Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 Switch 2 Remaster: Reviews Praise Classic Platforming, Mouse Controls Limitations Noted

The anticipated remaster of Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 for Nintendo Switch 2 is set for release on October 2nd, and the first wave of reviews has arrived, offering fans a comprehensive overview of what to expect from this beloved platforming series' latest incarnation.

Developed by Nintendo, this collection brings two of the best-regarded 3D Mario adventures to the latest Nintendo hardware, over 15 years after their original debut on the Nintendo Wii. While reception to Super Mario Galaxy 1+2’s remaster has been largely positive, with historic gameplay and innovative level design still earning accolades, the pricing structure has received some criticism from reviewers.

Even so, critics widely agree these platforming classics have aged gracefully, and their inventive mechanics continue to stand out in an increasingly competitive genre. One frequently mentioned point concerns the new controls on the Switch 2 hardware, particularly the mouse control mode.

For this collection, Nintendo made use of the Switch 2’s updated Joy-Con controllers.

While fans had hoped for improved pointer accuracy—comparable to the Wii’s responsive controls—the remaster introduces a mouse input option intended to bridge the gap.

Unfortunately, this feature comes with a major caveat: mouse controls are limited exclusively to player two in co-op mode.

In previous versions on the Wii, Super Mario Galaxy allowed a second player to assist as a support character, mainly by collecting star bits with a secondary Wii Remote.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 expanded upon these options by giving the second player more direct interaction with the game world.

In the Switch 2 remaster, reviewers note that player two can access mouse mode using Joy-Con 2 to support the primary player, but solo players do not have direct access to this input method outside of co-op. This design decision has disappointed some longtime fans.

Other recent Switch 2 ports, such as Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami, allowed players to remap their preferred controls (including mouse input) even in solo campaigns.

In contrast, as of launch, Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 restricts mouse pointer functionality to a secondary co-op role, and Nintendo has not announced plans to expand this control method to single-player mode.

However, price-conscious gamers will remember that Nintendo has previously updated collections post-launch: the Mario 3D All-Stars collection, for example, eventually added GameCube controller support via a software update. Beyond control options, Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 on Switch 2 introduces several enhancements and new features.

The remaster boasts a new assist mode, additional storybook chapters, expanded amiibo support, and access to 70 Super Mario Galaxy 2 tracks through Nintendo Music.

These additions, along with the updated visuals and performance improvements offered by the Switch 2 platform, look set to make this re-release a highlight of Nintendo’s gaming calendar. Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 for Nintendo Switch 2 will be available via the Nintendo eShop and at retail on October 2nd, reaffirming Nintendo’s ongoing celebration of the Super Mario franchise.

As fans await possible future updates and expanded control options, they can look forward to revisiting two genre-defining adventures that helped shape the legacy of Mario in 3D gaming.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Super Mario Galaxy Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch Super Mario Mario Galaxy Super Mario Galaxy 1 Super Mario Galaxy 2 Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 Joy-Con amiibo Capcom Kunitsu-Gami Mario 3D All-Stars