Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

While the asking price is high, these masterful platformers have never looked or played this good, and that alone is worth the cost.

The Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 collection carries on its shoulders the two best 3D platformers ever starring Mario. Both games feel frozen in time, showing absolutely no signs of aging — quite the opposite, in fact: they highlight Nintendo’s sorcery in crafting magical, timeless experiences. Some minor tweaks were added to make them more accessible for new players, but honestly, they didn’t even need it. Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 deserve to be listed in the dictionary as synonyms for perfection in gaming. Only those who embark on this journey truly understand how far the mustachioed hero went (to space, literally) to outdo himself in creativity.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 are effectively the perfect package: two of the greatest video games of all time, just as you remember them, with only a few minor touchups here and there. This is, for my money, the best way to play two of the greatest video games ever made.

Both games are not only Nintendo at their peak (as good as Odyssey is, we consider both Galaxy games to be superior) but the whole art of video games. The creativity, the craft, and the bond between your simple control inputs and the magic happening on-screen has never been bettered. A decade and a half ago, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 stood as two of the best video games ever made and that is absolutely still the case now.

Soaring among the stars in Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 delivers not one but two out-of-this-world adventures that are simply unmissable experiences, regardless of whether you choose to play on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch. Shooting through space like a comet after leaping into a Launch Star or overcoming the challenges that confront you to secure each Power Star never gets old, and I am envious that there are likely those who will be discovering every galaxy that awaits you for the very first time.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 were already two of the best games ever made, and now they’re better than ever before. Just go out and buy them, whether this is the first time you’ve played them or not.

Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 were considered among the best games ever made when they were released, and a decade and a half later that still hasn't changed. The attempt to replace the Wii Remote's pointer controls with Joy-Con gyro movement never feels quite as intuitive as the original experience, but this concession won't dampen the spirits of anyone lucky enough to be playing these games for the first time. Both games remain the high point of creativity in the platform game genre, making this one of the easiest recommendations we've ever made.

What else can you say about these two games? For me, they were and remain the crowning glory of Mario creation, masterpieces of level design, and a bottomless treasure trove of interesting ideas to toy and tinker with.

Whether you mastered gravity years ago or are venturing to Mario’s outer space for the first time, you’re in for a treat.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 stands as a bundle that brings back two unquestionable masterpieces. Two of the best games Nintendo has ever pulled out of its hat throughout its entire history, and they’re still just as relevant more than 15 years later. With a remaster that gets the job done—though it could be better—the Big N restores experiences that challenge any cynical belief one might have about remasters. Because, for a change, we’re talking about games that truly deserved a second life.

The Galaxy games are still ever so fun. I have to set aside my concerns knowing that new players will get so many good hours out of these games. I was thrilled to play them again, if it’s any consolation. You should be relieved that Nintendo has brought Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 to the Switch 2 without too many frills. It plays just like it did on the Wii and Wii U, albeit prettier and slightly more defined than I remember. It behooves any Switch 2 owner to acquire these masterpieces, especially those who weren’t around to play them in their original states.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 remain timeless showcases of inventive gameplay and stellar design. This collection updates them with higher resolution and small tweaks, though it misses a deeper visual overhaul and still has minor camera issues. Despite that, it’s an essential package for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are a couple of the best 3D platformers ever and this brand new Switch release is the optimal way to experience them so whether you're a long-time fan or have never played them before, they'll surely send your fun meter to outer space.

Even with controls and camera work that feel slightly like a relic, there’s nothing here that would make you think the world got it wrong 15-20 years ago as far as these games are concerned. They were pinnacles of 3D platforming then, and they remain that way today as well.

Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 Remastered isn’t just the revival of two legendary titles - it’s a reminder of an era when Nintendo pushed the limits of creativity and imagination, not just resolution. Even after more than a decade, few 3D platformers can match the effortless joy, magic, and sense of wonder these two masterpieces still deliver.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 celebrates two of Nintendo's most innovative games and returns them to the modern world of gaming with pure fun!

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are still out of this world. This pair of classic adventures remind us why we love Mario’s 3D outings in the first place. For existing fans, the temptation to replay in this enhanced form is strong. For new players, this is a must-own title.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 brings two absolute classics to the Switch 2, with improved visuals and a whole lot of creative stages to play.

