The Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 games are now available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, showcasing notable improvements. Previously, these beloved titles could only be played on the older Wii console or as part of the limited-time Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection on Switch, which notably did not include Galaxy 2. Now, both titles have received a significant update, making them accessible to a wider audience on current generation hardware.
A comprehensive analysis by Digital Foundry revealed key enhancements and some minor drawbacks in these remasters. The primary difference highlighted is that while the original Switch runs the games at up to 1080p, the Switch 2 significantly boosts visuals to a stunning 4K resolution. This upgrade makes the image much sharper and cleaner, providing a more immersive experience, especially on modern televisions.
In terms of user experience, most of the menus, cutscenes, and controls remain consistent with the 2020 3D All-Stars version, including support for touchscreen and motion controls. However, a slight disappointment comes from the pre-rendered cutscenes, which still operate at 1080p even on Switch 2 and have not been upgraded to 4K. These scenes also exhibit some compression and color issues. Nevertheless, the improved resolution and sharper gameplay visuals on Switch 2 largely compensate for these shortcomings. Players will notice that shadows now render from a greater distance, and character models appear better detailed from afar, enhancing the overall visual fidelity during gameplay.
Another significant enhancement is the introduction of new high-resolution textures. Nintendo has meticulously updated nearly every surface in the game—including grass, dirt, rocks, bricks, and even character clothing. These textures appear considerably clearer and more detailed than on the original Wii. For instance, Mario`s iconic overalls now feature visible stitching, and Princess Peach`s eyes and eyelashes are rendered with greater intricacy. Specific areas, such as the hay in the Dino Piranha`s nest and the brick paths in Honeyhive Galaxy, show substantial upgrades while skillfully preserving their original artistic design.
Despite these extensive improvements, there are a few minor downsides. As mentioned, cutscene videos still appear somewhat compressed, and color banding can occasionally be observed in skies or backgrounds during these sequences. However, considering the overall package, these new versions of Galaxy 1 and 2 look better than ever before. The Switch 2 version particularly benefits from the higher resolution and cleaner textures, although even the regular Switch version offers a pleasant improvement over the old Wii release. While not a full remake, this remaster does an excellent job of polishing two of Nintendo`s finest platformers, making them shine for a new generation of players and preserving their timeless appeal.