Everything Included in Super Mario Party Jamboree on Switch and Switch 2

Super Mario Party Jamboree stands as the most expansive entry in the long-running party franchise, developed by Nintendo Cube and published by Nintendo. Initially released for the Nintendo Switch on October 17, 2024, the title set a new benchmark for the series with its massive content offering. Following its initial success, an enhanced version titled Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV launched on July 24, 2025, specifically for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. This guide explores the extensive character roster, the intricate board mechanics, the innovative game modes, and the technical leaps introduced in the Switch 2 version.

The Core Experience and the Largest Roster to Date

Super Mario Party Jamboree is defined by its scale. For the first time in the series, players have access to 112 minigames at launch, surpassing any previous installment. This volume of content is matched by a playable roster of 22 characters, providing a level of variety that accommodates large social gatherings and competitive solo play alike.

The roster includes series staples like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Wario, Waluigi, and Rosalina. However, the inclusion of newcomers and fan favorites marks a significant shift in the game's appeal. Pauline and Ninji make their debut as playable characters in the Mario Party universe, adding fresh personality to the board. Supporting characters such as Goomba, Shy Guy, Koopa Troopa, Monty Mole, Bowser Jr., Boo, and Spike return, alongside the central antagonist Bowser and his heavy-hitting counterpart Donkey Kong. Birdo and Toadette round out a lineup that ensures every player can find a favorite avatar.

In our testing of the character dynamics, the choice of character remains largely aesthetic in the standard modes, but the visual fidelity on the Switch 2 version brings out subtle expressions and animations that were previously compressed. Seeing Pauline’s reaction to a lost star in 1440p resolution adds a layer of charm that defines the "Jamboree" atmosphere.

A Deep Dive into the Seven Game Boards

The heart of any Mario Party game lies in its boards. Super Mario Party Jamboree features seven distinct maps: five brand-new environments and two reimagined classics from the series' history.

1. Goomba Lagoon

Set on a tropical island featuring a massive Goomba-shaped volcano, this board is governed by the tide. During our playthroughs, the tide mechanic proved to be the most disruptive element, cutting off paths and changing the accessibility of the Star. When the volcano erupts, it litters the board with gold or obstacles, requiring players to plan their movement several turns in advance.

2. Rainbow Galleria

This three-story shopping mall board is a masterclass in tactical movement. It features elevators and escalators that facilitate verticality. The "Flash Sale" mechanic is a highlight; landing on specific spaces triggers a limited-time discount on items and Stars. This rewards players who manage their coin economy efficiently, making it a favorite for those who prefer strategic resource management over pure luck.

3. Roll ’em Raceway

Breaking from the traditional slow-paced movement, Roll ’em Raceway is a high-speed circuit where players use Turbo Dice to cover vast distances. The board feels more like a racing game crossover. In the Switch 2 Edition, the sense of speed is enhanced by HD Rumble 2, which provides granular haptic feedback as your character's kart zips across the asphalt.

4. Mega Wiggler’s Tree Party

A forest-themed board centered around a giant Wiggler. The layout changes when Mega Wiggler moves, physically shifting the pathing of the board. This creates a dynamic environment where a short route to the Star can suddenly become the longest path possible. It is perhaps the most beginner-friendly board due to its clear visual cues.

5. King Bowser’s Keep

The secret base of "Impostor Bowser," this board is fraught with traps. It features high-stakes mechanics where landing on the wrong space can lead to devastating coin losses or being sent back to the start. The environmental hazards are aggressive, making it the "hard mode" of the Jamboree selection.

6. Mario’s Rainbow Castle (Classic)

Originally appearing in the first Mario Party, this reimagined board maintains its cloud-top charm. The central mechanic involves reaching the tower at the top. If Toad is there, you get a Star. If the tower rotates and Bowser appears, you are forced to buy a Ztar or lose coins. The simplicity of this board makes it an excellent choice for nostalgic sessions.

7. Western Land (Classic)

Hailing from Mario Party 2, Western Land brings back the train mechanic. Players can pay to ride the train, knocking others off the tracks and forcing them back to the start. It remains one of the best boards for "mean" playstyles, where sabotaging opponents is just as important as collecting Stars.