The $70 price tag (or $39.99 price individually) may be a deterrent to some, but it’s hard to argue the sheer brilliance this platformer duology still provides today. Adding this package to my collection was an unequivocal decision. Regardless of whether you’re a newcomer hoping to dive in for the first time or a veteran coming back for a playthrough before The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, I cannot recommend these two games enough. Even in 2025, these almost two-decade-old classics remain every bit as captivating as they were in 2007 and 2010.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 keeps all that made the two Wii games groundbreaking and brings them up to today's standards without compromising what made them eternal classics. Thanks to the slick visual and interface upgrades it is now possible to enjoy the galactic exploration of the two Mario classics in smoother detail, while the Switch 2 mouse controls and the Assist Mode make them much more accessible for newcomers. Whether nostalgic veterans looking to relive the two games or new fans meeting Mario's galactic adventures for the first time, this is the finest experience they could ask for.

Super Mario Galaxy remains one of the franchise’s shining points in the 3D era. While one can question the pricing structure for two 15+ year old games, there’s no doubt Nintendo has done a good amount of work adapting the beloved games to 2025. The visuals have been updated, with textures being reworked in a big way, there's a smooth framerate, and most importantly, a 4K resolution for those on a Switch 2. It’s how Super Mario Galaxy and its successor should be remembered. That’s on top of the Gyro controls being properly implemented to mimic the Wii Remote IR motion controls. If you somehow missed Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 all those years ago, this is the ideal and most complete way to experience it.

This bundle is a huge celebration for fans of Mario, both new and old. These are 2 of the best 3D platforming games ever made, and is a huge recommendation for fans of the genre.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 remain masterpieces, and the slight technical adjustments made by Nintendo make them technically enjoyable for everyone even today (thanks to the great design work of the original developers). Assisted Mode is an excellent introduction, perfect for novices, but also for those who want to eliminate some frustration and tedium from the equation. The only sticking point is the price: without doing the math for anyone, these are two masterpieces, difficult to find until now and optimized for modern enjoyment. At the price of a normal AAA game. It's expensive, but what it offers is worth every penny.

Unsurprisingly, Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 are essential for anyone who never had the chance to play them on the Wii back in the day. There's no point in beating around the bush, the games are absolutely excellent and are among the plumber's best adventures. Generous in terms of content, ingenious and creative in their mechanics and the renewal of their environments, the two games are a real gold mine. Obviously, the Nintendo Switch 2 allows them to shine even more thanks to 4K in particular and constant fluidity. The only downside: there are no major new features other than an ultra-easy mode and a few extra book pages. Nothing that will encourage long-time fans, those who have already played the original two games from top to bottom, to buy.

Creativity flows throughout two of gaming’s best adventures, finally available on modern hardware and looking wonderful on Switch systems. There is so much sublime platforming here when considering the amount inventiveness spread across both Super Mario Galaxy titles, with each offering something for absolutely everyone. There are some niggles here and there, but when the moment-to-moment gameplay is so consistently enjoyable, it is easy to brush over minor grievances. This is a collection every Nintendo fan needs to own.

Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 return in stunning 4K, proving that nearly two decades later, Mario’s greatest adventures remain unmatched.

Returning players won't find much new here, but that shouldn't spoil the fun. Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 remain timeless classics and are a must-have for any Nintendo fan.

In terms of content and gameplay, there's pretty little to criticize about Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2. Both games perform well on the Nintendo Switch, and especially on the Nintendo Switch 2. However, to call them remasters or even remakes would be an exaggeration. They're essentially optimized ports. But is that really so bad if the gameplay is still fun? Well, considering the price, it's a bit. Charging almost €70 for games that are 15 or 18 years old, respectively, and offer hardly any notable innovations, is a bit outrageous. If you already own Super Mario Galaxy through the 3D All-Stars Collection, you don't really need to buy this version again. There's simply too little new to offer. And visually, the 3D All-Stars Galaxy still looks pretty good. For Super Mario Galaxy 2, however, you have no other alternative besides the Wii version. If you're not familiar with either game yet, this bundle is a great way to catch up. Even though the price remains controversial, the decision is ultimately yours.

The lack of a more precise pointer control may disappoint some veterans, but it does not diminish the magnificence of the design, pacing, and imagination in each adventure. For first time players, it will be love at first orbit. For veterans, it provides an opportunity to reunite with two of the finest platforming games ever created.

Both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 remain legendary games that have aged very well, with exquisite and surprising level design that leaves no one indifferent. Their large number of collectibles and highly varied levels, combined with a heartwarming story that is capable of touching anyone's heart, make this pack of two classic games from the franchise an essential journey.

