Updated with Super Mario Party Jamboree and rejigged to our new list format. Enjoy!
What's the best Mario Party game? Mario is no stranger to spin-offs, but there's nothing like a good Mario Party to ruin family occasions and bring out the worst in people, right?
Once a stalwart of the N64, there are tons of Mario Party games available, most following a very familiar formula, but the franchise has seen a bit of a critical renaissance with its Nintendo Switch iterations. We've compiled a ranked list of every Mario Party to showcase the best of the best, (excluding the e-Reader game and the Arcade releases).
So, which one gets the most gold stars and which one has lost all of their coins? Here is the Mario Party series ranked from worst to best.
On this page: Best Mario Party Games Of All Time
18. Mario Party: The Top 100 (3DS)
Nd Cube's decision to bring back 100 beloved minigames from the Mario Party series was admirable, but Mario Party: The Top 100 fell short as a package in the way it delivers those bite-sized delights. While it may have held the record for most minigames at the time, The Top 100 certainly has the least amount of content and the lowest replayability in the series.
This 2017 3DS game set out to compile a collection of the best minigames from the 10 home console entries. The minigames were revamped for the handheld, which makes the initial time spent with the game an awesome walk through nostalgia lane.
But after one or two playthroughs, this starts to feel like a rushed project that is hugely limited by the hardware and fails to live up to its full potential.
17. Mario Party Advance (GBA)
Going in with the right expectations will help shape your enjoyment of Mario Party Advance; there's none of the raucous action and minigame madness of the console games in this portable party, but it offers up its own attractions within the board game frame.
There are some charming Quests with great writing, fun, solo-focused minigames, and a toy box full of wonderfully whimsical Gaddgets to explore. But the Mario Party series has always been about multiplayer, and the lack of it here — apart from some four-hands-one-system microgames — is a definite disappointment.
The huge role played by the roll of the dice can be frustrating at times, too, but if you're up for a less prototypical Party, there may be something here for you.
16. Mario Party 10 (Wii U)
Where the series was already showing signs of wear and tear, the last numbered Mario Party tried to incorporate amiibos to the point where it's a little bit too reliant. Still, Mario Party 10 can be a multiplayer game, and it's still polished and undeniably entertaining at times.
The Bowser Party mode, in particular, was a great example of how the Wii U's bespoke features could be used to create a compelling multiplayer experience that extends beyond minigames, though it's extremely limited in replayability as a result.
We like how the game utilised the GamePad, but even with the changes, this feels like a tired entry. But, if you want a light-hearted game to enjoy with a group of friends, regardless of their skill level, you could do a lot worse, though.
15. Mario Party: Island Tour (3DS)
Mario Party: Island Tour may still be a sound purchase for kids, families, or anyone looking to play with friends, but clear misfires and shortcomings plague the game boards. Many are throwaways, and a handful of game modes are forgettable, hurting the overall experience in a big way.
Those seeking a long-lasting single-player experience may want to steer clear as there isn't enough depth to the solo-focused modes to keep you engaged for very long, and Island Tour is yet another entry that doesn't do much to differentiate from its predecessors.
Thankfully, there's a great collection of minigames that may give enough of a reason for many to roll the dice, but Mario's hosted much better parties.
14. Mario Party 9 (Wii)
In a shake-up for the series, Mario Party 9 made the most major changes to the Mario Party formula that we'd seen in years, for both better and worse.
Streamlining proceedings to a short and snappy rush of minigames, it's much less predictable than previous instalments, with boss battles that don't outstay their welcome and less-distracting minigames. But the lack of a 'Classic' mode, the poorly-explained Captain Events, and the short parties often leave something to be desired.
We can't deny that this game ditched some of the dead wood in favour of a fresh approach that emphatically reminded us why the series had been going for 14 years to that point, but some of the changes seemed to forget what makes Mario Party fun in the first place.
13. Mario Party: Star Rush (3DS)
Yet another 3DS entry, Mario Party: Star Rush may not have excelled in many ways, but it addressed some complaints from past entries and delivered some harmless entertainment.
