Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Shine on Nintendo Switch 2: Full Review and Features

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Shine on Nintendo Switch 2: Full Review and Features As Nintendo celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros., the beloved Super Mario Galaxy and its acclaimed sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, have returned in a definitive remastered package for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Developed by Nintendo's renowned in-house team, these games have long been celebrated for their intergalactic platforming brilliance and remain key highlights in Mario’s extensive catalog.

Alongside the global festivities and the much-anticipated launch of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, fans were surprised and delighted to find both iconic adventures making a triumphant return. First launched on the Nintendo Wii in 2007 and 2010, respectively, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 revolutionized 3D platforming with gravity-defying mechanics and creative level design.

The original saga begins with Mario chasing Bowser into space after Princess Peach’s castle is stolen amidst the Star Festival.

Players are quickly introduced to new characters, such as Luma and Rosalina, and guided to the Comet Observatory, embarking on a journey to recover Power Stars and restore the observatory’s ability to traverse the cosmos. The sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, builds upon the inventive spirit of the first game, introducing new transformations and gameplay features such as Yoshi, Drill Mario, Cloud Mario, and Rock Mario.

According to insights shared in a popular Iwata Asks interview, development was expected to take just a year, as directed by Shigeru Miyamoto.

However, the team's creativity resulted in an extended two-and-a-half-year development period, with the end product featuring an impressive array of fresh concepts and tighter pacing. Bringing these treasured titles to Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has delivered enhanced remasters rather than full remakes.

Players can expect sharper upgraded visuals, with 4K resolution in TV mode and 1080p in handheld or tabletop mode, ensuring the most visually impressive Mario space adventures to date.

Gyroscopic controls using the Joy-Con 2 or Switch 2 Pro Controller closely replicate the original Wii Remote experience, allowing players to collect and shoot Star Bits, while touchscreen controls in handheld mode offer an intuitive alternative. A notable addition for modern audiences is the new Assist Mode, which can be toggled at any time.

This feature doubles Mario’s health and returns the player to the most recent platform after a fall.

It makes the experience more accessible, especially during challenging segments.

Co-Star Mode also returns, enabling a second player to join by collecting Coins, stunning enemies, or assisting Mario directly through a pointer interface.

Nintendo Switch 2 even introduces a new mouse-compatible mode for additional control options, making it easier than ever for families and friends to jump in together. The remasters also support amiibo functionality.

Scanning compatible amiibo via the pause menu rewards players with in-game consumables like Life Mushrooms and 1-Up Mushrooms, with special unlocks reserved for the Mario & Luma and Rosalina & Lumas amiibo.

For audio enthusiasts, the full soundtracks of both games are easily accessible from the main menu, allowing fans to appreciate the sweeping orchestrations that made the originals so memorable. Thanks to rapid load times, upgraded presentation, and thoughtful accessibility features, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 set a new standard for revisiting Mario’s interstellar adventures.

While some minor drawbacks, such as the lower-resolution cutscenes, remain, the overall experience on Nintendo Switch 2 is outstanding.

Whether you are rediscovering each cosmic world or leaping into the series for the first time, there’s never been a better way to experience Mario’s adventures beyond the Mushroom Kingdom.

Both titles remain essential platforming triumphs and fitting centerpieces for Nintendo’s ongoing Super Mario celebrations.

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