The supreme Super Mario series has arrived on Nintendo Switch 2 with the Super Mario Galaxy collection.
Two of the greatest games the industry has ever seen have been remastered and reworked to become even better than when they launched in 2007 and 2010 on the Nintendo Wii. As Mario celebrates 40 years of being the top icon in the industry, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 represent the pinnacle of the legendary franchise. Further enhanced thanks to the Switch 2 hardware, both titles should be ‘required gaming’ for all gamers as this is the best way to play two of the best games ever.
The iconic Super Mario Galaxy games expertly hit on everything that is so wonderful about gaming, from the beautiful soundtracks to the remarkable sound effects to the captivating gameplay to the impeccable sense of wonder. Both games nail every mark and are among the true top-tier masterpieces in the medium.
Both Galaxy games feature some of the most creative, inventive and well-crafted level designs in gaming history. Almost every level across both games present an adequate sense of wonder, excellent platforming and unique challenge. The often-featured fixed cameras purposefully create an impressively guided experience despite the 3D space, as it forces the gamer to wonder what will appear next or how the level will shift perspective. It’s a brilliant technique to create a more cinematic, artful and intriguing experience. Although some may find the camera disorienting, it’s still wildly impressive how Nintendo was able to provide the sense of being in space and navigating gravity.
Call it nostalgia, but there’s few better feelings in video games than conquering a level in a Mario game and collecting a Star, especially defeating a boss to complete a galaxy for a Grand Star. Super Mario Galaxy perfectly captures the feel of Super Mario 64 while enhancing it in every single way. The mind-bending physics are still compelling nearly 20 years later and feel just as groundbreaking today as gamers experienced in 2007.
While the Joy-Cons feel natural and nostalgic to use since they resemble the Wiimotes that these games were originally built in mind for, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is one of the most comfortable controllers Nintendo has ever made and it is certainly worth experiencing both Super Mario Galaxy games with. Although it may take a bit of time to get comfortable with using the gyro functionality to mimic the pointer, both titles feel natural playing with the Switch 2 Pro Controller.
When controlling Mario, it feels like a natural way to experience a Super Mario game, especially for gamers who grew up with titles like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Considering the Switch 2 Pro Controller has motion features built in to capture the feeling of using a Wiimote to collect Star Bits or spin Mario, this control scheme can quickly become the definitive way to experience Super Mario Galaxy 1 for some gamers.
For Super Mario Galaxy 2, gamers may feel more comfortable using the Joy-Cons split because it’ll be easier to control Yoshi. When controlling Yoshi, there’s typically more specific items to point to and it’s quicker to do so pointing a Joy-Con than using the Pro Controller’s gyro. Regardless, it’s amazing to have the option to use different control schemes, plus handheld mode, at any time because it’s so seamless to switch.
Arguably the best feature added to both games is the Assist mode, which provides players with three extra health points and will save Mario when he falls off the stage (similar to Lakitu saving racers in Mario Kart). While Assist mode may make it easier in the sense that players have more attempts during a level because of double health and the ability to infinitely breathe under water, it doesn’t change the inherent challenge from platforming sections, general enemies, terrain damage or bosses.
Assist mode is a fantastic addition to both games as it will allow younger games or even experienced gamers to enjoy the game even more. For those who have already completed either game in the past, Assist mode allows them to see the iconic levels and characters again in a fairly more relaxed setting.
Like the original versions on Wii, Co-Star mode allows two people to play at the same time. Although only one player controls Mario, the second player can collect Star Bits and shoot them at enemies by using the Joy-Coo as a pointer. It may not be the most expansive of multiplayer options but given the Galaxy games are primarily meant for single-player platforming, it’s always been an awesome inclusion in the Galaxy series (and Super Mario Odyssey) so a child or partner can still feel involved in the action. Here, the second player can certainly make a major difference by stopping and stunning enemies, or even helping Mario perform an extra-high Super Jump, to make the game a bit easier and far more interactive for couch co-op.
Finally, the improved graphics are stunning as the Switch 2 hardware allows the movie-quality art style to shine like never before. As expected from Nintendo’s premier franchise, each game runs smoothly whether playing on the TV or in handheld mode. Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 were among Nintendo’s finest work when they released on Wii and that remains true on Switch 2.
Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are simply magnificent works of art that nearly 20 years later still hold the same impact as they did upon release. For any gamer that has never experienced these masterpieces, both games are an immediate must-play. For those who have played them in the past, the enhanced graphics, gameplay features and portability make them a must-own for any Nintendo fan.
These games aren’t just games that ‘hold up’ in 2025, they are peak gaming by the greatest publisher ever. These are historical works of art to appreciate and despite a loaded 2025 calendar, are two games worth playing immediately to experience for the first time or to return to relive the epic adventures.
