Find both characters from the hot-air balloon in Party Plaza: Pauline is on the small sandy island just left of Minigame Bay, while Ninji is in the hills to the right of and behind Rhythm Kitchen. Zoom in and interact with each character to make them available for later play.
Where to find Pauline
- Go to the hot-air balloon in Party Plaza and board it.
- Look around the scenery between the game locations. When you spot the small sandy island just left of Minigame Bay, zoom in on Pauline and interact with her.
Pauline will then be available to select in later play. Nintendo Life’s guide, published August 17, 2025, describes this as a brief exploration unlock.
Where to find Ninji
- While viewing the scenery from the balloon, rotate until Rhythm Kitchen is in view.
- Search the hills to the right of and directly behind Rhythm Kitchen. Zoom in on Ninji and interact with him.
Ninji will then be available to select in later play. The same balloon search is used for both characters.
Do you need to complete a board or challenge?
The location guide does not describe a need to finish a board, raise your rank, win a minigame, or spend currency to find either character. Nintendo’s official product page confirms Pauline and Ninji are playable characters, but does not give these location steps.
#1 Best Overall
- Get ready for the biggest party yet in Super Mario Party Jamboree for Nintendo Switch. From running through merry-go-rounds to motion-control minigolf, this jamboree is jam-packed with over 110 minigames – the most of any Mario Party game to date!
- With seven boards in all, you can go with the flow in Goomba Lagoon, search for stars in Rainbow Galleria, revisit the classics of Western Land and Mario’s Rainbow Castle from past titles and more.
- Race across the party board in Koopathlon, a series-first 20-player online competition to see who can rack up the highest scores in minigames like the fast-paced Lane Change. The higher your score in each round, the faster you’ll get to the goal. Koopathlon is just one of a slew of additional modes – there’s something for every kind of Mario Party player to enjoy!
About the game
Nintendo’s US product page identifies Super Mario Party Jamboree as a Nintendo Switch game released October 17, 2024, with 22 playable characters, including Pauline and Ninji. The unlock directions above do not establish a need to upgrade editions or use a separate accessory or paid subscription. Nintendo notes that Joy-Con controllers are required for motion-control minigames, additional accessories may be required for multiplayer, and online features require Nintendo Switch Online; those are general play conditions, not stated prerequisites for these character unlocks.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Join a jamboree of over 110 minigames and 22 playable characters The most of any Mario Party game to date!
- Seven boards to play on Including five new ones like Goomba Lagoon and Rainbow Galleria.
- Two classic boards are back Western Land andRace through fast-paced minigames among up to 20 players online in Koopathlon, or take on an Impostor Bowser in the 8-player online Bowser Kaboom Squad A slew of additional modes, including motion-control ones like Rhythm Kitchen, Toad’s Item Factory, and Paratroopa Flight School. Mario’s Rainbow Castle.
- Party with friends on us You can receive a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership if you pre-order or purchase the game prior to March 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT, or while supplies last.
Rank #3
![Super Mario Party Jamboree Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WcytyKSsL._SL160_.jpg)
- Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online. ** Joy-Con controller required for motion-control minigames. Motion-control minigames not compatible with online mode or Nintendo Switch Lite.
- Nintendo.
Rank #2
- This jam-packed jamboree just got even bigger—only on the Nintendo Switch 2 system!
- With 22 playable characters, Pro Rules for more serious competition, and a local single player mode, there’s something for every kind of partygoer!
- Get hands-on with Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive features in Carnival Coaster and Bowser Live
- Take the fun online in Koopathlon and Bowser Kaboom Squad
- Get moving in Rhythm Kitchen, Toad’s Item Factory, and Paratroopa Flight School
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