It’s hard to believe that the original Super Mario Galaxy launched on the Nintendo Wii 18 years ago, but here we are, I guess.
While Super Mario Galaxy 2 was released later in 2010, it’s fair to say that most of us who have owned a Nintendo console since then have played either or both of these games in some capacity. While many would have played Super Mario Galaxy in recent years on the questingly limited Super Mario 3D All-Stars release on the Switch, we now get the chance again with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 in one convenient package.
To be fair, these games have been given a bit of additional polish and elbow grease, not only since their original release but even since the first game’s revision in Super Mario 3D All-Stars. While the games themselves remain largely unchanged in terms of both mechanics and structure, this package certainly warrants a revisit for those who have enjoyed these games before. For the few of you who haven’t played them, though, there’s really never been a better time.
Planet-Hopping
For all the newbies here, let’s break down these two games for you. You’d never believe it, but Princess Peach has been kidnapped once again by Bowser, and Mario must embark on a universal, planet-hopping adventure to rescue her. Super Mario Galaxy 2, would you believe it, follows the same story once again, albeit with a few additional supporting characters that aid Mario on his journey.
Let’s be clear, I don’t think anyone is going to criticise these games for rehashing the same story back-to-back, as we’ve seen it in so many other Mario games before. Either way, it’s a really easy entry point into the story and this world, and at the time, was applauded for its fresh approach to levels and overall traversal, as you bounce between and walk entirely around planets of varying sizes.
Both games are surprisingly lengthy, but they’re all packed with unique and colourful worlds, plenty of collectibles to find and areas to explore. The second game is even deeper, thanks to the addition of Yoshi and his sticky tongue, which makes collecting Star Bits an absolute breeze.
But it’s in these levels that both Super Mario Galaxy games get things undeniably right. There’s simply so much variety to levels in terms of aesthetics and design, and when paired with responsive platforming mechanics, it feels consistently satisfying. I get that sounds very broad, but I just don’t think there’s anything I can say about these games that hasn’t been said before, and for that reason, I would always recommend them.
New Features
Aside from the new textures and resolution bump, which we’ll touch on later in this review, both games have been given a few new features, most of which help improve and stabilise the gameplay experience. While the Wii Remote is no longer around, I feel as though the Joy-Cons have done a great job at utilising motion controls in the same way as the original.
But this time, however, players can take advantage of the new Assist Mode. It’s essentially a more forgiving mode that gives players double the amount of normal health, while keeping Mario from falling off planets, which would normally cost you a life. Players can also stand still to help Mario regenerate health automatically. It’s obviously a mode that caters to younger and inexperienced players, and while I feel either of these games isn’t necessarily difficult, they can at times rely on some particular platforming skills.
There’s also the returning Co-Star mode, which allows a second player to move a pointer around to collect Star Bits, which you collect in addition to regular coins. It’s a little shallow for experienced players, but once again, a great way to get younger audiences on board. The Switch 2 version even takes advantage of mouse controls, which feel smooth and responsive on any surface.
There’s an additional chapter to choose from in the first game’s storybook, while Super Mario Galaxy 2 has been given an updated storybook with a new soundtrack to boot. There’s even amiibo functionality for specific Mario and Luma figures, although we’ll have to wait until the 2nd or April 2026, which is a bummer.
I will say, however, that the motion controls here, at times, feel like a mixed bag. While I could understand the use of them with the Wii Remote, playing on the Switch 2 Pro Controller, for example, feels a little strange. Maybe it’s their forced inclusion, where you have to move a cursor around on the screen to collect scattered Star Bits, or maybe the fact that I resorted to recentreing the pointer with the ‘R’ button every few seconds. It’s a feature that better lends itself to Joy-Cons, but I’m frankly disappointed that they didn’t change anything for those who prefer a traditional two-handed controller.
Look the Part
Original Switch owners can play this bundle in 1080p, while Switch 2 owners will benefit from a sharper 4K resolution. Either way, however, players will benefit from a fresh set of textures which add plenty of detail to levels, backgrounds and even character models. It’s not an official remake of sorts, so you will notice a few rougher edges if we’re comparing this to something like Super Mario Odyssey, but for the most part, it’s the best these games have ever looked.
I would also just 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. That previous All-Stars version had a relatively bulky, untouched UI, which feels a little smaller, cleaner and well placed in this new package.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a worthy bundle that is worth checking out for existing fans. If you haven’t played them, however, these might still be the best versions we’ve seen. That being said, as nice as the new additions are, I’m not sure if this will sway you in the other direction, if you weren’t a fan to begin with.
While I didn’t love the motion controls on the Switch 2 Pro Controller, there’s still plenty to love about these two games that have certainly stood the test of time.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Fresh visual update; New Assist Mode is a nice touch; Storybook updates in both games
Lowlights: Motion controls on the Pro controller feel awkward
Developer: Nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development, Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Available: Now
Review conducted on Nintendo Switch 2 with a code provided by the publisher.
Featured header image also provided by the publisher.
