Super Mario Galaxy Graphics Comparison: Wii vs. Nintendo Switch vs. Switch 2 Visual Upgrades Explored

Super Mario Galaxy, one of Nintendo's most celebrated platformers, has recently received a new lease on life with enhanced versions launching across multiple generations of hardware.

Originally developed and released on the Nintendo Wii in 2007, the title has continually garnered praise for its innovative gameplay and charming aesthetic.

Now, with Super Mario Galaxy available on both the Nintendo Switch and the newly released Switch 2, a comprehensive graphics comparison reveals just how dramatically the visuals have evolved with each platform iteration. The original Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii set a new benchmark for 3D platformers, leveraging the console's motion controls while delivering vibrant, imaginative worlds.

The game was later included in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, giving it a graphical lift for Nintendo Switch owners as part of the eShop's classic game line-up. In its latest appearance, the title showcases both visual and technical advancements on the Switch and Switch 2 systems.

On the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Galaxy supports a crisp 1080p resolution in docked mode, with a handheld option at 720p.

The game reaches new visual heights on the Switch 2, rendering in full 4K while handheld gameplay achieves 1080p, pushing the capabilities of Nintendo's hardware further than ever before. In an official statement, Nintendo noted that "visual fidelity and gameplay enhancements bring the beloved galaxy-hopping experience to a new generation of players." These improvements span not only higher resolutions, but also refined graphical elements and optimizations aimed at smoother gameplay, making it the most accessible and visually rewarding experience the franchise has ever offered. For fans interested in the specifics, comprehensive video comparisons have surfaced, analyzing aspects such as texture sharpness, lighting effects, and overall frame stability between the Wii, Switch, and Switch 2 editions.

These comparisons underscore the significant jump in clarity and performance, highlighting how Nintendo preserves the nostalgic feel of the original while embracing modern visual standards. Super Mario Galaxy 2, released in 2010 exclusively for the Wii, also receives a spotlight in these side-by-side breakdowns.

Although it was not part of the 3D All-Stars compilation, its appearance on modern hardware alongside its predecessor has allowed players and critics alike to revisit and assess its graphical performance in today's context.

Both titles are now available for purchase and download via the Nintendo eShop, compatible with the Nintendo Switch and fully optimized for the Switch 2. With these updates, Nintendo continues to honor its platforming legacy, offering both longtime fans and new players the definitive way to experience Mario’s cosmic adventures across ever-improving hardware landscapes.

Owners can also access a day one update, further refining gameplay and graphics upon release. For those eager to explore the evolution of Super Mario Galaxy’s visuals—and its journey from the Wii to the latest Nintendo systems—the comprehensive comparisons provide an authoritative look at how technological advancements have kept Mario’s adventures timelessly compelling.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Super Mario Galaxy Nintendo Mario Wii Switch 2 Switch Super Mario Mario Galaxy Super Mario Galaxy 2 3D All-Stars