The main modes have a nice variety and sense of purpose (aside from two duds), and the overall offering includes a mix of longer-form and quickfire gameplay options. The free 'Guest' download is a brilliant touch for quick and easy local multiplayer, too, if you've only got one full copy on hand — we wished that more games used this feature.
However, due to hardware limitations and a few disappointing modes, we're not sure you should rush out to find this one for your back catalogue.
12. Super Mario Party (Switch)
After years of Mario Party games having a somewhat sterile feel, that wasn't the case with Super Mario Party, the Switch's first Mario Party outing.
This wasn’t a cash grab with Mario's face on the front; this was a well-constructed and beautifully realised Mario Party game which takes the series right back to its roots, but without being a straightforward rehash.
There were a few interesting ideas that felt a little bit underdeveloped — such as the overhyped Challenge mode — but on the whole Super Mario Party was a true return to form after it felt like the series was sagging on Wii, Wii U, and (3)DS.
11. Mario Party 8 (Wii)
Making the leap over to the Wii meant a lot of motion controls, so Mario Party 8 already felt a bit different right out of the gate.
But there were plenty of times when we didn't feel like this was the next big jump for the Mario Party series. With no online play, visuals on par with the GameCube titles, and a limp single-player mode, Mario Party did plenty better before (and after) this.
However, we did enjoy playing this with friends and watching them waggle their Wii Remotes as they attempted to win. It's still a fun party experience that belongs with the Wii's initial slate of multiplayer games, but we know the series can do better.
10. Mario Party 4 (GCN)
Mario Party 4 is a definite party favourite for many, but it wasn't much of a jump or advancement of the series. The sheer uncertainty and the many features and games keep it enjoyable for a long time, and some all-time classic minigames were introduced here, including Booksquirm and Dungeon Duos.
Once again, the single-player is just a dull add-on, and the fact that there are only 40 normal minigames definitely hurts replayability, but this is an overall solid Mario Party that's worth showing up to, even if you're arriving incredibly — but fashionably — late.
9. Mario Party DS (DS)
For a handheld entry in the series, Mario Party DS had an addictive and wide variety of minigames (over 70, including the puzzle ones) that we enjoyed. From rapidly slicing cucumbers to running around a maze snapping photographs of your rivals or blowing out candles for your character to hop across, this pocket-sized party is a decent transition to a handheld format.
It did come to Wii U Virtual Console, where the lack of multiplayer hurt party mode quite a bit. But if you're on a DS, then four players (each with their own DS, of course) can party together using Download Play, making this an ideal handheld Mario Party experience.
8. Mario Party 7 (GCN)
The GameCube's Mario Party swansong was a decent send-off for the series as Mario and friends looked to future generations, but Mario Party 7 is the definition of a safe sequel in a series full of 'em.
Our favourite thing about Mario Party 7 is the ability to play with up to eight people, sharing the controller between friends, albeit with simpler controls for some minigames. We'd absolutely take being able to have a bigger party, for sure, even if it might cause yet more squabbles among the family. MP7 capped off a solid run for the series on the purple box, at the very least.
7. Mario Party 5 (GCN)
Mario Party 5 came in thick and fast after the first GameCube iteration, and with it came Capsules. Out with the items and in with the little plastic balls that you could use to consume helpful boosts or set up traps for your closely matched rivals.
We rather liked the fun Paper Mario nod with the Star Spirits, but there's no denying that this is more of the same. If you like Mario Party, that's not necessarily a bad thing, and looking through the sizeable roster of the series entries, that's a sentiment you're going to run into a lot.
This fifth numbered Party has a solid set of boards and minigames to keep you and the family entertained, but as another entry that does little to advance the formula, you probably don't need to run out to grab this one unless you spot it cheap.
6. Mario Party (N64)
The game that got the Party started. Mario Party kicked things off raucously and without it, we wouldn't be able to keep holding the most almighty of Nintendo parties at NL Towers.
Feuds that have lasted a lifetime may have spawned thanks to this game back in 1998. Conspiracy theories that Nintendo created this game solely to force the purchase of additional controllers after Aunt Susan and Uncle Stan destroyed your analogue sticks are spurious.
