It’s hard to believe that the original Super Mario Galaxy was released on the Nintendo Wii 18 years ago, but perhaps it’s here.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 was released in late 2010, and it’s safe to say that most of us who’ve owned a Nintendo console since then have played one or both of these games to some extent. I’m sure many of you played Super Mario Galaxy in the limited edition Super Mario 3D All-Stars on Switch in recent years, and now you’re getting a second chance with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 in one convenient package.
To be fair, these games have gotten even more polished and polished not only since their original release, but also since the first game’s revamp in Super Mario 3D All-Stars. While the games themselves remain largely unchanged in mechanics and structure, this package is certainly worth revisiting for those who have enjoyed these games before. However, for the few who haven’t played it yet, there’s no better time than this.
planet hopping
For all the newbies here, let me explain these two games in detail. Believe it or not, Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser once again, and Mario must embark on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue her. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is incredible! The same story continues again, although some supporting characters are added to help Mario on his journey.
To be clear, I don’t think anyone would criticize these games for continually rehashing the same story, as we’ve seen with many other Mario games. Either way, this was a very easy entry into the story and this world, and at the time it was praised for its fresh approach to levels and overall traversal as you fly between and completely walk around planets of different sizes.
Credit: Nintendo
Both games are surprisingly long, but packed with unique and colorful worlds, tons of collectibles, and areas to explore. The second game goes even deeper thanks to the addition of Yoshi and his sticky tongue, making collecting Starbits much easier.
But it’s in these levels that both Super Mario Galaxy games definitely get things right. There’s a great deal of variety in the levels in terms of aesthetics and design, and when combined with the responsive platform mechanics, it’s consistently satisfying. It may sound very broad, but I don’t think there’s anything that can be said about these games that hasn’t been said before. That’s why I always recommend these games.
New features
As we’ll touch on later in this review, apart from new textures and increased resolution, both games have added several new features, most of which help improve and stabilize the gameplay experience. Even though the Wii remote doesn’t exist anymore, the Joy-Con feels like it does a great job of leveraging motion controls in the same way as the original.
But this time, players will have access to a new assist mode. This is essentially a forgiving mode that gives the player twice the normal health, preventing Mario from falling off the planet (which would normally result in the loss of a life). Players can also stop and let Mario’s health automatically regenerate. This is clearly a mode aimed at younger, less experienced players, and while I don’t think either of these games are necessarily difficult, they may rely on certain platforming skills.
Also, the revived Co-Star mode allows a second player to move the pointer and collect star bits in addition to regular coins. It’s a little shallow for experienced players, but again, it’s a great way to get younger viewers involved. The Switch 2 version also utilizes mouse controls and feels smooth and responsive on any surface.
Credit: Nintendo
The first game’s storybook has additional chapters to choose from, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 has been given an updated storybook with a new soundtrack. There’s also amiibo functionality for certain Mario and Luma figures, but it’s a shame we’ll have to wait until the 2nd of 2026 or April 2026.
However, the motion controls here can sometimes feel like a mixed bag. I could understand using it with the Wii remote, but it feels a little weird playing with, say, a Switch 2 Pro controller. Perhaps it’s because of the forced built-in that you have to move the cursor on the screen to collect the scattered star bits. Or maybe it’s the fact that I had to refocus the pointer with the “R” button every few seconds. This is a nice feature for the Joy-Cons, but for those who prefer traditional two-handed controllers, it’s honestly disappointing that nothing has changed.
look at the part
Original Switch owners can play this bundle at 1080p, while Switch 2 owners can benefit from the sharper 4K resolution. However, in both cases, players will benefit from a new set of textures that add more detail to levels, backgrounds, and even character models. This isn’t an official remake of sorts, so if you compare this to something like Super Mario Odyssey you’ll notice some rough edges, but for the most part it’s the best game ever.
Credit: Nintendo
We would also like to remind owners of Super Mario 3D All-Stars that this is not the same version of Super Mario Galaxy as far as textures and lighting are concerned. Previous All-Stars versions had a relatively bulky, pristine UI, but this new package feels a little smaller, cleaner, and well-placed.
final thoughts
Overall, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a worthwhile bundle worth checking out even for existing fans. However, if you haven’t played them yet, these may be the best versions we’ve seen so far. That said, the new additions are nice, but I’m not sure if this will sway you in a different direction if you weren’t a fan to begin with.
While I wasn’t a fan of the motion controls on the Switch 2 Pro controller, there’s still a lot to love about these two games that have stood the test of time.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: Fresh visual updates. The new assist mode is a nice touch. Storybook updated for both games
Cons: Motion controls on the Pro Controller feel clunky.
Developer: Nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment Analysis Development, Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Compatible models: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch2
Available: Currently
Review was conducted on Nintendo Switch 2 using a code provided by the publisher.
A featured header image is also provided by the publisher.
