Can You Get More Maps on Mario Party Superstars?
Yes, it is definitely possible to get more maps, boards and additional content for Mario Party Superstars through paid downloadable content (DLC) from Nintendo down the road. While no DLC has been officially confirmed yet as of early 2023, analysis of Nintendo‘s history with ongoing paid content updates for other Switch games points to strong potential for Superstars expansions as well.
What Does Nintendo‘s DLC History Predict?
Nintendo has embraced paid DLC in recent years for some of its biggest franchises on the Nintendo Switch, especially multiplayer focused games. Key examples include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and more. These DLC updates keep already popular games fresh with new characters, levels, and gear.
One of the most compelling cases is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. At over 52 million copies sold, it‘s the Switch‘s best-selling game by a wide margin. And Nintendo is bolstering sales even further with a $24.99 Booster Course Pass adding 48 remastered Mario Kart tracks through the end of 2023. Fans happily pay for beloved legacy content.
Examining these precedents, Superstars fits the profile for ongoing paid DLC:
- Proven mainstream popularity – Over 5 million copies sold already.
- Critical acclaim – Received widespread praise from gamers and reviewers.
- Multiplayer focus – Shines brightest as a party game, so more content has appeal.
- Nostalgia wins – Classic boards and minigames are big draws.
Layer on the fact that Mario Party is already a content-rich franchise with 18 prior console installations to pull legacy boards, minigames and ideas from. This all signals strong DLC potential for Superstars down the road.
Most Requested Maps for Future DLC
While no new boards have been confirmed by Nintendo yet, the Superstars community has plenty of wishlist ideas for potential DLC. Some of the most requested Mario Party maps that could shine with an HD remaster include:
| Board Name | Originated In | Unique Board Mechanics |
|---|---|---|
| Western Land | Mario Party 2 | Gun dual minigames with bandits |
| Waluigi‘s Island | Mario Party 3 | Duel-focused board with rare items |
| Boo‘s Haunted Bash | Mario Party 4 | Boo-themed board with ghost tricks |
These three boards stand out as bringing unique mechanics that could be enhanced even further with Switch hardware. Personally, I have fond memories of showdowns in Western Land!
What‘s Taking So Long for DLC?
While fans eagerly await extra content for Mario Party Superstars, it‘s unclear why Nintendo has taken a slow approach to DLC so far. After all, consistent paid updates have worked so well driving engagement and revenues with other multiplayer-focused Switch software.
Perhaps the team is still evaluating the success of Superstars‘ initial run and testing concepts for extensions that resonate most with fans. Or issues from the pandemic across 2020-2022 delayed long-term planning. Either way, the wait has built anticipation towards what exciting new Superstars content could eventually come.
Most likely we‘ll hear an announcement from Nintendo in 2024 or 2024 once they finish design work. And the most plausible value package would include a mix of new boards, minigames and online features – available individually or bundled at discount.
The Verdict on Future DLC
Given Nintendo‘s track record expanding its hit social gaming franchises on Switch, combined with over 5 million copies from passionate Mario Party fans sold to date, I firmly believe substantive paid DLC is imminent for Superstars.
The company knows players crave legacy boards paired with new twists. And the teams responsible for excellent Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate add-ons could undoubtedly develop fun new content or reinvent what already works.
It‘s just a matter of time before Nintendo flips the switch to Drive further sales from this engaged player base. We‘ll almost certainly get access to more maps, minigames and modes down the road – extending and enhancing the Superstars experience for $10 here or $20 there.
And you can bet I‘ll be first in line to download those updates the moment they go live! My greedy completionist spirit needs all things Mario Party in my life. Perhaps a new board with tilt-based motion controls? Or special cameo characters from other Nintendo IP? Share your most-wanted ideas in the comments, and let‘s will this DLC into existence!
