Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 Shine on Nintendo Switch: Digital Foundry Analysis Confirms Major Visual Upgrades

Nintendo has celebrated the highly anticipated release of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Nintendo Switch, bringing two of the most beloved 3D platformers from the Wii era to a new generation of gamers.

Developed originally by Nintendo EAD Tokyo, both games are recognized for reinventing platforming mechanics around ingenious gravity-based level designs and have earned high critical acclaim since their original launches in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Now, Switch owners can experience these iconic adventures, complete with free performance patches for the upcoming Switch 2 hardware. Industry-leading hardware analysts Digital Foundry have conducted an in-depth review of the new Switch versions, including a technical comparison between the original Wii editions, the Super Mario 3D All-Stars rerelease (for the first game), and the latest Switch updates.

Their analysis confirms that both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 have received robust visual enhancements, with the facelift most evident in the sharpness of textures and character models. One notable improvement is the increased resolution: Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel now run at 1080p on the standard Nintendo Switch and are further enhanced to 4K on Switch 2, courtesy of the new system's increased graphical capabilities.

This boost in resolution means that textures—ranging from intricate grass patterns to the iconic brilliance of Power Stars—are clearer than ever.

Even fine details like the stitching on Mario’s overalls are now visible, elevating the overall presentation. Of particular note is Super Mario Galaxy 2, which is being re-released for the first time alongside its predecessor.

The sequel, which had not been included in prior remasters, showcases a significant leap forward thanks to sharper polygons and more defined character models.

Digital Foundry’s findings praise these updates, stating that both games look and perform at their best on the new hardware. Performance-wise, both titles maintain stable frame rates, with only minimal drops noted on the original Nintendo Switch and even fewer on the Switch 2.

These are the smoothest and most visually rich versions to date.

The only minor drawbacks highlighted during analysis involve a slightly lower bitrate during certain cutscenes and subtle color banding visible in some sky backgrounds.

However, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from the overall experience. For many fans and newcomers, the Switch releases of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 represent a chance to explore two of Nintendo’s best platformers in their definitive form.

While the reissues come at a premium price, the quality and care put into these enhanced editions make them a worthy investment for anyone eager to revisit or discover these legendary adventures. Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are now available on the Nintendo Switch via the eShop.

With their modernized visuals and smooth performance, they offer a stellar experience for platforming enthusiasts and Mario fans alike.

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