Mario Party's slate of minigames truly shines, with Bumper Ball, Face Lift, and Mushroom Mix-Up helping to cement a legacy that endures to this day.
5. Mario Party 6 (GCN)
Remember the GameCube microphone? Mario Party 6 was the first game to use that peripheral, but besides shouting into this little grey stick (and it often not working), the third GameCube instalment brought a fresh batch of boards and games, and an interesting day-and-night system just like in Mario Party 2's Horror Land board.
While there was no massive shakeup for the formula, there's no denying this was a highly polished title and that day/night twist really affected board layouts and minigames. As such, MP6 kept us coming back for just another bite or two, and sits up there as one of the most fun multiplayer experiences on the GameCube.
4. Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
Mario Party Superstars is a love letter to the parties some of us remember attending two decades earlier. A disappointingly slim selection of boards takes the shine off things somewhat, but it was hard to argue that this was the best Mario Party had been in over a decade.
While there aren't many new ideas here — surprise, surprise — we much preferred to have all these classic ideas intact rather than potentially tainting them with unwanted, unnecessary inclusions only added for the sake of being new.
The lack of DLC boards was utterly baffling, but this is how you do a compilation of minigames, and with online play, there are even more opportunities to claim victory. Grab a can of Tango and a fistful of 10p Freddos — it's time to party like it’s 1999.
3. Mario Party 3 (N64)
The third and final fiesta thrown by Mario on the Nintendo 64, the Mario Party formula was well-established by this point.
Hudson Soft saw no reason to change it in any way or kick it up a gear beyond a new influx of minigames, but that doesn't stop Mario Party 3 from being a quintessential entry in the series: a riot with multiple friends, and a soul-crushing grind for a lonely single player... but why would anyone play Mario Party on their own? Well, for the brand-new story mode of course!
We all know the real reason this places as high as it does. No, it's not the fact you can hold three items, but rather that Daisy and Waluigi make their polished party debut. As the final Mario game to be released on the N64 (except in Australia), it was a darn good send-off.
2. Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch)
Super Mario Party Jamboree is a fantastic new entry in the franchise that focuses on improving the core mechanics and experience, making for a more involving board game in the process, whilst also polishing everything to a slick sheen.
Online aspects and modern stuff like the game's battle pass and collectibles are woven in smoothly, and the various new modes all have their place in a package that also delivers the goods in terms of minigame quality.
For our money, Jamboree is the best Mario Party to date, so best make sure you've got your invite sorted.
1. Mario Party 2 (N64)
There ain't no party like a Mario Party, although he sure has thrown an awful lot of them.
Of the three Hudson-developed minigame bonanzas that came out on N64, Mario Party 2 is arguably the fan favourite. This is where Battle, Item, and Duel minigames got their start, and you could spend all the time in the world practising them before you start, so you can ensure you're prepped for party play.
Obviously, you'll still need three friends to get the most out of this, but the first sequel built on the foundation of the original and steered the series on a steady course which now extends well into double figures. Even decades on, it stands as one of the best party games ever, and it's available on Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.
Just watch those Joy-Con analogue sticks — they're fragile at the best of times!
See, all of that was fair, wasn't it? Those are all 18 Mario Party games No coin-nabbing or star-snatching. Just how we like it.
Best Mario Party FAQ
If you haven't had enough board game fun, then we've got all of the answers to your burning Mario Party questions. No need to roll the dice on this.
What was the first Mario Party game?
Mario Party made its debut on the Nintendo 64 in 1998 in Japan, and 1999 elsewhere in the world. The very first game was developed by Hudson Soft and featured eight boards, 50 minigames, and a hub world known as Mushroom Village.
The game went on to be a huge success, spawning the franchise as we know it today.
If you're hankering for some old-school Mario Party action, you can play the original Mario Party on Switch thanks to Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack.
How many Mario Party games are there?
There's a grand total of 26 Mario Party games across all systems.
This includes 13 home console games, 6 handheld titles (which includes Mario Party-e), and seven Japan-only arcade games. That's... a lot of Mario Party!