At the end of the day, the best thing that can be said about this entire release is simply that it exists. With Super Mario Galaxy previously locked behind the aforementioned Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Super Mario Galaxy 2 still gridlocked to Wii (and technically Wii U), it has become increasingly hard to play this series as time has gone on. Nintendo has now omitted one of its gravest sins by bringing Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 to Switch consoles, and with the movie set to hit theaters next spring, this release couldn’t have come at a better time.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a collection that many will dislike by default due to a series of choices made by Nintendo, which have nothing to do with the quality of the games themselves or the restoration work carried out. Despite a visual department that in some circumstances begins to show signs of aging, this is a pair of unmissable productions for anyone who has never had the chance to experience them in their best possible form.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 remain absolute benchmarks for the 3D platform. Their return to Switch and Switch 2 is the best opportunity to discover or rediscover them in modernized conditions. However, it's important to keep in mind that this is an improved port, not a complete overhaul. The visual improvements, optimized cursor, and portable comfort bring real benefits, but don't revolutionize the experience. For new players, it's a must-have. For former Wii owners, the decision will depend on their desire to rediscover these masterpieces in a slightly more enjoyable version. They still arrive at the right time after a strangely weak year, without a truly original Mario game for the new console and the plumber's 40th anniversary. With these Super Mario Galaxy games, we've simply started dreaming about the future of the series again. Which is already, in my opinion, quite a feat.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 feel right at home on the Nintendo Switch. While some additional gameplay tweaks may have been desirable, this still remains the definitive package, with a welcome visual upgrade, more accessible difficulty options and updated controls. Whether this is your first time experiencing Mario’s voyages to the stars or you are looking for a spaceship journey down memory lane, there has never been a better time to check out Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, now on the Nintendo Switch.

The definitive way to play two of the best Mario adventures of all time. If you've never experienced either Super Mario Galaxy or Super Mario Galaxy 2, now is the time to do so: Two magical adventures with addictive level design and an incredible soundtrack. Both games could be on any Mount Rushmore of Nintendo titles.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 are tremendous games and remain among the best Mario experiences. The packaging here on Switch between the two games is a little mixed, with controls never quite matching the originals and odd graphical quirks that ideally should be fixed. However, the games themselves do all the talking, and playing them again is an experience you simply need to have.

While it's hard not to talk about the price, it's hard not to deny that these games are still masterpieces nearly 20 years after their release on Wii. The enhancements and changes do just enough to make them worth playing all over again and is a great way to kick off the 40th Super Mario anniversary celebrations. Even if I had personally liked to see full-on remasters from the ground up, these games still hold up remarkably well and transition from Wii to Switch amazingly, despite some personal nitpicks.

There’s no question about it: Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 are two of the most sublime games ever created. With gameplay that subverts expectations and scenarios that wouldn’t be possible if not for the creative freedom of the cosmos, they represent the Mario series at its absolute best. They look better than ever, boast small yet welcome additions, and expand upon the narrative with new storybook pages. Gyro aiming simply isn’t as effective as the Wii pointer, however, and you’ll be recentring the onscreen cursor a lot. Very minor issues with the camera are also a bit more noticeable now than they were 15 years ago, but the fact that Nintendo managed to pull off some utterly ridiculous sequences without the camera going haywire remains a remarkable feat. These games command a high price on Switch, to be sure, but you’ll be playing them for the rest of your life.

Well over a decade later, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are still two of the greatest 3D platformers of all time, and the Nintendo Switch remasters enhance them even further with an updated UI, higher resolution, and new content, including an assist mode and a fitting continuation of Rosalina’s storybook. I can’t wait for a new generation of gamers to play these legendary intergalactic adventures, and if you haven’t played one (or either) of them, or you just wanna re-experience the magic before The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theatres next year, now is the perfect time to do so. Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 launches for Switch on 2nd October 2025 along with a free Switch 2 update that includes some of the features mentioned in this review.

Two masterful Super Mario games remastered in a way as simple as it is effective. This update to Mario’s space adventures is a constant display of imagination that manages to mask the passage of time and offers games that set the benchmark among 3D platformers.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 remain timeless platforming masterpieces. The remaster bundle adds little beyond sharper visuals, but the inventive gravity gameplay and stellar level design still shine as bright as ever.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 are rightfully considered among the best 3D platformers of all time. This remains true in the Switch remakes. While the visual enhancements could certainly have been improved considerably, the extremely creative, varied gameplay beats everything else. Anyone who enjoys the genre and isn't familiar with the originals should definitely pick this up.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a collection of two must-play platforming classics, now returning for modern Nintendo consoles. While their gameplay quality and technical improvements are undeniable, the compilation adds very little in terms of new content. Still, both titles remain essential experiences for platforming fans and longtime Mario enthusiasts.