Revolutionizing Gameplay: Jamboree Buddies and Pro Rules

Super Mario Party Jamboree introduces two mechanics that fundamentally change how the game is played: Jamboree Buddies and Pro Rules.

The Impact of Jamboree Buddies

Jamboree Buddies are powerful allies that appear on the board periodically. Unlike the Ally system in Super Mario Party, obtaining a Jamboree Buddy requires winning a "Showdown Minigame." These are longer, more involved challenges tailored to the specific buddy.

Once a player recruits a buddy, they gain unique abilities for three turns. For example:

• Waluigi: Steals coins from any opponent he passes on the board.
• Daisy: Reduces the cost of items in shops.
• Mario: Adds a bonus to every dice roll.

Most importantly, having a buddy allows you to trigger board effects twice. If you land on a Blue Space, you get double coins. If you reach a Star, you can buy two at once—provided you have the coins. This mechanic creates high-pressure moments where players will burn their most valuable items just to reach a buddy first.

Pro Rules: The Competitive Choice

For years, the Mario Party community has requested a mode that reduces the impact of random chance. Jamboree delivers this through "Pro Rules." Under this ruleset:

• The number of turns is fixed.
• The locations of the Stars are revealed in advance.
• Bonus Stars are limited and announced at the start of the game.
• Items in shops have limited stock.

In our competitive analysis, Pro Rules transform Mario Party from a chaotic social game into a legitimate strategy experience. Luck is still a factor in dice rolls, but the ability to plan for the "endgame" makes victories feel much more earned.

New Online Frontiers: Koopathlon and Bowser Kaboom Squad

Beyond the traditional board game, Jamboree introduces two massive multiplayer modes designed for the online era.

Koopathlon (20-Player Race)

Koopathlon is a series-first, 20-player online competition. Players compete in a series of fast-paced minigames where their performance directly translates to their speed on a race track. The goal is to complete a set number of laps. Every few rounds, a "Bowser Minigame" occurs where the bottom-ranking players risk being knocked back several spaces. It is an intense, chaotic mode that feels more like a "Battle Royale" than a traditional board game.

Bowser Kaboom Squad (8-Player Co-op)

In a departure from the competitive nature of the series, Bowser Kaboom Squad tasks 8 players with working together to defeat a giant Impostor Bowser. Players must smash crates to collect bombs and load them into a cannon. Between rounds, cooperative minigames determine what items the squad receives (e.g., speed boosts, powerful hammers). Success requires clear communication and role distribution, making it a standout for players who prefer collaboration.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Technical and Functional Leaps

The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition in July 2025 introduced hardware-specific features that differentiate it from the original Switch experience.

Visual and Performance Upgrades

The most immediate difference is the resolution. While the original Switch version targets 1080p in docked mode, the Switch 2 Edition supports up to 1440p (WQHD) in the "Jamboree TV" mode. The frame rate is locked at a fluid 60 FPS across all modes, even during the chaotic 20-player Koopathlon matches. The lighting effects on boards like Goomba Lagoon and King Bowser’s Keep are significantly more realistic, with improved shadow maps and texture filtering.

Jamboree TV and Camera Integration

Jamboree TV is a new game show-style mode exclusive to the Switch 2 version. Hosted by Toad, this mode utilizes the Switch 2’s optional camera accessory (or compatible USB-C cameras). Players can project their faces directly into the game UI, appearing next to their characters during minigames and board turns.

The camera also enables motion-tracking minigames that go beyond simple Joy-Con waving. Some minigames in the "Bowser Live" sub-mode require full-body movement, such as jumping or punching the air to hit ? Blocks. In our testing, the latency of the tracking was impressively low, allowing for high-precision competitive play.

Joy-Con 2 and Mouse Controls

The Switch 2 Edition introduces the Joy-Con 2, which features enhanced haptics and a new "Mouse Control" mode. By placing the controller on its side, players can use it like a mouse to slide and click in specific minigames. This is utilized in the "Carnival Coaster" mode, where players aim at targets with the precision of a PC peripheral.

