Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Review

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 return on the Nintendo Switch. Let’s dive into the interstellar adventure and see if it’s worth the return to the cosmos in my full review.

I’ve been a fan of the Mario universe since I unwrapped my first Nintendo console, and over the years I’ve hopped, slammed, and spin-jumped my way through everything from classic 2D side-scrollers to the most elaborate 3D adventures. When I was able to return to the cosmos in the remastered versions of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Nintendo Switch, I felt both nostalgic and excited.

"When I was able to return to the cosmos in the remastered versions of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Nintendo Switch, I felt both nostalgic and excited."

These two games represented an undeniable high point in 3D Mario platforming, and now, with enhanced visuals and modern controls. Let’s shoot for the stars and explore what the latest versions of Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 to have to offer in my full review.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Details

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch 2

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

Developer:  Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development (Galaxy 1) & Nintendo EAD Tokyo (Galaxy 2)

Publisher: Nintendo

Genre: 3D Platformer

Available game modes: Single-player (with optional Co-Star/assist support)

ESRB Rating: Both Titles are Rated E for Everyone

Super Mario Galaxy’s Storyline: From Mushroom Kingdom to a Cosmic Playground

In this first cosmic expedition, Mario leaves the Mushroom Kingdom behind and blasts into a galaxy-hopping adventure when Princess Peach is once again captured by Bowser. But the twist is space itself: planets, asteroids and entire galaxies become Mario’s playground. I really felt the sense of scale and celestial wonder, something quite different from the usual Mario fare. The narrative is light but effective, providing motivation and setting the stage. Mario must gather Power Stars, travel through the Comet Observatory, face Bowser’s minions, and rescue Peach amidst swirling space vistas.

Super Mario Galaxy 2’s Storyline

 The sequel continues the exciting journey through the stars, but with more friends along for the adventure. Mario, now joined by Yoshi and new power-ups, jumps from one wild galaxy to another. I found the story a little more streamlined this time around; Bowser’s done it again, and Mario must once again save the day. What I liked is how Galaxy 2 feels more confident in its tone; it’s fearlessly creative, inventive, and fun. It really opens up the cosmic sandbox that Super Mario Galaxy laid the foundation for.

"What I liked is how Galaxy 2 feels more confident in its tone; it’s fearlessly creative, inventive, and fun."

Super Mario Galaxy Gameplay – Prepare for Liftoff!

What I’ve always loved about Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 is how they flip entirely what you expect from a Mario platformer. Galaxy 1 offers gravity-defying playgrounds: hopping from one tiny planet to another, spinning through the vacuum of space, and launching from star cannons like an intergalactic acrobat. Each world feels like a cosmic puzzle box, twisting the laws of physics just enough to make me grin every time I figure out the right angle for a perfect leap. Even after all these years, seeing Mario curve around a planetoid and land upside down still feels great and super creative.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Gameplay

Galaxy 2 takes everything that worked and dials it up. Bringing Yoshi into the mix completely changes how you approach certain stages, as you can gulp up enemies, flutter-jumping across bottomless voids, and use Yoshi’s tongue to swing across star bits like a space-cowboy. Add in new power-ups like Cloud Mario and Rock Mario, and it’s like Nintendo handed me a cosmic toybox. The sequel trims away some of the slower bits from the original; you no longer need to trek through a central hub, it’s a more refined experience that gets you into the fun faster than before.

A Few Goombas in the Gameplay Formula

The gameplay experience in Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 isn’t entirely perfect. A few control quirks are a reminder that these games were released during the motion-control craze. The pointer and gyro inputs work well enough on the Nintendo Switch 2. Still, I occasionally found myself wishing for a thoroughly modern, analog-only setup. And while I love the Comet Observatory from the first game for its charm, it can interrupt the momentum compared to the slicker map system in Galaxy 2. Still, these are minor nitpicks in what remains an incredible display of creativity and design. Every planet, jump, and spin feels hand-crafted to surprise you. Even now, with so many 3D platformers having come and gone, few games match the sheer inventiveness of Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2.

Graphics and Presentation

Visually, stepping into these games now felt delightfully nostalgic, but also received some graphical improvements. The new Switch edition boosts resolution to 1080p on Switch, up to 4K on Switch 2, sharpens textures and improves performance. The upgraded resolution and textures breathe new life into every starry vista and character models. What really stood out to me was how Galaxy 2 benefits from the jump in visual fidelity. Its levels always leaned into more vivid colours and playful designs, so seeing them at higher resolution makes the entire experience pop even more.

Performance-wise, everything runs very smoothly on the Switch 2. I didn’t notice a single hitch or stutter, even in some of the more chaotic levels. There are still a few tiny relics of the past, some pre-rendered cutscenes don’t look as crisp as the gameplay, and a bit of colour banding shows up in certain sky gradients, but honestly, it’s minor things. These are small quirks in an otherwise beautifully rejuvenated pair of games.

Extras Added to the Mario Galaxy Package

Alongside the visual upgrades, the Switch edition adds some thoughtful extras. There’s a Music Player Mode to enjoy the orchestral soundtrack, and a beautifully updated Storybook that brings Rosalina’s backstory to life in higher detail. Also, for completionists, new challenge indicators make hidden stars and comets easier to track. Additionally, an art gallery showcases concept art and behind-the-scenes designs. Even new amiibo integration adds playful cosmetic touches and power-ups for a little extra fun.

Final Thoughts on Mario Galaxy 1 + 2

Revisiting Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 on the Switch 2 reminded me exactly why these games are considered some of the best 3D platformers ever made. They’re bold, creative, and endlessly imaginative. The visuals shine, the gameplay still thrills, and the extra features are a nice addition. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Mario’s cosmic escapades, this collection captures the pure magic of exploration and discovery that defines the series. A few aging quirks aside, these two games still represent the peak of what 3D platforming can achieve.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Pros

+Inventive level design with gravity-bending mechanics and playful worlds.

+Excellent visuals and audio

+New upgraded extra features

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Cons

-Some control and input design feel dated compared to modern platformers (pointer/gyro bits, hub world pacing).

-Value: if you already own older versions, the upgrade may feel less essential

-Minor technical blemishes: cutscene bitrates and occasional colour-banding

Overall Assessment of Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2

Gameplay: 8.5/10

Graphics: 9/10

Sound: 9/10

Lasting appeal / Replayability: 8.0/10

Overall Rating of Mario Galaxy 1 + 2: 34.5/40 (85%)

Nintendo provided a copy of each game for the purpose of this review.

---

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

---

dappertux.com uses affiliate links to provide a way for this website to earn advertising income. The blog may earn a referral commission on purchases made via these links.