Nintendo Switch 2 has had an interesting launch window when it comes to games. Unlike the original system, which saw a flood of first-party remakes, Switch 2 has leaned more towards ports with added features, something closer to DLC, alongside general polish. Games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild have received upgrade packs that go beyond the free performance patches offered for the originals. The latest to join the upgrade club is Super Mario Party Jamboree, now titled (deep breath) Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV.
Swift Upgrade
This is a full port. Super Mario Party Jamboree, which I rated 5/5 around Christmas last year, was the perfect slice of Nintendo-fuelled party fun, specially for the festive season.
It’s the Jamboree TV side where Nintendo Switch 2 really shines. This new mode takes advantage of the hardware’s features, including mouse controls and the built-in camera, which plays a key role in the overall experience.
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There are 20 mouse-control-focused mini-games, which are also added to the regular Mario Party pool. It’s a nice touch that freshens things up, especially as the original was a bit light on content.
These new games are fun and varied, from navigating mazes to sorting mail. Each feels purposefully designed, not thrown together.
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They also blend gyro controls, HD rumble, and mouse input seamlessly. You’ll be shaking spray cans, placing dominoes, and more.
A new roller-coaster mode mixes in mini-games with an on-rails shooter twist. Landing shots earns you more time on the ride, with the goal being to finish it. Using the camera adds a silly twist, you can throw your arms up on the drops to gain extra time.
In-Camera Fun
The camera isn’t just a gimmick. It’s now part of the core experience, putting you and your friends on screen. It’s not a game-changer, but it adds a fun layer, like getting screen time when you win a star or watching coins stack around you as you play.
Jamboree TV takes this further. You and your friends become part of a Bowser-themed TV show, with the camera capturing your full body. It has a Kinect or EyeToy vibe, you’re the controller. You’ll bash blocks with your head or dance around. It’s not something you’ll play every day, but it’s perfect for entertaining guests.
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The core game has also seen a few additions. Tag Team Mode, long requested by fans, is finally here.
In-Frenzy Fun
There’s also Frenzy Mode, which lets you play the last five rounds with coins and stars already banked. It’s ideal if you want a quick Mario Party fix but don’t have time for a full board.
Frenzy Mode does highlight one issue: the game’s pace. Setup takes a while, and matches can drag. Not a problem if you’ve got a free Sunday, but less ideal for a quick session.
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Oddly, Super Mario Party Jamboree and Jamboree TV are treated as two separate games. All the updates and new features are in Jamboree TV, while the original side feels like a straight port.
It’s not a major issue, but it does raise questions. Was it rushed to market? Why bundle it all into one package instead of releasing two distinct titles?
Still, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is a fun, silly, and joyful experience. It builds on a great party formula with new modes that make clever use of the Switch 2’s tech, offering something for players of all ages.
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