What new host replaces Toad in Mario Party 3's story?

The Millennium Star replaces Toad as the host in Mario Party 3’s story.

The game’s plot begins when a mystical star said to be born once every thousand years appears before Mario and his friends. The Millennium Star claims authority over the group and sends them into a giant toy-box world after they argue about who deserves to be the Superstar of the universe.

Instead of simply guiding ordinary board-game matches, the Millennium Star gives the player a larger quest: collect seven Star Stamps representing qualities such as wit, kindness, strength, love, courage, beauty, and mischief. Completing the campaign leads to a final confrontation involving the star.

This role is distinct from Toad’s traditional hosting duties in the earlier games. Toad returns in later entries, including Mario Party 4, which also uses other hosts such as Koopa Troopa. The Millennium Star remains one of Mario Party 3’s defining story elements.