took over and initially raised concerns with Mario Party 10. However, the studio managed to get back on track with the success of Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars on the Switch. Just a few months ago, they surprised us with what many consider the best installment in the franchise: Super Mario Party Jamboree. This installment is a creative marvel that constantly reminds us why we love these games. Now, it arrives enhanced for the Switch 2, complete with extra content that is definitely worth exploring.

Nintendo is in a privileged position, granting it ample room to experiment, especially with the launch of a new console. These weeks are crucial for defining the future of the Switch 2, and one primary goal is to ensure a consistent release lineup similar to its predecessor. To achieve this, they have updated existing titles, many of them for free, while others include entirely new content that takes advantage of the new console’s features. Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV is a prime example, bringing back one of last year’s best games with significant additions, raising questions about its value, which we aim to address.

Lights, Camera… Action!

We don’t blame you if this whole Switch 1 to Switch 2 game enhancement process has been confusing. For many casual users, it’s difficult to determine which games received free improvements and which ones require payment. Moreover, add the complexities of Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions, and it becomes a messy situation that the brand hasn’t fully addressed. Thus, case-by-case navigation is necessary. To start, Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV belongs in the high payment tier, requiring purchase for its access.

The most pressing question is how to access Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV. There are two main ways. Existing Super Mario Party Jamboree owners can pay 500 pesos to unlock both the Switch 2 version and the new content, Jamboree TV, which we’ll detail shortly. Alternatively, buying from scratch costs 1,849 Mexican pesos on the eShop. Unfortunately, the extra content is exclusive to the new console and not accessible on the original Switch or through Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions.

The Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV version for Switch 2 builds on last year’s game, now with improvements like better resolution in both TV and handheld modes. The expansion adds 20 new mini-games utilizing the Switch 2‘s mouse, camera, and microphone, complementing the 78 mini-games from the original for a total of nearly 100. New rules are introduced, such as Frenzy Rules with five turns and double bonuses and damage, and Tag Team for two-versus-two play where coins and stars are shared. Both additions are innovative in my view.

Additionally, GameShare allows up to three friends to join with a single game copy on different consoles, including the original Switch. This feature is restricted to the Mega Wiggler’s Tree Party map and includes 30 mini-games, excluding new content from Jamboree TV. That’s the extent of the features included in this new Super Mario Party Jamboree version. Personally, I would have liked new boards for the main mode.

Onto the new features in Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV: The additional content has its separate section in the main menu rather than simply integrating with the existing game. Essentially, Jamboree TV is a standalone mode with its distinct segments, simulating a TV show where players participate in four different challenges. Bowser Live splits us into teams to compete in mini-games using the Switch 2‘s camera and microphone. In Carnival Coaster, you cooperate with friends on a roller coaster, acting as a shooter with the Joy-Con’s mouse mode, followed by mouse mini-games. Finally, there’s the board game mode with new mini-games and a free play option for picking what you want.

The new mini-games creatively utilize the Switch 2‘s hardware, though they can feel awkward at times. The mouse mode games are fantastic and precise, such as one where you delicately set up dominoes for a chain reaction. The camera games initially require adjustments for optimal performance, but proved enjoyable, especially the Goomba stacking game. The microphone games fluctuate in effectiveness; while rhythm games are engaging, shouting-based ones feel out of place.

Overall, leveraging the new Switch 2 capabilities in Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV feels magical at times, but can also resemble past experimental gimmicks like Kinect, which didn’t quite take off. While they present innovative concepts, their application still seems tailored to casual experiences. It’s debatable whether this new content significantly enhances the main game, already acclaimed as the series’ pinnacle. At least, it doesn’t detract from the enjoyable experience that captured us months ago.

Final Thoughts

Reviewing this type of game is challenging, balancing between the core experience and the new additions. With the Switch 2‘s mouse mode, camera, and microphone in mind, it seems likely that Super Mario Party Jamboree was selected to showcase these features. Jamboree TV demonstrates potential but doesn’t drastically alter the original game. Note that for the full experience, either Nintendo’s official camera or a compatible one is necessary, adding potential cost for some users.

We highly recommend Super Mario Party Jamboree, as reflected in our initial coverage. It’s a brilliant installment refreshing the beloved series while maintaining its core appeal. Is Jamboree TV worth the investment? If you have friends to enjoy it with, the answer is a resounding yes. Returning to this game will bring plenty of laughter. However, if you’re unsure about potential companions, consider the cost, which isn’t insignificant. For those who missed it on the original Switch, this is an excellent opportunity to enhance your Switch 2 library.