We mentioned up top, but we've limited this list to those home console games and five of the six handled titles — e-Readers are only available in certain countries, after all.
What's the latest Mario Party game?
The newest Mario Party game is Super Mario Party Jamboree, which launched on 17th October 2024.
Jamboree is the third Mario Party game to be released on Nintendo Switch, following Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars.
Who develops the Mario Party games?
Hudson Soft was the original developer of the Mario Party series. The Japanese developer worked on every Mario Party game from the N64 original through to Mario Party 8 and Mario Party DS.
In 2011, Konami — the primary shareholder in Hudson Soft — announced that it would be fully acquiring the company and merging it into the Konami brand. Multiple Hudson Soft workers moved onto NDCube, now known as Nintendo Cube.
Since 2012, Nintendo Cube has been the main developer of the Mario Party series.
Which Mario Party game has the most minigames?
Once again, Super Mario Party Jamboree is the answer here. The newest Mario Party game features 110 unique minigames, which is the most in the series.
Before Jamboree, Mario Party Superstars held the record, with 100 minigames from various games in the series. Mario Party: the Top 100 also included 100 minigames, but that one's not a favourite among fans, and it's more of a minigame compilation rather than a traditional Mario Party game.
What's the best-selling Mario Party game?
Super Mario Party is currently the best-selling Mario Party game. As of June 2024, the first Switch entry has sold a staggering 20.84 million units, making it the eighth best-selling first-party game on Switch.
Behind it is the second Switch Mario Party, Mario Party Superstars. This return to form has sold 12.89 million units as of March 2024.
Which Mario Party games are on Nintendo Switch Online?
All three classic N64 Mario Party games are available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
That's Mario Party, Mario Party 2, and Mario Party 3. Most people think these are the best in the series, too.
Can you play Mario Party online?
Yep, you can! All of the Nintendo Switch Mario Party games can be played online — that includes the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion pack ones.
There are a few differences, however. For Super Mario Party and Mario Party 1, 2, and 3 (on NSO), you can only play online with friends, so you'll need to have their friend codes on your Switch.
For Mario Party Superstars and Super Mario Jamboree, you can play with anyone. For Jamboree, there are various modes you can jump into — many of which are new — so we've covered just how you can play everything online in a separate guide.
How can I change the ranking in this article?
It's pretty easy! We enlisted Nintendo Life readers to help us rate every Mario Party game ever. The list above is governed by each game's User Rating in our database, and is therefore subject to change after publication, even as you're reading this!
We make sure the list is up-to-date with every single new Mario Party release, which is why you're seeing Jamboree here. And hey, if you disagree with the rankings, then you can search for your favourite Mario Party game below and give it the score it deserves.
If you feel like your favourite Mario Party game has been robbed just like the times we've seen multiple stars get nicked from our pockets, don't forget this list is subject to change according to each game's User Ratings on the site.
Feel free to let us know your thoughts and share a comment about your personal favourites below.
Comments 23
These are the worst articles. You can't add a game that was just released to a best of list. At least wait a year or 2!
Mario Party DS and Mario Party 4 being as low as they are is downright detestable when they're easily better than 5, 7 and especially the 1st title
I would've had 8 and Super higher, honestly.
And DS is easily top 3.
Can't put Jamboree on a list like this already, fam. Also, this list is far from my own to say the least. Mario Party 1 should be way lower for one (It started it all but has aged like milk) and 2 is as overrated as always (It's just 1 again but good this time). 6 is easily number 1 and DS is number 2, then 3, then 2 and / or 5. Then the rest of the decent ones in whatever order you want (All my own personal opinion of course).
I definitely agree with the bottom six, though. They're all about equally bad, especially the 3DS ones unfortunately. Island Tour is probably the worst overall for me personally. That one was just miserable.
My own list would probably be as follows:
6 (Just S- tier Mario Party all the way through. I just love this game, as do all I've played it with. Will always be my favourite.)
DS (Best handheld entry with killer modes, minigames and boards. Download Play multiplayer was a blast back in the day.)
