The 3D Mario lineup is full of hits, yet Super Mario Galaxy 2 remains a hidden gem in the mix. It wasn't just a follow-up but a better version of everything from the first Galaxy.
It offered speedier pacing, refined level design, and innovative mechanics that pushed the Wii to its peak performance. For some reason, it's the only mainline 3D Mario that is absent from modern consoles.
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+ 3Why Is Now the Perfect Time for Super Mario Galaxy 2 to Return?
The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 makes now the ideal moment for Galaxy 2's comeback. Many gamers remember Super Mario Galaxy fondly, but the sequel made things better across the board.
The platforming was more focused, the level gimmicks were more varied, and adding Yoshi gave new ways to play. Power-ups such as Cloud Mario enhanced the depth of the traversal mechanics.
It didn't try to reinvent the series but simply perfected a winning formula. However, that polish might have worked against it. Because it felt like an expansion of the first game, Galaxy 2 was often mislabeled as "more of the same" and skipped over in retrospectives and rereleases.
And yet, the numbers speak for themselves, as it scored just as high (if not higher) than its predecessor on review sites. It is still regarded as one of the best platformers of all time.
For many, it was their first 100% completion game. It also revived nostalgic elements like Throwback Galaxy from Mario 64 and remix levels that celebrated Mario's history. Even with all the love it has, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was missing from Super Mario 3D All-Stars on Switch, and that upset fans who still haven't gotten over it.
click to enlarge+ 3Not having it around makes people want a rerelease more. We've seen Switch ports of games like Skyward Sword, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, and Donkey Kong Country Returns — all older Wii titles. And yet Galaxy 2, arguably the crown jewel of Wii-era Mario, remains stuck in the past.
Some fans think it was held back for a better time, maybe a special anniversary or, more likely, a standalone rerelease on Switch 2. Since 2025 celebrates Mario's 40th year, Nintendo has good reason to bring it back now. Still, a few concerns exist.
How Can Nintendo Make Galaxy 2 Work Well on Modern Consoles?
Galaxy 2 depends on pointer-based controls for features like Yoshi's tongue, which might be tricky on today's hardware. Possible ways to fix this are adding mouse support, tweaking the gyro, or offering a control overhaul.
The first Galaxy adapted surprisingly well to the Switch with minimal effort. Galaxy 2 could do the same — and arguably should, given how overdue it is. Super Mario Galaxy 2 might not hit the same emotional notes as the first game since it lacks a Rosalina storybook, and Starship Mario doesn't have the same charm as the Comet Observatory.
click to enlarge+ 3But what it lacks in vibe, it makes up for in gameplay with fresh levels and earned stars. And the post-game content is its platforming gauntlet that still haunts players in the best way. Another great option is to package it all as one.
A Switch 2 "Super Mario Galaxy Collection" featuring both games, improved graphics, updated controls, and possibly some new bonus levels. Or include it as part of a new Wii library in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass.
Either option would finally right the wrong of Galaxy 2's exclusion from the 3D All-Stars collection — and let new players experience the game that perfected 3D Mario platforming.
Fans are loud, the hardware's locked in, and the anniversary timing is ideal. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is not just overdue for a revival. It is practically begging for one. If Nintendo really wants to celebrate its 40-year Mario legacy the right way, there's no better way to do it than by giving this masterpiece the modern home it deserves.
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