Five months after its release Super Mario Party on Nintendo Switch has received its first update. Unfortunately, while most long-awaited updates tend to feature big improvements or bug fixes, this patch is pretty disappointing.
The Super Mario Party update actually went live on Thursday, so those who own the Nintendo Switch game have likely downloaded the fix already. We say fix because the update includes only a single changelog entry: “Fixed an issue with Online Mariothon in which ranking data was not displaying properly.”
Yes, the first update for Super Mario Party on Nintendo Switch includes one change and it’s a small one at that. Still, for those players that care about that sort of thing, it’s nice to see Nintendo make sure that rankings work correctly in the Online Mariothon mode.
Super Mario Party’s Online Mariothon mode is a far cry from what true online Mario Party should look like but it is still a fun element in one of the better series entries (read our Super Mario Party review). Essentially, players battle online in a series of 5 minigames to compete for the top spot. If players do well, their rank increases in a worldwide leaderboard, which Nintendo is now trying to preserve with the Super Mario Party update.
Not being able to play a full round of Mario Party with friends online is a disappointment. While you can play against computer controlled characters, the lack of online essentially makes the game not worth playing unless you have a room full of people to join you. Nintendo is always behind in the online space, and this game is no exception. Mario Party DS is a high quality game that works in all major modern web browsers. This online game is part of the Arcade, Action, Mario, and Nintendo DS gaming categories. Mario Party DS has 101 likes from 111 user ratings. If you enjoy this game then also play games Super Mario Bros. And Super Mario 64. Super Mario Party’s Online Mariothon mode is a far cry from what true online Mario Party should look like but it is still a fun element in one of the better series entries (read our Super Mario.
As far as expectations, most Super Mario Party owners were hoping that if Nintendo did release an update for Switch that it would add true online play. When fans heard that Super Mario Party would feature online multiplayer they thought of playing the true, board game-based Mario Party experience with friends online. What they got was this Mariothon mode.
So if the update only makes one small change, why did it take 5 months? Does this Super Mario Party update pave the way for future content? Nintendo is keeping quiet on that but at least the sanctity of the ranking system has been strengthened.
Super Mario Party is available now for Nintendo Switch.
Mario Party Switch Online Mode Update
Mario Party Switch Online Multiplayer