Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 Shine on Nintendo Switch for Series’ 40th Anniversary

Nintendo is marking the 40th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros.

series with a significant release: the remastered collection of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, now available for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

As two of the most celebrated 3D platformers in video game history, these titles have once again been elevated for a new generation of players and longtime fans—showcasing just how well their game design and imaginative worlds hold up after nearly two decades. The new release, developed and published by Nintendo, officially launches on October 2, 2025, and arrives with noticeable technical and gameplay improvements to match the expectations of modern hardware.

On the original Nintendo Switch, both games render at 1080p in docked mode and 720p handheld, while owners of Nintendo Switch 2 can access a free update that delivers crisp 4K visuals when docked and 1080p in handheld mode.

Regardless of platform, players will experience smooth action with both games running at a targeted 60 frames per second—a technical accomplishment for these former Nintendo Wii titles. Notably, this re-release boasts a range of quality-of-life enhancements.

Nintendo has incorporated gyro aiming support for portable play in both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, vastly improving the experience over the earlier release in Super Mario 3D All-Stars, which restricted pointer controls to the touchscreen.

While the option to use the right stick as a pointer remains absent, the new gyro controls generally offer a precise and satisfying way to collect Star Bits and interact with the environments.

For Super Mario Galaxy 2, motion-intensive stages such as those featuring Yoshi and gliding are still best enjoyed on the big screen, but are now fully functional on the go as well. Another important improvement is the streamlined save system.

The original required manual saves after every Power Star, interrupting the game’s pace.

With the 40th Anniversary edition, auto-saving keeps progress seamless in both games, while a manual save remains available for players who prefer more control over their data.

Additions like Assist Mode, mouse controls for a second player, and a music player from the main menu further round out the package, making the games even more accessible and replayable. In terms of presentation, Nintendo has upscaled and enhanced many textures to 4K, ensuring that despite their age, these games look remarkably close to their modern platforming peers.

The opening cutscene of Super Mario Galaxy has been re-rendered for a more immersive, cinematic feel, and while the graphics may not quite reach the polish of Super Mario Odyssey, they demonstrate the timeless quality of their underlying art direction. Amiibo integration has also been extended, though it remains largely cosmetic or supplementary.

Tapping a Mario or Rosalina amiibo yields an extra Life Mushroom or 1-Up Mushroom, while other amiibo provide minor in-game resources such as Coins or Star Bits.

The upcoming Mario and Rosalina amiibo figures launching in April 2026 introduce no gameplay changes, but are sure to appeal to collectors and fans of the franchise. For those who have never played them, Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel are essential experiences—offering inventive level design, captivating atmospheres, and soundtracks still considered some of the best in the Super Mario series.

While nostalgia plays a part, their mechanical precision and creative ambition ensure their relevance well into the present day.

Super Mario Galaxy 2, in particular, introduces new elements like Comet Medals and the ever-popular Yoshi, enhancing replay value for both newcomers and veterans alike. Although the $70 price tag for the collection is a premium ask for remastered Wii classics, Nintendo’s attention to detail and broad accessibility upgrades help justify the investment for many.

As the world anticipates the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the possibility of future 3D Mario adventures, this re-release provides the definitive opportunity to revisit—or discover—two of Nintendo’s finest games, fully optimized for Nintendo Switch and the next generation.

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