Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV brings a fresh twist to the Mario Party franchise, showing off some of the Nintendo Switch 2’s newest features. While it might not revolutionize the gaming world, it certainly introduces some interesting new mechanics.
Let’s dive in and see how it measures up to its predecessors, and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
Last year, Super Mario Party Jamboree quietly entered the scene with a decent but not groundbreaking offering. Fast forward to now, and the game is back with a major Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, complete with new features that make use of the console’s revamped hardware. The Switch 2 version comes with a hefty price tag of $80 (or $20 if you own the original), so does it make a splash or should it be left behind?
Most of the new content can be found in Jamboree TV, where you’ll find a bunch of fresh minigames and modes designed to take advantage of the Switch 2’s unique controls. Among the most notable is “Bowser Live,” which puts players through a series of camera and microphone-based challenges. Teams battle it out in a trio of games where the loser gets roasted by Bowser. The camera itself is functional, but don’t expect anything too impressive. The low-quality images and issues with framing-especially for players of different heights-don’t help its case. Even though it can be a laugh when things go wrong, it doesn’t quite compare to the Kinect or PlayStation Eye days.
The microphone-based games are equally hit-or-miss. While they do work, the background noise often throws things off, making the experience more frustrating than fun. However, there are a few laughs to be had when things get chaotic, especially when little ones start messing with the game in hilarious ways.
On the flip side, “Carnival Coaster” mode is a real highlight. This mode features a cooperative, on-rails shooting experience where you and your team try to shoot down enemies to gain bonus time. The real fun comes from the Joy-Con 2’s mouse functionality, which adds a fresh level of control to some minigames. From stacking blocks to sorting mail, the modes in Carnival Coaster are a mix of easy and challenging tasks that are highly enjoyable. It’s clear that this mode is where the developers had the most fun, and the results are some of the best minigames in the entire Jamboree lineup.
The Switch 2’s added features, like the camera that can capture your face and the GameChat functionality, give the game a more personalized and interactive feel. While the upgraded resolution is a nice touch, it’s hard to say that graphical fidelity is what makes Mario Party special. The ability to play with both Switch 2 and OG Switch owners through GameShare is a nice addition, especially for those with friends who haven’t upgraded yet.
All in all, Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the most feature-packed version of the game yet, and certainly the most expensive. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of gameplay, the new hardware features are fun, and the game’s cooperative modes are a blast. If you’re looking to experience all that the Switch 2 has to offer, this is a great way to do it. However, for those on the fence about the steep price, it might be worth waiting for a price drop.