Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Switch Review

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Switch Review
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2

I missed Mario Galaxy’s first orbit on the Nintendo Wii, but I was fortunate enough to be starstruck by it on the Mario 3D All-Stars collection. Even after more than a decade and across two console generations, it felt like quintessential Mario platforming perfection that had me wishing upon a star that one day I could play its sequel. Now, that wish has come true with the Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 double pack, available on both Switch 1 and 2, featuring modern updates alongside classic gameplay. What’s it like? Gather some Star Bits, count your coins, and wish upon a star as we review Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Before we dive in, I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has supported What’s It Like. It’s amazing how the stars aligned for this moment. This is my 500th article, and I couldn’t have done it without all of you. From galaxies far, far away to the stars right here at home, your support has made this journey truly out of this world.

Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 follow the traditional Mario trope of rescuing Princess Peach from the nefarious King Bowser, and the games place far more emphasis on fun and inventive gameplay than on narrative depth. Even so, Rosalina’s storybook, which has been enhanced for this release, adds some background to newer characters in the series and brings a warmth and charm that has long been a hallmark of the Mario franchise, offering small moments of emotional connection amid the dazzling galaxies and challenging levels. The combined result is a light, whimsical narrative that complements, rather than overshadows, the gameplay.

Nintendo has added a number of improvements with the Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 double pack, making this release feel both fresh and familiar. Visually, the games have been enhanced to run at sharper resolutions on the Switch, bringing the galaxies to life with vibrant colours and smoother details. Gameplay has been refined for modern hardware, with updated controls designed for the Switch’s Joy-Con and Pro Controllers.

For newcomers or players who prefer a more relaxed experience, the new Assist Mode offers extra health and a protective bubble to prevent instant deaths should you fall off the level, making both games more accessible than ever. Amiibo support has also been added, allowing players to unlock special in-game bonuses, and a new in-game music player lets you revisit the iconic soundtracks anytime.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 brings a mind-bending, gravity-defying platforming experience that builds on the open, multi-star course structure first introduced in Mario 64 and Mario Sunshine. Each level offers multiple stars to collect, changing the layout and challenges depending on which star you are chasing. This keeps the game feeling fresh and rewarding, as even familiar galaxies can present entirely new paths or puzzles. The game continually introduces new mechanics and bosses every few levels, giving players a steady stream of surprises. From gravity-flipping planetoids to inventive platforming puzzles, the environments encourage players to think in three dimensions.

At first, the spin jump, gravity shifts, and motion-based controls can feel disorienting, but once you get the hang of them, they open up a sense of wonder rarely seen in platformers, even by today’s standards. The Mario Galaxy games also excel at pacing. Levels vary from short, bite-sized challenges to sprawling, cinematic galaxies that reward exploration and experimentation. The combination of tight controls, imaginative world design, and set pieces ensures that the game remains engaging while offering moments of genuine awe and delight.

Even after all these years, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 hold up remarkably well. Each course delivers moments of true wonder, whether it’s hatching and battling a Piranha Plant, surfing the cosmos on a space manta ray, or navigating the intricate hives as Bee Mario. It’s that signature Nintendo magic that I often rave about, and both Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 have it in abundance. What makes these games both special and timeless is the sheer joy they inspire.

I felt the same excitement replaying Super Mario Galaxy 1 as I did discovering Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the first time. Galaxy 2 builds on the original formula in almost every way, adding sharper level design, inventive new mechanics, and a heightened sense of creativity, ensuring that the fun and wonder continue with every new galaxy.

Both Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are still running on their original engines, but the visual improvements in this release are impressive. On Switch 1, the games feature sharper textures and upgraded visuals, while on Switch 2, the resolution goes up to 4K, making the worlds look even more vibrant and crisp. Shooting from one planet to another never fails to impress, and the colourful, bright environments continue to feel magical, capturing that sense of wonder that made the original games so memorable. The hub world in Galaxy 1 has its own unique charm, and the flying planet hub in Galaxy 2 feels equally special.

Each galaxy is packed with imaginative details, from sparkling star bits to floating platforms and cleverly designed set pieces. Even though the character models are lower-polygon compared to modern standards, they still retain their charm and animation fluidity, and the overall presentation is a visual feast from start to finish.

That said, the visuals are not without minor quirks. In Galaxy 1, a few textures can appear slightly washed out in certain areas, while Galaxy 2 occasionally suffers from odd bloom distortion, particularly in one specific section of the game. These issues are subtle and do not detract from the experience, but they are noticeable if you are paying close attention. Sometimes, you will also have to fight the camera, which is a product of its time, and didn’t bother me too much.

Overall, the enhanced resolution, vibrant colours, and thoughtful world design ensure that both games remain visually stunning. If you’re curious about a more direct comparison, we have a video on this channel that shows how the new version of Galaxy 1 stacks up against the 3D All-Stars release.

The visuals are backed by the legendary composer Koji Kondo, whose whimsical and playful compositions bring the galaxies to life. Classic Mario scores are given new life alongside fun, inventive tracks that perfectly match the tone and pace of each level. In this release, players can also enjoy an in-game jukebox on the title screen of each game, allowing them to listen to the iconic soundtracks anytime. It’s a thoughtful addition that not only celebrates Kondo’s work but also lets fans immerse themselves in the music that has defined these cosmic adventures.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 perform at a smooth 60 frames per second and don’t skip a beat in both docked and handheld modes. The updated control schemes make the games feel even more responsive on the Switch, whether you’re using the Joy-Con or Pro Controller. Motion-based actions remain intuitive, and thanks to reworked gyro controls, players no longer have to furiously tap their screen like in 3D All-Stars, which has been a welcome change. Traditional button inputs have also been refined for modern gameplay, giving both newcomers and returning players a precise and enjoyable platforming experience.

There is also the return of co-op play, letting the second player collect and use star bits to help the main player. This second player can use gyro or mouse controls on Switch 2, which is a nice addition to the game. For my Galaxy Explorers, looking into accessibility, there is a reliance on motion controls, and not any specific accessibility options to choose from, so, as always, I recommend further research into finding out if Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 suits your needs.

When it comes to value, this is where opinions have been most divided, particularly with price differences across regions. That said, for the cost of a standard new release game here in Australia, you are getting two of the greatest Mario adventures of all time. Both Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 offer hours of imaginative, expertly crafted platforming, replayability through collecting stars, and the kind of joy only Nintendo can deliver.

I felt that unmistakable Nintendo magic that I always talk about, and the combination of timeless gameplay, imaginative worlds, and modern enhancements makes this double pack an absolute delight. If you haven’t experienced either game before, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Whether revisiting the galaxies or discovering them for the first time, Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 remain two of the most special entries in Mario’s 3D adventures.

So What’s it Like? Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are like Mario 64, but out of this world.

The Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 collection is a What’s It Like Certified Exceptional Game.

In the interest of full disclosure, a review copy was provided by Nintendo, but this doesn’t influence my score.

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