3 (The best classic entry. Underrated and unfairly overlooked way too much in favour of 2. Just pure chaos with the wackiest tone in the series. Peak writing, music and items.)
5 or 2, about equal. (5 is just plain cosy, heartwarming family fun and 2 is the one everyone knows. It's pure, nostalgic goodness.)
Superstars (Good remake overall. Nice balance of mostly everything you'd want from the series at its height.)
7 (Some great ideas but starting to rely way more on luck and randomness. Also very slow.)
4 (Spectacular minigames and great extras ...but the boards are just lazy and I never got the mini mega gimmick.)
Super and 8, again about equal to me. (Both are very uneven, with great highs and miserable lows. Both also got some good ...and not so good ...motion minigames.)
1 (First one I really dislike. Again, aged like fine milk. Also just plain mean and physically painful to play.)
9 (Getting to the real bad ones now. 9 is definitely the least offensive, though.)
Advance (It's very weird and should have just been its own thing.)
10 (Second most soulless, corporate Mario game I've ever played behind only Paper Jam. Nice graphics and some good minigames at least.)
Star Rush (Yuck. At least they tried something new I guess.)
Top 100 (...Let's not.)
Island Tour (AKA the tenth circle of hell.)
Mario Party 5 deserves to be top 5 (no pun intended), if not top 3.
Mario Party 8 is so underrated. It's easily one of my favorites in the series, along with Super Mario Party Jamboree. I liked Superstars and the first Super Mario Party a lot, but it felt like something was missing from them still.
I think my favorites are Mario Party 5 and Mario Party 3, but I also haven't played one since Mario Party 7, so my opinion comes with a grain of salt for your convenience.
We got the most possible mileage out of the Volleyball mini game back in the day, which is what gives 5 the edge for me.
Mario party 10 is criminally low, the 5 player bowser mode was awesome, there was lots of boards, it looked beautiful, and I rather liked the Mario Party ganes where everyone is in the car together
Its definitely the best of the Wii/WiiU Mario Parties
controllers being fragile is exactly why I never play the series. I do have some good memories playing 2 at mcdonalds and w friends here and there so glad thats number 1.
Why is the newest game even added to this best of list , I'm mean the game just came out like what a week or two ago so I feel like it's not even old enough to include it in a best of type of list but hey that's just my own thoughts and opinions 🙃....
Does this ranking make sense if they put the N64 as one of the best ones and Superstars all the way below, when Superstars is the best compilation of the N64 ones?! No it does not:))))
I feel 9 and 10 should be at the bottom. I haven’t played them, I’ll be honest. But the whole cart mechanic instead of individual movement just feels wrong. Now, if it was a separate mode or way to play in addition to the classic formula, that would have actually been pretty interesting.
Meh. I can’t update or vote on the ranking in this list.
I’ve got little to add here. Mario Party 3 is my favourite.
Mario Party 2 has the most nostalgia because that was the game my friend at the time had and is automatically associated with those hangouts.
Gamecube era is a bit of a blur. I can’t tell you what differentiates 4, 5, and 6. It’s been way too long since I have played. I enjoyed playing but never purchased.
The rest looked sort of meh and I don’t have vivid memories of playing all the mainlines but I believe so. I know I skipped Super Mario Party all together.
I only got back into the franchise with Superstars but admittedly haven’t played it enough. Eager to give Jamboree time when.. I have time. In no rush.
Im just happy Mario Party is back in the limelight.
Everyone‘s list will be different here but my personal top 3 are:
MP5: Although I didn‘t like the random capsule system, the main game and the minigames were a lot fun. And the extra games rounded it up perfectly.
MP4: The minigames are some of best in the series and the game as a whole just stands out from the other titles in the series. I love the present room and I still miss the lottery.
MP6: That was the one we always came back to when friends were coming over. I haven‘t played Jamboree yet but to me the sixth installment is the one where they got it all right. The boards and minigames are all top notch and the day and night cycle always brings in a few surprises.
We all know the best Mario Party was Mario Party-e. No one is brave enough to say it.
