I have some extremely happy and frustrating memories playing Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 back in the Wii era, but it always bugged me how far behind it looked when compared to it’s peers. Yes, Wii is pretty much a Gamcube pro when it comes to raw power, but that wasn’t the point. In fact, Wii prompted the motion control revolution that saw Xbox release Kinect and Sony release PlayStation Move, which says it all really.
Fast forward a couple of decades and we have brand-spanking new remasters of the Galaxy series on Nintendo Switch + Switch 2 via a 4K 60FPS upgrade, so is it worth getting? Or should you just hook up your old Wii? Let’s get into it:
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Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 is more of a visual upgrade than a comprehensive remaster like Metroid Prime Remastered, which isn’t as bad as it sounds considering how brilliant these games still are. That doesn’t mean their hasn’t been some changes though, here’s the cliff notes;
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High resolutions: 1080p on OG Switch, 4K 60FPS on Switch 2
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High resolution cutscenes: Unlike the AI upscaled cutscenes from Galaxy 1 in 3D All-Stars, they’ve been reworked for both games
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Assist Mode: Perfect for first-time younger players
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Gyro controls: RIP light bar and Wiimote, but it still works
Should you buy if you already have 3D All-Stars?
It depends on your preferences and setup. If you’re not planning on playing Galaxy 1+2 on Switch 2, then it’s not going to be much of an upgrade visually. You’d still be getting proper 1080p textures and re-rendered cutscenes, but if your happy with that AI smeared look and just want to play the game you’ve already got then more power to you.
There’s some other small differences such as a user interface facelift for a 16:9 aspect ratio over 4:3, alongside a music player with over 150 tracks from across Galaxy 1 and 2. If you’re hung up about buying the same game twice for the same console, Best Buy is currently selling digital code for Super Mario Galaxy 1 and Super Mario Galaxy 2 for $39.99 a piece, so picking up Galaxy 2 separately would save $29.99.
If you have a Switch 2, for me the visual upgrades are worth it. These games absolutely pop on a 4K 60FPS screen, and it’s a difference that I felt more than saw. It beats the straight ports of Super Mario 3D All-Stars by lightyears in my opinion. Plus the Switch 2 upgrade is free, as this is technically an OG Nintendo Switch release.
Is this the best way to play Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 right now?
Simple answer? Yes 100%, but there’s a couple of caveats with that answer in my opinion. First off, it’s $69.99 for two legacy Nintendo Wii games, which is crazy even given the visual improvements. Thinking about the value for money gameplay wise, yes of course it’s worth it, but it’s annoying that both Galaxy titles were in the $20 Nintendo Selects lineup for Wii roughly 12 months after they originally released. The Nintendo tax is real in 2025.
The only other slight issue I had with Galaxy 1+2 was the motion controls, which is more of a personal nitpick. The Wiimote and light bar combo was ridiculously accurate by the time motion plus came around, and it’s something a gyroscope can’t replicate. Don’t get me wrong, it comes very close, but fans of the original releases will notice motion controls in this outing to feel a little floaty and less accurate.
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To put this into perspective, I’ve been playing with a PowerA Pikachu and Gengar wireless controller and Switch 2 Joy-Con in TV mode and handheld, and using the gyro motion controls whilst playing with a standard controller layout feels alright. The sensitivity is quite high, so I wasn’t worried about throwing my controller or console flying out of my hand, just simple tilts.
Which amiibo can I use?
Well if you haven’t heard, Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 are getting two new amiibo, but they’re not releasing until April 2, 2026. Yeah, I found it strange too, but perhaps they’ll mark extra content for the games or have some kind of tie-in with the recently announced Super Mario Galaxy animated film, who knows?
Scanning the Mario & Luma amiibo (preorder for $39.99 at Best Buy) gives players instant extra life, whilst the Rosalina and Lumas amiibo (Again, $39.99 at Best Buy) gives Mario a 1-Up Mushroom. All other amiibo usually result in star bits and coins, so nothing major there, but will come in handy when feeding stars for hidden bonus levels etc.
Is Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 worth buying?
It’s subjective at the end of the day. If you want two amazing Mario platformers that turn the 3D Mario formula on its head and value for money from a gameplay standpoint? Yes. If you’ve already got Super Mario 3D All-Stars but want to play a 4K 60FPS version of Galaxy 2? Maybe just buy Super Mario Galaxy 2 on it’s own. If you’re looking for a full-on remake with tons of extra bonus content and still have the original game on Wii with zero preference on graphical fidelity? I’d probably give this one a miss.
Yes, it’s a big ask paying $70 for two Wii games, but they’ve had just enough upgrades to make this purchase feel worth it. It’s a great introduction to both games ahead of the Super Mario Galaxy film, and no-doubt the latest Ninty fans will love Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 with the new assist mode.
