By Out of this cosmos?
- by Alana Hagues
Happy Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 launch day on Switch! Whether you’re acquiring one (or both) of the timeless Wii platformers for the Switch — which also feature a complimentary patch for Switch 2 — you’ll likely desire a comprehensive understanding of how each performs, and what disparities exist compared to their original editions.
Well, Digital Foundry has the insights on exactly how Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 operate on both consoles, alongside their Wii counterparts (and All-Stars, for Galaxy 1).
Overall, it’s truly a solid enhancement, with the major advantage being the improved textures. Combined with the resolution upgrade on both Switch 1 (1080p) and Switch 2 (4K), all textures — from grass to walls to even the glimmering stars — the visuals are stunning. You can now see the stitching in Mario’s overalls!
Mario Galaxy 2 is evidently the centerpiece here, as it wasn’t reissued alongside its forerunner until this point, and the enhancement is substantial. More defined character models and polygons ensure the game appears in its finest form, and we’re thrilled.
For both titles, there are very few frame drops in the Switch 1 version, and even fewer in Switch 2, meaning these are the most visually appealing versions to enjoy. The only genuine drawbacks stem from the reduced bitrate in cutscenes, along with color-banding in the sky in a few areas.
Nonetheless, this is a delightful — albeit expensive — indulgence for enthusiasts of Super Mario Galaxy. And for anyone who has yet to experience these games? You’re in for some enchantment.
Share your thoughts on Super Mario Galaxy 1 + Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Switch in the comments.
Alana has been part of Nintendo Life since 2022, and while RPGs hold her heart, Nintendo is a close second. She relishes overanalyzing battle strategies, characters, and narratives. She also fantasizes about being a Sega air pirate.