I enjoyed them all until the era came were they started to minimize the mechanics. It went downhill from there for a while, but the ones on Switch were steps in the right direction again.
My favorite? Mario Party 3.
harrystein wrote:
They're...all on the list?
If you don't like the new game then rate it low.
If you haven't played the new game...well...
Forever Mario Party 3 for me! I'll never understand why 2 is regarded higher just because it introduced a lot of concepts. 3 is the game that refined them and made them so much more fun (new items, better pricing and shop availability, ability to hold 3 items at once, etc) and added new characters. I mean I can understand if you prefer 2's boards over 3's, but everything else was improved on greatly. I even enjoyed the wacky single player story mode and also played the duel mode quite a bit (and I never really play the side modes in any MP game). I grew up with 3 though so that's nostalgia for you 😉 When I finally got to play 2 through Wii Virtual Console I found it was a downgrade in almost every way and ultimately went back to 3 for matches with friends!
GameCube era I skipped over and have zero nostalgia for. When I picked them up eventually they felt a bit soulless to me and didn't really enjoy them. 8 and DS were my next major games and enjoyed a lot of hours with them, despite their flaws. 9 and 10 were pretty much awful, the 3DS releases were abysmal and this is when I started to skip over buying some entries. Still haven't purchased Super as it looked way too dull and didn't have online until recently.
Got insanely hyped for Superstars as it looked like everything I ever wanted from the series. I enjoyed it a lot but still felt a bit let down from some decisions made and the lack of boards (so disappointed we never got DLC). Didn't jump on the hype train this time with Jamboree and just picked it up and have been enjoying it too but still way too soon to decide how I feel about it. I like the new items added since Superstars, new boards are nice but not sure if I like them more than classic boards yet. Also nice to see some more classic minigames return and the new ones are enjoyable too. I think the lack of options with customising rules will end up deterring a lot of replayability with this game. Jamboree buddies being mandatory was a misstep and they add so much extra time into what is already the slowest moving MP game! They can also be wildly unbalanced and easily decide the outcome of a game.
Looking back on it, Mario Party 1 and 2 being released only 11 months apart is a wild development time.
Mario Party 3 is the best one and i won't hear otherwise, thank you.
I need to play Jamboree for longer but I suspect it will be the best one of all. DS is no.2 and it helped that so many ppl had DS consoles (second best selling console of all time). Then Switch iterations which are superb and underrated by the votership on this site IMO. Then the Wii & Wii U ones were all good except 8 which is poor by the time you get from 8 to 10. The 3DS entries are disappointing bar top 100 but that felt more like a collectors item than a game. The GC games I have little memory of bar 6? Maybe 7? Both good but who played with me?! I DO remember being disappointed with 8 and that was probably because of the quality of 6 &/or 7. Two and three were outstanding & the most "impactful" for their time but playing them now? Hmmm....
Huh. Looking at this list, and early comments makes me regret the fact I had nobody to play with for the first 8 entries, plus DS.
Also, the fact my copy of 6 is actually cracked...
But yeah. Imo, the N64 entries generally rank among the best, especially 2 and 3. 1 was incredibly fun way back when, but the control stick rotation minigames were damaging. And uh, too much reliance on luck? (Is emphasized with the final board, where in addition to 20 coins, you had to outroll Baby Bowser on the dice.) Have yet to play the GBA entry. The DS entry ranks up there with the n64 entries. The Gamecube games were a bit too generic without incredibly much new, but were generally really fun. (Had trouble keeping discs in decent shape in that era, so Idk what order I'd rank them in.) The Wii games were interesting to be sure. As much as 8 played it safe, I actually favored 9 quite a bit. Never played the sole Wii U game, as it never felt worth it, plus, I was terrible at using the gamepad in multiplayer. Island Tour is easily my least favorite. Never played Top 100, or Star Rush, but am VERY tempted to find a copy of Star Rush. Super was an excellent almost return to form, but the simple fact is, it was downsized. I still need to gather pro controllers for Superstars, while Jamboree actually feels like an excellent new addition to the classic games.
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