Super Mario Galaxy's Switch Legacy: Galaxy 2 Hope Endures

Last Updated: October 17, 2025

Nintendo brought a delightful surprise to fans of the beloved Super Mario Galaxy series, though not precisely in the double-pack format once imagined by some. While the critically-acclaimed *Super Mario Galaxy* did make its way to the Nintendo Switch, it did so as part of the *Super Mario 3D All-Stars* collection. This highly anticipated compilation, which also included *Super Mario 64* and *Super Mario Sunshine*, launched on September 18, 2020, allowing players to revisit these classic titles and experience their innovative gameplay and charming worlds on a modern console.

This release offered a fantastic opportunity for new players to discover these timeless masterpieces, and for longtime fans to relive the joy of exploring the cosmos with Mario. However, a notable omission from the collection was *Super Mario Galaxy 2*, much to the surprise and disappointment of many in the gaming community. Despite persistent hopes and speculation, *Super Mario Galaxy 2* has not yet received an official release on the Nintendo Switch.

A Cosmic Adventure Revisited

Originally released on the Nintendo Wii, *Super Mario Galaxy* and its sequel revolutionized the platforming genre with their innovative use of gravity and spherical 3D environments. The games introduced players to a vast, sprawling cosmos filled with unique planets, each boasting its own distinctive challenges and secrets. From lush green landscapes to the fiery depths of Bowser's fortresses, each level is a testament to Nintendo's creative genius.

When *Super Mario Galaxy* arrived on Switch via *3D All-Stars*, it was presented as an emulated port, preserving much of the original experience. While the Wii's motion controls were integral to the original design, the Switch version adapted these mechanics to the Joy-Cons, offering a smooth and intuitive control scheme tailored to the console's capabilities, including both motion and button-only options. The visual fidelity also saw minor enhancements, allowing the vibrant worlds to shine on modern displays.

Super Mario Galaxy 2: Building on Excellence and its Continued Absence

*Super Mario Galaxy 2*, released in 2010, built upon the stellar foundation laid by its predecessor. It introduced new gameplay mechanics, power-ups, and a wealth of new levels, refining the original formula without losing its charm. The game saw the return of Yoshi, who proved to be a valuable asset in navigating various challenges, alongside new transformations like Rock Mario and Cloud Mario. *Galaxy 2* was celebrated for its heightened challenge, streamlined hub world, and an even more polished and enjoyable experience. Its absence from the Switch platform remains a consistent topic of discussion among fans, who continue to hold out hope for a future standalone release or another compilation.

The *Super Mario 3D All-Stars* collection itself was a remarkable value proposition for players, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay across three iconic titles. However, it was famously a limited-time release, delisted from digital storefronts and physical retailers on March 31, 2021, making access to *Super Mario Galaxy* on Switch more challenging for new players today.

A Legacy of Innovation

The *Super Mario Galaxy* games are not only beloved for their charming gameplay but also for their lasting impact on the gaming industry. They helped to establish new standards for 3D platforming, with their creative level design, innovative gravity mechanics, and memorable characters cementing their place in gaming history. The original *Super Mario Galaxy* garnered universal critical acclaim, winning numerous Game of the Year awards, a feat repeated by its equally lauded sequel.

The initial re-release of *Super Mario Galaxy* on the Nintendo Switch, despite its limited availability, represented an opportunity for a new generation of players to experience this gaming classic. While the dream of a comprehensive *Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2* double pack on the Switch remains unfulfilled for now, the legacy of both titles continues to inspire awe. With their intuitive controls, beautiful visuals, and timeless gameplay, these cosmic adventures continue to delight players and stand as monumental achievements in Nintendo's storied history.