Is There a New Mario Party Game Coming Out in 2023?
Well, buckle up, party animals, because the answer is a little complex! While there was a “new” Mario Party experience in 2023, it wasn’t exactly what you might expect. No entirely original Mario Party title was released in 2023. However, Nintendo added Mario Party 3 to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in October 2023. This meant subscribers got access to the classic N64 game, bringing a dose of nostalgia to the Switch. Let’s delve into why that happened, what else Mario offered in 2023, and what the Mario Party landscape looks like moving forward!
The 2023 Mario Landscape: More Than Just Party Games
While a brand-new Mario Party didn’t grace our consoles in 2023, Nintendo certainly wasn’t idle. The year saw a vibrant mix of releases, ports, and throwbacks, keeping the Mario universe fresh and exciting. The most significant release of 2023 was undoubtedly Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a return to the classic 2D side-scrolling gameplay that defined the franchise. This title introduced innovative mechanics like the Wonder Flowers, transforming levels and characters in unexpected ways. It garnered critical acclaim and proved that the 2D Mario formula still had plenty of life left.
Moreover, 2023 marked the debut of the highly anticipated Super Mario Bros. Movie, a collaboration between Nintendo and Illumination. While opinions on the film were divided, it was a massive commercial success, introducing a new generation to the Mario universe. The excitement generated by the movie likely played a role in the anticipation for new Mario games.
Another significant release was the Super Mario RPG remake, bringing the beloved SNES classic to modern audiences with updated graphics and gameplay. This showed that Nintendo was willing to reinvest in their older games.
Why No Brand-New Mario Party in 2023?
The question then becomes: why no new entry? Several factors likely contributed to this. First, Nintendo has a history of spacing out major Mario Party releases. Developing a high-quality Mario Party title with a fresh assortment of boards, characters, and minigames takes time and resources. Second, with the releases of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the Super Mario RPG Remake, and the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo already had a strong lineup for the year. Saturating the market with too many Mario titles might have diluted the impact of each release.
Finally, the focus on adding Mario Party titles to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack suggests a strategic shift toward offering classic experiences alongside new games. This approach allows Nintendo to cater to both nostalgic fans and those seeking fresh content, while also providing ongoing value to their subscription service.
Mario Party: Looking Ahead
So, what does the future hold for Mario Party? While there was no entirely new release in 2023, the series is clearly far from over. The success of Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars on the Switch demonstrates a strong demand for the franchise. We can expect Nintendo to continue exploring new ideas for the series, possibly incorporating innovative uses of the Switch’s hardware or online features. The release of Mario Party Superstars 2 in 2024 confirms the series’ continued presence.
The constant updates and remasters also showcase the potential for revisiting older titles. Remastered versions of Mario Party 4, Mario Party 5, or Mario Party 6 could be viable options for future releases, offering fans a chance to experience beloved games with enhanced graphics and modern conveniences. Understanding the complexities and benefits of game design and education can be explored further through resources such as the Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario Party
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mario Party series, providing further insight into its history and future:
1. Will there be a Super Mario Party 3?
No. Super Mario Party 3 doesn’t exist as a full retail game. Mario Party 3 is available on Nintendo Switch Online.
2. Is Mario Party 1, 2, and 3 coming to Switch?
Mario Party 1, 2, and 3 are already available on the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, specifically through the Nintendo 64 app.
3. Do they still make Mario Party games?
Yes, Nintendo continues to develop and release Mario Party games. Mario Party Superstars was released in 2021, and Mario Party Superstars 2 was released in 2024.
4. How many Mario games are there?
Estimates vary, but there are nearly 300 Super Mario games including main series titles, spin-offs, and mobile games.
5. Will there be a Mario Party 10?
Mario Party 10 was already released on the Wii U. Whether there will be a similar title in the future is uncertain, but it is likely.
6. When did Mario Party 9 come out?
Mario Party 9 was released in 2012 for the Wii.
7. Will there be a Mario Party 12?
There is no official announcement of a Mario Party 12. The release of Mario Party Superstars 2 in 2024 could point towards a different numbering system.
8. What is the best Mario Party game?
The “best” Mario Party game is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Some consider Mario Party 6 to be the best for its day/night cycle, while others prefer Mario Party Superstars for its collection of classic boards and minigames.
9. Which is better, Mario Party Superstars or Super Mario Party?
Again, it depends on what you’re looking for. Super Mario Party has unique dice and a larger roster, while Mario Party Superstars offers nostalgia and bigger boards.
10. Do they have Mario Party for Switch?
Yes! Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars are available for the Nintendo Switch, along with Mario Party 1, 2, and 3 which can be accessed through the Nintendo 64 app.
11. Is Mario Party 3 rare?
Yes, Mario Party 3 is considered relatively rare and valuable due to its smaller print run and late release on the Nintendo 64.
12. Is Waluigi playable in Mario Party 3?
Waluigi is available in the Mario Party series. He first appeared in Mario Party 3 and became a very popular character.
13. Will there be a Mario Party 11?
There is no official announcement about a Mario Party 11.
14. What’s the difference between Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars?
Mario Party (on Switch) introduced character-specific dice and a team-based Partner Party mode. Mario Party Superstars focuses on classic boards and minigames from the N64 era, with online play and a more streamlined experience.
15. Are all the Mario Party games on switch?
Not all Mario Party games are available on the Switch. Only Super Mario Party, Mario Party Superstars, and the N64 titles (Mario Party 1, 2, and 3) via Nintendo Switch Online are accessible.
In conclusion, while 2023 didn’t bring a brand new, original Mario Party title, the addition of Mario Party 3 to Nintendo Switch Online, coupled with the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the Super Mario RPG remake, and the success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie, made for a fulfilling year for Mario fans. And with the release of Mario Party Superstars 2 in 2024, it’s clear that this party is far from over! So keep your dice ready and your friendships strong, because the Mario Party fun will continue.