What’s the best game of all time? A loaded question, no doubt. Red Dead Redemption 2? Halo: Combat Evolved? Grand Theft Auto V? Or perhaps Final Fantasy VII? For me, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 stand out as must-play experiences. They represent the pinnacle of Nintendo’s craft. But playing these classics today is no easy task, in some cases nearly impossible.
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Limited physical releases and ageing hardware have left many fans behind. So when these games get a remaster, it’s not just a treat for long-time players, it’s a chance for younger fans to learn gaming history.
Mario Galaxy has already had a taste of this, bundled with Mario Sunshine and Mario 64 in Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a brilliant collection. But one game was missing: Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Convenient Classics
That’s where Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 comes in, correcting that omission and bringing both stellar titles to the Switch and Switch 2.
Both games are available as a bundle for £58.99/€69.99, or separately for £33.99/€39.99 each. Some may see this as a simple re-release of two ageing titles at full price. But that misses the point. Fans have been asking for this since the early 2010s.
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Let’s be clear: both games are still amazing. They’re just as joyful to play now as they were on the Wii. Near-perfect platforming, stunning soundtracks, and brilliant design make them timeless.
Despite being nearly 20 years old, they feel fresh, like they launched yesterday. That’s the magic. A new generation will see them as modern 3D Mario games, not just legendary relics.
Different Styles of Excellence
The first game blends design, narrative, and creativity into a seamless experience. The second game, originally planned as an expansion, boldly carves its own path. It ramps everything up and becomes a showcase of what the engine can truly do.
Galaxy 2 is a constant evolution of ideas. You’re shown something, you learn it, you master it, then the game throws something new at you. And it never repeats itself.
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This gameplay focus does come at a cost. The narrative takes a back seat, so far back, in fact, that it’s little more than a bare-bones tale. It lacks the emotional depth of the first game.
But having both in one bundle means you get the best of both worlds: strong gameplay and a heartfelt story.
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Technically, the bundle has been upgraded to run smoothly on Switch 2 hardware, now supporting native 4K and 60FPS. It builds on the improvements seen in Super Mario 3D All-Stars, with even more refined textures.
That said, there are a few issues. Galaxy’s cutscenes remain pre-rendered in 1080p, causing a noticeable drop in quality.
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Also, since both games were originally Wii titles, motion controls were key, especially the pointer. On Switch, these have been replaced with gyro in docked mode and touchscreen in handheld. It works, but lacks the precision of the original.
Motion Transfer
Oddly, single-player mouse control isn’t supported, even though player two can use it in co-op. A missed opportunity.
Extras include both soundtracks in a music player, a new Easy Mode for younger players, and a small bit of new story content in Galaxy 2 centred around Rosalina. There’s also Amiibo support.
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Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a must-play. These aren’t just platforming milestones, they’re foundational to gaming itself. This bundle future-proofs two legends for generations to come.
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