Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel have finally landed on the Nintendo Switch 2, and this pair of games shows just how timeless Nintendo’s creativity can be. After years of waiting, both titles now run sharper than ever, with added features and a few modern adjustments that make them stand out on today’s hardware.
Technical upgrades on Switch 2
Jumping back into these classics, the first thing that stands out is the visual polish. The games now reach up to 4K in docked mode and 1080p in handheld, with textures that have been subtly reworked for higher resolutions. While not as sweeping as something like Metroid Prime Remastered, the enhancements are clear enough, especially in environmental assets and the cleaned-up UI. The altered font and resized icons help everything feel more refined.
Performance remains stable, though some of the small quirks from the Wii originals are more noticeable now. Camera hiccups and occasional clumsy pointer controls remind players these are still games from a different era. Yet despite this, both titles remain remarkably smooth and easy to enjoy on modern hardware.
Gameplay additions and co-op options
Nintendo has included some small but appreciated extras to make the Switch 2 versions feel fresh. Co-star mode makes a return, allowing a second player to gather star bits or disrupt enemies by waggling a Joy-Con or even using the system’s mouse functionality. An assist mode has also been added, doubling Mario’s health and even reviving him with a bubble if he falls off a platform. This will help new players, especially when facing the trickier stages of Super Mario Galaxy 2.
New chapters in the storybooks add a bit more flavor, and Galaxy 2 even gets its own fresh storybook complete with unique music. Amiibo functionality, while limited, ties into the release of two new figures: Mario & Luma and Rosalina, each offering small in-game bonuses like health boosts or extra lives.
Controls and movement feel
The biggest change is the adaptation of the Wii’s motion controls. Star bit collection and spin attacks now rely on gyro input, with a button option mapped to Y for easier access. The Pro Controller works but can feel awkward, as frequent recentering with R is required. Joy-Cons offer the most natural docked experience, while handheld mode allows for touchscreen input and gyro aiming.
Mario’s movement is still responsive, though not as fluid as in Super Mario Odyssey. At times, the directional inputs feel slightly gated, leading to minor frustrations when making micro-adjustments on spherical planets. However, the platforming itself is designed around these limitations, and most players will adapt quickly.
Price and verdict
Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 review: Despite pointer issues, this is still 3D platforming at its very best | VGC
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Individually priced at $40 each or bundled at $70, these remasters aren’t cheap. For longtime Wii owners, it may feel hard to justify the purchase. But for newcomers—or those eager to revisit them in higher resolution—the package delivers dozens of hours of some of the finest 3D platforming ever made.
Minor issues with camera control and gyro aiming linger, but they hardly overshadow the brilliance of the design. Nintendo’s decision to bring both titles to the Switch 2 ensures they remain accessible to a new generation of players, and they continue to stand as high points in Mario’s long history.
