Will There Be a New Mario Party in 2023?

Unfortunately, there will not be a new mainline Mario Party game released in 2023. While fans eagerly anticipate each new installment, Nintendo has remained silent on any potential new entry this year. The focus in 2023 has been primarily on titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pikmin 4, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, indicating that Mario Party is not a priority for this particular year’s release schedule.

The Current State of Mario Party

The Mario Party franchise has enjoyed immense popularity since its inception on the Nintendo 64. The series is known for its party-game style gameplay, featuring a mix of board game mechanics and frantic minigames that test players’ skills, luck, and ability to backstab their friends. Over the years, the franchise has seen numerous iterations on various Nintendo consoles, each adding its own unique twist to the formula.

Mario Party Superstars: A Resurgence?

The most recent mainline release, Mario Party Superstars (2021), was a welcomed return to form for many long-time fans. Mario Party Superstars featured a collection of remastered boards and minigames from the Nintendo 64 era, providing a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. Its success demonstrated the enduring appeal of the classic Mario Party formula and fueled speculation about the future direction of the series. With its strong critical reception and commercial success, some assumed a new entry would follow relatively soon.

Why No New Announcement?

The lack of any announcement regarding a new Mario Party game in 2023 is likely due to several factors. Firstly, Nintendo’s release schedule is often planned far in advance, and development cycles for games of this caliber can be quite lengthy. Secondly, Nintendo may be focusing on other franchises or exploring different gameplay concepts for future Mario Party titles. Finally, the success of Mario Party Superstars may have given them pause, allowing them to gauge long-term interest before committing to a brand new installment.

Looking Ahead: Potential Future for Mario Party

While a new Mario Party game is not on the horizon for 2023, the franchise is far from dead. The enduring popularity of the series, coupled with the success of Mario Party Superstars, suggests that Nintendo will likely revisit the series in the future. The question is not if, but when and how will Mario Party evolve?

Speculations on Future Titles

Several possibilities exist for the future of Mario Party. One option is a direct sequel to Mario Party Superstars, featuring more remastered content from the older games. Another option is a brand new game with completely original boards, minigames, and gameplay mechanics. Nintendo could also explore new console capabilities, such as incorporating more online multiplayer features or utilizing the unique functionalities of future Nintendo hardware.

Possible Release Windows

Predicting the release of a future Mario Party game is challenging. Given typical development cycles, we might expect to see a new title announced in late 2024 or early 2025, with a potential release later that year or in 2026. However, this is purely speculative, and the actual timeline could vary significantly depending on Nintendo’s internal plans and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mario Party

Here are some common questions surrounding the Mario Party franchise:

1. What is Mario Party? Mario Party is a series of party video games developed by Nintendo, primarily featuring board game elements combined with minigames. Players control characters from the Mario universe and compete against each other to collect the most stars.

2. Which is the latest Mario Party game? The latest mainline entry is Mario Party Superstars, released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.

3. Is Mario Party Superstars worth buying? Yes, Mario Party Superstars is widely considered a return to form for the series, featuring classic boards and minigames from the Nintendo 64 era, making it worth purchasing for both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.

4. Will there be a Mario Party 11? As of now, there’s no official announcement of a Mario Party 11. However, given the popularity of the franchise, a future installment is likely.

5. What is the best Mario Party game? Opinions vary, but many fans consider Mario Party 6 and Mario Party Superstars to be among the best, due to their balanced gameplay, engaging boards, and fun minigames.

6. Can you play Mario Party online? Yes, most modern Mario Party games, including Mario Party Superstars, offer online multiplayer, allowing players to compete with friends and strangers from around the world.

7. How many players can play Mario Party? Typically, Mario Party games support up to four players, making them ideal for local multiplayer sessions with friends and family.

8. Are the Mario Party games compatible with all Nintendo Switch models? Yes, Mario Party Superstars and other Switch Mario Party titles are compatible with all Nintendo Switch models, including the standard Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and the Nintendo Switch OLED model.

9. What makes Mario Party games so popular? The blend of strategic board game elements, exciting minigames, and competitive multiplayer creates a uniquely engaging and enjoyable experience that appeals to a wide audience.

10. Will future Mario Party games be similar to Superstars? It’s difficult to say for sure. Nintendo might choose to continue with the remastered formula of Superstars, or they might explore new gameplay innovations and original content.

11. Are there any other party games similar to Mario Party? Yes, some popular alternatives include the Super Smash Bros. series, Overcooked!, and Fall Guys.

12. Does Mario Party have a story mode? While the primary focus is on multiplayer, some Mario Party games have a single-player story mode, offering a structured campaign with unique challenges and rewards.

13. Why are some Mario Party games considered better than others? Variations in board design, minigame quality, and overall balancing contribute to the differing opinions on which Mario Party games are the best.

14. Can I play older Mario Party games on the Nintendo Switch? Currently, you can only play boards and minigames from older Mario Party games that have been remastered in Mario Party Superstars. There are no other direct ports of older titles available on the Switch.

15. How can I stay updated on news about future Mario Party games? The best way to stay informed is to follow Nintendo’s official announcements, gaming news websites, and social media channels dedicated to Nintendo products.

While the absence of a new Mario Party title in 2023 is disappointing for fans, the future of the franchise remains bright. The success of Mario Party Superstars has demonstrated the enduring appeal of the series, and we can expect Nintendo to revisit the franchise in the coming years. Keep an eye out for future announcements and get ready to roll the dice once again!