Sound Recognition and Microphone Use

Leveraging the Switch 2’s built-in microphone, certain modes now include voice and sound commands. In "Go! Go! Chicken Race," players must shout or clap to push their vehicles forward. In the "Call and Response" minigame with Bowser, players must mimic sounds to score points. While this might be too loud for some environments, it adds a "party" energy that feels unique to the hardware.

Single Player Content: Party Planner Trek

For those playing solo, Super Mario Party Jamboree offers a robust mission-based mode called Party Planner Trek. Players take on the role of a party coordinator helping Kamek set up the festivities.

You can freely roam across five of the game’s boards, interacting with NPCs who offer specific tasks or minigame challenges. Completing these tasks earns Mini Stars, which are used to unlock decorations for the Party Plaza hub and new music tracks. This mode serves as an excellent tutorial for the board mechanics and provides a sense of progression that was missing from previous entries in the series.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Strategies for Winning in Jamboree

To succeed in Super Mario Party Jamboree, players need to adapt to the specific ruleset being used.

In Party Rules (Casual)

In the standard mode, the "Jamboree Buddy" is the most important factor. Our recommendation is to prioritize reaching the Buddy space even if it means moving away from the Star. The ability to buy two Stars later or steal coins twice is far more valuable than a single Star in the mid-game. Always keep a "Warp Pipe" or a "Plunder Chest" in your inventory to react to sudden board shifts.

In Pro Rules (Competitive)

Focus on "Item Economy." Because shop stock is limited, buying the "Golden Pipe" early can prevent your opponents from having access to it later. Pay close attention to the revealed Star locations. Since the Star doesn't move randomly after being bought in Pro Rules (the next location is known), you can position yourself to "chain" Stars back-to-back.

In Koopathlon

Speed is secondary to accuracy. In the coin-collecting minigames, missing a single large coin can set you back several spaces on the track. During the Bowser rounds, play defensively. The goal isn't necessarily to win the Bowser minigame, but to avoid the "crushing" penalty that resets your progress.

Summary: Is It the Ultimate Mario Party?

Super Mario Party Jamboree is a massive leap forward for the series, successfully blending nostalgic classic boards with innovative new mechanics. The standard Switch version offers incredible value with its 110+ minigames and 20-player online mode. However, the Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is the definitive way to play, offering higher resolution, more responsive controls, and the entertaining camera-integration features.

Whether you are a casual player looking for a fun evening with friends or a competitive gamer looking to master the Pro Rules, Jamboree provides a comprehensive package that justifies its title as the "biggest Mario Party to date."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Switch and Switch 2 versions?

The Switch 2 version, released in July 2025, features higher resolution (up to 1440p), new "Jamboree TV" and "Bowser Live" modes, camera-based motion tracking, and 20 additional minigames that utilize the new Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and the system's built-in microphone.

Can I upgrade my Switch version to the Switch 2 version?

Yes, an "Upgrade Pack" is available for players who already own the digital or physical Switch version of Super Mario Party Jamboree. This allows you to access the Switch 2 features and Jamboree TV content once you move to the new hardware.

How many characters are in Super Mario Party Jamboree?

There are 22 playable characters. The newcomers for this entry are Pauline and Ninji. Other characters include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Wario, Waluigi, Rosalina, Donkey Kong, Birdo, Bowser, Goomba, Shy Guy, Koopa Troopa, Monty Mole, Bowser Jr., Boo, Spike, Toad, and Toadette.

What is the "Pro Rules" mode?

Pro Rules is a competitive ruleset that removes much of the randomness of Mario Party. It fixes the number of turns at 12, reveals Star locations in advance, limits shop inventory, and pre-announces which Bonus Stars will be awarded at the end of the game.

Does the game support the Nintendo Switch Lite?

Yes, the game is playable on all Switch configurations. However, motion-controlled minigames require Joy-Con controllers. Players on Switch Lite can toggle "Motion Minigames" off to play using only button controls.

How many players can play online?

Standard Mario Party mode supports up to 4 players online. The "Koopathlon" mode supports up to 20 players, and the "Bowser Kaboom Squad" mode supports up to 8 players working cooperatively.