Best Nintendo Party Games for Crowd-Pleasing Fun
Super Mario Party Jamboree is the top pick for most groups. It shines with 110 minigames and online play. Its main limitation is the Joy-Con requirement, which can be a hurdle for larger gatherings.
Choosing the right party game for your Nintendo Switch can make or break game night. You need something that’s easy to pick up, fun for all skill levels, and keeps everyone engaged.
We compared the most popular and highly rated party games on the market. Our list covers everything from classic board game simulations to chaotic racing and even fitness party games, ensuring there’s a match for your group.
Our top picks
Super Mario Party Jamboree
The latest entry in the Mario Party series, Jamboree, brings 110 minigames and a huge roster of characters. It supports up to 4 players locally and online, with a variety of board maps and modes. Owners report that the minigames are diverse and the pace is frantic, making it a hit for parties.
Pros
- Massive minigame variety
- Supports online play with up to 20 players
- Great for all ages
Cons
- Requires one Joy-Con per player, which may be limiting
- Some boards are less strategic
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains a staple for party gaming. With up to 4 players locally and 12 online, it offers frantic racing with items and tracks that keep everyone on edge. The Booster Course Pass adds more tracks, ensuring longevity. It’s a game that’s easy to learn but tough to master, perfect for all ages.
Pros
- Accessible controls for newcomers
- Huge track selection
- Battle mode is chaotic fun
Cons
- Item balance can be frustrating
- No new content without DLC
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a crossover fighting game that supports up to 8 players locally. It’s a chaotic brawler where characters from various Nintendo franchises battle on themed stages. With a huge roster and many items, it’s a party favorite for those who enjoy skill-based competition. The learning curve is steeper, but casual players can still have fun with items and special moves.
Pros
- Up to 8 players simultaneously
- Deep roster and stages
- Great for competitive play
Cons
- High skill ceiling may intimidate casuals
- Can get chaotic and hard to follow
Mario Party Superstars
Mario Party Superstars harkens back to the classic N64 era with 5 boards and 100 minigames from the series’ history. It supports up to 4 players locally and online. The minigames are familiar and the pace is slightly slower than Jamboree, but it offers a nostalgic trip for veterans. It also supports online play with friends, making it a great choice for remote parties.
Pros
- Classic boards and minigames
- Online play with friends
- Simpler and less chaotic than Jamboree
Cons
- Fewer characters and boards than Jamboree
- No new content updates
Just Dance 2025 Edition
Just Dance 2025 brings the party to life with over 40 new songs and a variety of dance routines. It supports up to 6 players locally using phones as controllers, and up to 24 online. It’s a great way to get everyone moving, making it perfect for active gatherings. The game is accessible to all ages and skill levels, with modes like Co-op and Quick Play.
Pros
- Gets everyone moving
- Phone controllers work well
- Large song variety
Cons
- Requires subscription for full song library
- Some routines may be too complex for young kids
Nintendo Switch Sports
Nintendo Switch Sports is a collection of sports games including bowling, tennis, soccer, and badminton. It uses motion controls, making it intuitive and fun for all ages. Supports up to 4 players locally and online multiplayer. The game is easy to pick up and offers a good workout, though the depth is limited compared to dedicated sports titles.
Pros
- Easy to learn, motion controls
- Great for families and casuals
- Online play available
Cons
- Limited depth for serious gamers
- Requires wrist straps to avoid accidents
The Jackbox Party Pack 10
The Jackbox Party Pack 10 includes five party games: Quiplash 3, Fibbage 4, and others. Players use their phones as controllers, supporting up to 8-10 players per game. These are social games that rely on quick thinking and humor, perfect for groups who enjoy laughter and creativity. The pack is a great value for those who host frequent game nights.
Pros
- No extra controllers needed
- Great for large groups
- Hilarious and creative
Cons
- Requires internet connection
- Some games may not suit younger children
How they stack up
| # | Model | Players | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Super Mario Party Jamboree | 1-4 (online up to 20) | Best overall for large groups | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 1-4 local, up to 12 online | Best for competitive racing fans | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 1-8 local | Best for competitive fighting fans | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Mario Party Superstars | 1-4 local and online | Best for classic board game feel | 8.9 | Check price |
| 5 | Just Dance 2025 Edition | 1-6 local (phone controllers) | Best for active players and dance parties | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Nintendo Switch Sports | 1-4 local, online | Best for motion-controlled sports fun | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | The Jackbox Party Pack 10 | 1-10 (depending on game) | Best for trivia and drawing games | 8.4 | Check price |
What matters most
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Nintendo party game for 8 players?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the best choice for 8 players, as it supports up to 8 players locally. It’s a chaotic fighting game that is fun for groups, though it may be challenging for casual players.
Do all these games require extra controllers?
No. Some games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate allow multiple players to use one Joy-Con each. Just Dance and Jackbox use smartphones as controllers, while Mario Party requires one Joy-Con per player.
Can I play these games online with friends?
Yes. Super Mario Party Jamboree, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Party Superstars, and Nintendo Switch Sports all offer online multiplayer. Jackbox games support online play via streaming platforms.
Are these games suitable for young children?
Most are appropriate for all ages. Nintendo Switch Sports and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are very accessible. Mario Party and Super Smash Bros. are also family-friendly, but Smash may be too complex for very young kids. Just Dance and Jackbox may have content that is better for older players.
What is the difference between Mario Party Jamboree and Superstars?
Jamboree is the newest with 110 minigames and more boards, while Superstars focuses on classic N64-style boards and minigames. Jamboree offers more variety and online modes, but Superstars is simpler and nostalgic.
Which party game has the most replay value?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has high replay value due to its many tracks and online play. Super Mario Party Jamboree also offers extensive minigames and modes. Jackbox Party Pack 10 is great for repeated play because games change with player input.
Can I play these games with just the Switch console?
Most games require controllers, but the Switch comes with two Joy-Cons. For 4 players, you may need additional Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers. Just Dance and Jackbox only require smartphones, which is convenient.
Are there any party games that include physical activity?
Yes, Just Dance 2025 and Nintendo Switch Sports are excellent for getting players moving. They use motion controls to simulate dancing or sports, making them a fun way to exercise during parties.
What is the best game for a casual, non-gamer group?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is often the most accessible for non-gamers because of its simple controls and fun power-ups. Just Dance is also easy to pick up, as it involves following on-screen prompts.
Our take
For most gatherings, Super Mario Party Jamboree is the top recommendation because it offers the best balance of minigame variety, modes, and online support. If you have a larger group of more than 4, consider Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for its 8-player support or Jackbox for phone-based play. For active parties, Just Dance 2025 is a surefire way to get everyone laughing and moving.
