Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 – Review

October 3, 2025 Off By Markus Norat

GAME INFORMATION
Release date: October 2, 2025
Players: 1–2 players (solo mode and cooperative mode with Co-Star Mode)
Genre: 3D Platform / Adventure
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Available languages: Brazilian Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, among others
Available on platforms: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 (with free update for graphical improvements and extras)
Age rating: Free
Game analyzed on the platform: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2

It’s hard to put into words the feeling of playing Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 again on the Nintendo Switch. I felt like I’d been catapulted back into space, just like when I was a kid and first saw Mario float between planets with his own gravity. But now, with a fresh look, minor gameplay improvements, and a few new features that make this collection something special, the experience has become even more magical. I played the entire collection on the Switch, and I can confidently say: even after almost twenty years, these two games still shine like stars in the video game universe.

What impressed me most was realizing that, despite the passage of time, the creativity and charisma of these adventures remain intact. With each galaxy visited, each special power acquired, each orchestrated piece of music that filled the room, I felt like I was part of something bigger, almost as if Nintendo had bottled the essence of fun and placed it inside these virtual cartridges. But let’s get into the details, because each of these games deserves to be analyzed more carefully, step by step.

Mechanics and Gameplay

If there’s one thing that truly defines Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 , it’s how bold they were in playing with the rules of physics and turning it into pure fun. Playing these games means facing worlds that challenge not only Mario, but also our very notion of space. Each planet is a box of surprises: a small globe where gravity holds you to the ground, no matter which direction you face. I found myself smiling to myself several times as I watched Mario walk upside down on a rocky sphere or leap from one tiny planet to another, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Transformations add even more fun to the gameplay. Controlling Bee Mario and flying for short bursts to reach hidden platforms is delightful. Cloud Mario, with the ability to create platforms in mid-air, offers impressive freedom and requires careful consideration of each jump. Rock Mario and Drill Mario bring a more aggressive pace, breaking through stages and traversing planets from end to end. And of course, we can’t forget to mention Yoshi, who appears in full force in Galaxy 2. He not only serves as a mount but also gains his own powers, such as inflating like a balloon or sprinting after eating a pepper. These variations are truly spectacular and completely change the way we approach each level.

Something else worth highlighting is the help mode . It may not be essential for more experienced players, but it’s a great help for beginners or those unfamiliar with 3D games. Having double the number of lives and an extra chance if you fall into a black hole makes the experience more inclusive, and I think this is a huge move by Nintendo. And of course, playing co-op with another person, whether collecting stars or helping to hold off enemies, is fun and increases the game’s social aspect.

Graphics

The first thing that struck me when I turned on the game on the Switch was how incredibly sharp the image was compared to what we had on the Wii. The 1080p resolution in docked mode, even more refined on the Switch 2, is simply spectacular. The colors are vibrant, the environments shine brightly, and details that previously went unnoticed now seem to come to life.

Of course, we’re not talking about a recreation from scratch, but rather a remastering job that adds a stunning freshness. The grass on certain planets, the reflections on the water, the stars’ brightness… everything seems more crystal clear. It’s the kind of game that, even after so many years, manages to visually compete with modern releases thanks to Nintendo’s timeless art style.

What bothered me a bit were some of the lower-resolution cutscenes, which clash with the overall quality. But even in these moments, the art is so enchanting that it’s hard to stay bothered for long. It’s like looking at an old painting in a museum: the lines may not be high-definition, but the beauty lies in the work as a whole.

Sound

The soundtrack for Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 is one of the greatest masterpieces ever created for a video game. Every orchestrated note seems to fit perfectly with the setting we’re exploring. Entering a galaxy and hearing the melody grow as Mario advances is an almost cinematic experience. It’s music that sends chills down your spine, that moves you, that makes you stop for a second and simply listen.

The absolute highlight, in my opinion, is still ” Gusty Garden Galaxy ,” which remains one of the most iconic tracks in video game history. But that’s not all: each level has its own theme, and the variety is impressive. It ranges from tranquil, magical melodies that convey a sense of discovery to epic songs that ratchet up the tension in the Bowser showdowns.

Plus, the sound effects are delightful. The sound of the stars being collected, the sound of Mario spinning, Bowser’s evil laugh echoing through the space… it all adds to the immersion. And Nintendo even added a jukebox mode , which lets you listen to all these tracks directly from the menu. For video game music fans, this is a wonderful gift.

Fun

If there’s one word that sums up Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 , it’s fun . Few games manage to keep players constantly excited, curious, and surprised like these two do. Each level is a new idea, a new challenge, a new way to explore the gameplay possibilities. It’s as if every five minutes Nintendo says, “Look what else we can do with Mario!”

I spent hours playing without realizing the time was passing. It’s the kind of game you turn on thinking about playing just one level, and before you know it, it’s the middle of the night and you can’t put the controller down. The variety is enormous: from levels where you glide on a penguin in water races, to others where you climb honey walls like a bee, or face colossal bosses in arenas that look like something out of a movie.

Co-op mode also adds a different layer of fun, especially when playing with family or friends. Even those who aren’t as skilled can help, making the experience more accessible and collaborative.

Performance and Optimization

Playing on the Nintendo Switch, I was impressed by the fluidity of the performance. The games run at a virtually locked-in 60 frames per second , ensuring a delightfully smooth movement. Jumping, spinning, running, and battling enemies has never been so visually pleasing.

Level loading is also faster, which makes a difference in long marathons. It’s like entering a star cannon, waiting a few seconds, and being back in the action.

The control options are also very well adapted, though not perfect. Using the Joy-Con’s gyroscope to collect stars works well, but can be a bit imprecise at times. Using the touchscreen in handheld mode is a more practical and comfortable alternative. The Pro Controller, however, isn’t the best choice, as aiming becomes more difficult. Still, none of this seriously compromises the experience.

Conclusion

After so many hours exploring every corner of Mario’s galaxy, I can say with absolute certainty: this collection is absolutely essential. Even if you played the originals on the Wii, revisiting these adventures on the Switch is a unique experience, with improved graphics, some new features, and the ability to play anywhere.

Both games remain landmarks in the 3D platforming genre, brimming with creativity, charisma, and unforgettable moments. They’re pure fun from start to finish, and a reminder of why Mario is considered the greatest video game icon.

For me, this collection is the definitive way to play Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 , and it continues to prove that Nintendo knows how to transform video games into pure magic. If you’ve never played these titles, this is the perfect opportunity to experience two of Nintendo’s greatest works. If you have, prepare to rediscover the magic with a fresh twist. I have no hesitation in saying that these are experiences that border on perfection and that, even after so many years, they still manage to surprise and delight.