I had a blast playing Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2. I almost forgot how good these games are, and they look better than ever on Switch 2, so I had even more fun. If you’ve never played the original games, you definitely should give it a chance – they don't make them like that anymore.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Switch brings back two of the Wii’s most beloved 3D platformers with their timeless creativity and refined gameplay intact. While both titles still offer exceptional platforming fun, the re-release is hampered by a high price and minimal new content. Galaxy 1’s atmospheric storytelling and hub design offer a richer adventure feel, while Galaxy 2’s tighter level design and added mechanics deliver a more robust challenge. However, fans may find the additions too light to justify a repurchase.

It goes without saying that both Super Mario Galaxy titles are among the best 3D platformers ever made. Their level design remains fascinating even by today’s standards, and the gameplay is nothing short of pure fun. While the extra content in the remaster isn’t particularly noteworthy, it doesn’t diminish the overall excellence of these games.

Sometimes a remaster feels insufficient because the original release is still so polished. The Mario Galaxy games are over a decade old, but they don’t feel like it by any means. The mechanics, the level design, and the crisp visuals all feel brand new. Even the controls are nearly (but not quite) perfect, a real testament to Mario’s persistent technical staying power. I’d love a little more from a collection like this, but what’s being presented is still quality stuff. If you’ve never played Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2, this is a pretty good time to start.

The two Super Mario Galaxy games are so beautiful and imaginative that they transcend their own series. They are the dream of a child broken down into its basic elements, explorable through fantastical and extraordinary gravity-defying acrobatics, framed by Rosalina’s melancholic tales and those leaps toward the sublime, supported by symphonic outpourings—so rare for Super Mario and Nintendo. They are two masterpieces, and it is no coincidence that they marked the childhood and imagination of the first members of Generation Z.

Although there's no big new content, both are masterpieces that every player should play at least once in their life, now with visual improvements.

Nintendo has brought two unique games to the Switch with Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, titles that should have been polished much earlier. Despite Nintendo’s magic, signs of aging are occasionally noticeable, but overall, it’s once again a delight on the Switch. The games look great and let you hop between planets with smooth, effortless gameplay.

This collection brings back two of Mario’s finest 3D adventures with upgraded resolution, some welcome features like co-op and assist modes, and added content such as new chapters and music, yet it falls short of its potential due to its conservative remastering and lack of deeper graphical or structural updates.

The compilation tribute to Mario's 40th anniversary leaves mixed feelings. They're still two great adventures, but there's also the feeling that more could have been done, both technically and in terms of content: there are no galleries of unreleased art, nor anything for fans of Mario games.

Nintendo has brought Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2 to the Switch, offering a great opportunity for platformer and Mario fans. For those who’ve already played the games, the price of seventy euros might be a tough sell for essentially the same experience.

Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 serve as proof that true classics never age, while the gameplay, creativity and charm of both titles remain fully intact. The port runs smoothly, benefits greatly from 4K resolution and the controls translate surprisingly well. However, it is ultimately just a visual polish without any meaningful improvements, which makes the steep price feel a bit too self-assured.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 makes for a great package to enjoy two outstanding masterpieces of gaming.

An essential two-parter, Mario Galaxy shines with its creativity and dazzling artistic direction. Together, both games make for a particularly generous bundle, offering insight into the franchise’s future: a level-design masterclass set in space. Fun, iconic, and accompanied by an unforgettable score from the very start, this is a true classic worth rediscovering — though it’s a shame Nintendo has been a bit greedy about it.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 feels less like a simple rerelease and something closer to a remaster, especially when played on Switch 2. While not as polished and fully featured as they could be for the price tag, these are still phenomenal games and absolutely worth blasting off in again and again.

Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 collection mostly just polishes up the surfaces rather than completely overhauls the two classics, but the games themselves are still pretty much the best the platforming genre has seen.

The Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 remaster duo give Switch owners a chance to experience two really great games in the series. Both are still wonderful platforms that do some really fun and fantastic things when it comes to level design and playing around with gravity. However, I will say they are a bit disappointing when compared to both other companies’ recent remasters and Nintendo’s own endeavors. Plus, I do think the visual improvements and handling of the motion controls/touchscreen components are better in the second game than the first. I definitely say they are worth picking up if you never experienced either game before.

