Nintendo has another massive hit on its hands. Super Mario Party Jamboree, the latest entry in the long-running Mario Party series, has officially become the fastest-selling game in franchise history. Since its release on October 17, 2024, the game has already shipped an astounding 6.17 million units. To put that into perspective, it has not only dominated Nintendo’s sales charts for the quarter but has also outpaced every other Mario Party game in terms of early momentum.

Breaking Franchise Records

For years, Super Mario Party (2018) held the crown as the most successful entry in the franchise, sitting comfortably at 21.10 million lifetime sales. While it remains to be seen if Jamboree will reach those heights, it’s off to a blistering start. In just a few months, it has already climbed to the fifth spot on the all-time best-selling list for the series, trailing only behind:

• Mario Party 8 (Wii)
• Mario Party DS (Nintendo DS)
• Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
• Super Mario Party (Switch)

This is no small feat. The Mario Party series has been a staple of Nintendo’s multiplayer lineup for decades, but Jamboree has managed to break records right out of the gate. If it continues this trajectory, it could easily find itself among the top-selling party games of all time.

A Timely Boost for the Switch

There’s no denying that Super Mario Party Jamboree has been a key player in keeping the Nintendo Switch relevant as the console nears the twilight of its lifecycle. Nintendo recently confirmed that the Switch has surpassed 150 million units sold, making it one of the best-selling consoles ever. However, sales momentum has been slowing down faster than the company had anticipated, leading Nintendo to lower its annual hardware sales forecast from 12.5 million to 11 million units.

Despite this slowdown, software sales remain strong. The success of Jamboree has given the Switch a much-needed push, proving that first-party exclusives are still major system sellers. Nintendo has always had a knack for keeping its consoles alive with compelling software, and Jamboree is the latest example of this strategy in action.

The Power of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

While Super Mario Party Jamboree has been stealing headlines, another Nintendo juggernaut has continued to rack up impressive numbers—Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game managed to sell 5.38 million units during the same period, further cementing its status as an evergreen title. Since Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is frequently bundled with the Switch, those sales figures include console bundles as well, but the demand for the game remains undeniable.

With the holiday season being a prime time for Nintendo’s biggest franchises, both Mario Party Jamboree and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have undoubtedly been on many wish lists. Nintendo often relies heavily on Mario Kart to drive holiday sales, and 2024 was no different. However, the remarkable early sales of Jamboree suggest that the Mario Party franchise is becoming just as influential in boosting Switch sales as its racing counterpart.

What Makes Jamboree So Special?

So, why has Super Mario Party Jamboree resonated so strongly with players? The game has introduced several new mechanics and enhancements that have breathed fresh life into the series. Here are a few standout features that have helped it capture the hearts of fans:

1. Largest Selection of Mini-Games Yet

One of the biggest draws of Jamboree is its massive collection of mini-games. With over 110 different games, it boasts the largest selection in Mario Party history. Variety has always been a key ingredient to the franchise’s success, and this entry offers something for everyone, from frantic button-mashers to skill-based challenges that test players’ reflexes and strategy.

2. Online Play That Actually Works

While previous Mario Party games have included online multiplayer, connectivity issues and limited modes often held the experience back. Jamboree has made significant improvements in this area, with smooth online matchmaking and multiple modes to keep players engaged. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or facing off against strangers, the experience feels more refined than ever.

3. Expansive New Boards

One major criticism of past Mario Party games has been the lack of interesting or varied boards. Jamboree addresses this by including some of the most creative and dynamic boards in the franchise’s history. From sprawling jungle landscapes to neon-soaked futuristic settings, the game’s locations feel fresh and full of surprises.

4. A Return to Classic Mario Party Feel

Fans of the classic Mario Party formula will be happy to know that Jamboree strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. While it incorporates modern elements to streamline gameplay, it still retains the cutthroat, unpredictable fun that made the series famous in the first place.

What’s Next for Mario Party?

With Jamboree proving to be such a massive success, it’s clear that the demand for Mario Party games is stronger than ever. But what does this mean for the future of the series?

Given the Switch’s declining hardware sales, it’s likely that Nintendo is already planning the next major installment with the next generation of hardware in mind. While we probably won’t see another Mario Party game on the Switch, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jamboree receives additional content updates or DLC to keep the momentum going.

Nintendo has a history of extending the life of its major titles through post-launch support, and given the early success of Jamboree, there’s a strong possibility that new mini-games, boards, or even characters could be added in the future.

The Verdict: A Party Worth Attending

At the end of the day, Super Mario Party Jamboree has proven itself to be one of the biggest party games of the decade. Its record-breaking sales, innovative features, and classic Mario Party charm have made it an essential title for both casual players and longtime fans alike.

Whether it eventually surpasses Super Mario Party (2018) in total sales remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Nintendo has another major hit on its hands.

Have you picked up Super Mario Party Jamboree yet? What do you think of its new features? Let us know in the comments!