Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Remastered: Nintendo Switch Re-release Brings Classic 3D Platformers to New Heights

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Remastered: Nintendo Switch Re-release Brings Classic 3D Platformers to New Heights As Nintendo commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Super Mario franchise, the company has delivered a long-awaited treat for fans: the launch of Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2, remastered for both Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2.

After years of anticipation—especially following the limited-time release of Super Mario 3D All-Stars in 2020—the omission of Super Mario Galaxy 2 from that collection became a notable point of discussion.

Now, Nintendo has remedied that by making both acclaimed 3D platformers available to contemporary audiences, poised to introduce a new generation of players to these genre-defining titles while satisfying long-time fans. Nintendo’s release strategy for Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 reflects the publisher’s evolving approach to eShop digital sales and Switch game pricing.

Each remaster can be purchased separately for £33.99/$39.99, or as a bundle for £58.99/$69.99, aligning with the new "variable pricing" system introduced alongside recent first-party releases.

While some may recall the games’ affordability on the Wii Nintendo Selects line, consumer enthusiasm remains high: physical pre-orders have sold out at several major retailers, highlighting the ongoing demand for Mario’s spacefaring adventures. Both Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) were critical darlings upon their original release, each earning a 97/100 Metacritic score.

The first Super Mario Galaxy revolutionized the 3D platformer with its gravity-defying level design and introduced now-iconic characters like Rosalina.

Its sequel, codenamed "Super Mario Galaxy More" during development, expanded the concept with inventive mechanics and the addition of Yoshi, cementing both titles as benchmarks in the genre.

Notably, their linear mission structure set them apart from open-world Mario games like Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Odyssey, favoring curated levels packed with challenges and secrets. In this comprehensive remaster, Nintendo has updated the user interface, upscaled visual assets, and implemented features informed by players’ modern expectations.

Noteworthy additions include access to the full, celebrated soundtrack—incorporating new compositions—directly from the title screen, support for amiibo scanning to unlock power-ups and Star Bits, an Assist Mode designed for newcomers, and options to customize camera and motion controls.

Players can opt for various control schemes: Joy-Con motion aiming, touchscreen input in handheld mode, Pro Controller compatibility, or, on Switch 2, mouse input for co-op Co-Star mode.

However, certain features from the Wii era, such as selecting a Mii for the save icon, have been omitted. A significant highlight for Mario lore enthusiasts is the inclusion of new content in Rosalina’s Storybook—a beloved narrative component from the original Galaxy—plus a wholly new storybook entry for Super Mario Galaxy 2.

These carefully crafted additions expand the games’ narrative depth, offering players more insight into the universe’s characters while preserving the heart of what made the originals memorable. On the technical front, the remasters target 1080p/4K resolution in TV mode (depending on platform) and maintain a steady 60 frames per second, mirroring their performance lineage on the Wii.

While neither version supports 120fps on Switch 2 despite initial speculation, the games benefit substantially from the crisper visuals and enhanced interface, ensuring that their whimsical charm and artistic brilliance are preserved.

Some lower-polygon character models, such as Toads, may show their age, but the overall aesthetic remains enchanting, retaining the distinctive look that defined a hardware generation. Ultimately, Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 stand as definitive versions of two of the most revered 3D platformers ever made.

The blend of thoughtful upgrades, accessibility options, and newly expanded story content make this collection an essential addition to any Switch library.

For both newcomers eager to discover Mario’s intergalactic journey and returning fans seeking to relive these stellar adventures, their re-release invites players to experience platforming perfection anew.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 launches on 2nd October 2025, with a complementary Switch 2 update delivering further enhancements on launch day. A review copy of Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 was provided courtesy of Nintendo UK.

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