While the enhancements are minimal unlike the asking price, the fact remains that this is a supremely brimming concoction of ideas executed well.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are timeless classics that defined 3D platforming, now back on Switch with native support for both docked and handheld play. While the gameplay and level design remain stellar, the remaster offers only minor improvements and a steep $70 price that may leave longtime fans questioning Nintendo’s approach. For newcomers, however, these are still essential Mario adventures.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 return on Nintendo Switch as two historic giants of video game design. These are works that not only withstood the test of time but remain perfectly relevant today, still capable of raising the eyebrows of even the most veteran players. They took risks, played with gravity, reinvented the power-up catalogue, and delivered characters and moments forever cemented in the plumber’s history. Eternal extras may be missing, but the essential is here: games that still feel like they came from the future. Do they hint at a third entry to complete a trilogy on Switch 2? We don’t know, but they fit perfectly into the anniversary celebrations.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are excellent 3D platformers, and it’s nice that the second installment is now also playable on modern hardware. Still, I’m disappointed by the way the ports have been handled. Nintendo is asking a significantly higher price per game than with Super Mario 3D All-Stars, the last time Super Mario Galaxy was brought to Switch. In return, there’s only some new side content, while nothing meaningful has really been added in terms of gameplay. That said, these remain two of the best games ever made, bundled together in one package.

The games play well in the new-look controllers and they’re as addictive and as fun as they ever were.

Two galactic works from Nintendo stand the test of time with flying colors. You quickly find yourself smiling and feeling energized as you overcome each challenge Nintendo has created. Although the remasters are a minimal effort, they bring improvements, especially on the Nintendo Switch 2, and remain a passion to play.

Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 brings both Wii classics together in a sharper, more accessible package. Galaxy 1 benefits from cleaner visuals compared to its 3D All Stars release, while Galaxy 2 finally makes its long-awaited return with native support on Switch and Switch 2. The remaster adds Portuguese subtitles, a helpful assist mode, and stable 1080p/4K performance at 60 fps, though it stops short of a full modern overhaul. The timeless level design and music still shine, and Galaxy 2 remains the highlight with its refined structure and creativity. A strong recommendation for newcomers and a worthwhile upgrade on Switch 2, though returning players may find the price high for the scope of improvements.

Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 are coming to Switch (and Switch 2) without major extra content compared to the originals, but with graphical improvements above expectations.

It's a dream to rediscover Super Mario Galaxy with the technical and visual quality of Nintendo Switch 2, where the adventure takes on a special shine. However, the lack of major new features hampers a lackluster release that appeals to nostalgia.

Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 are proper remasters of two all-time platforming greats. With tasteful graphical improvements, more integrated gameplay tweaks with better controls for handheld, they’re a solid, sensible way to celebrate a 40th birthday.

For those that played Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is available separately and delivers a greater challenge. The original Galaxy was so good in part because it was something we’d never played before; all these years later, its sequel feels just as fresh and extends the experience to craft the best platformer ever made. Let’s just hope that when Super Mario 3D All-Stars Deluxe arrives for the 50th anniversary on Switch 3, it combines all of these games and more with the proper remastering they may not actually need, but definitely deserve.

Nintendo has certainly done a decent job of updating two masterful adventures, but they could definitely have added more content or held back a little when it came to pricing. As it stands, it's impossible to ignore that this package feels a little greedy based on what you get in exchange for your hard-earned money. Sure, if you've never played Super Mario Galaxy or its eminent sequel, I can, without hesitation, recommend that you purchase both games. In terms of overall gaming enjoyment, you won't be disappointed, as these are two awesome platform titles that still hold up, and then some. However, if, like me, you're old school and have already rescued Princess Peach in both of Mario's galactic adventures, you can skip this new version with a clear conscience, or alternatively dig out your Wii console and experience the nostalgia that way. The games are still as phenomenally good as you remember, and the improved graphics may add some much-needed polish, but not much more than that.

Nintendo was never going to remake Super Mario Galaxy 1+2, nor do I think it ever should unless it wants to risk diluting two undeniable classics. Despite that, this sadly doesn’t feel like the remastered effort you’d expect for such a steep asking price, with myriad flaws from a bygone era holding it back from true greatness. This is now the definitive means to experience two of the best platformers ever made, it’s just unfortunate that the package is prohibitively expensive and borderline insulting to those who want to enjoy it most.

There's no denying that these are two must-haves within the Mario world, but they can feel like a weak effort due to the lack of truly compelling new content. Of course, collectors won't think twice and will immediately buy the physical version; after all, many of us are loyal to Nintendo.

So, what can we take away from this Nintendo Switch 2 re-release of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2? First and foremost: these games remain absolute masterpieces of 3D platforming. Eighteen years after the first installment, their level design is still a model of clarity and creativity. Every galaxy, every mechanic, every jump is perfectly calibrated to delight without frustrating the player. The magic still works, and the emotion remains intact. However, when it comes to the port itself, the disappointment is hard to ignore. This is essentially just a 4K/60fps polish, a cosmetic texture cleanup, and compatibility with both the Switch and Switch 2, nothing more. No 3D model overhauls, no new lighting effects, no significant additional content. Rosalina’s Storybook and the assist mode are nice touches, but they feel anecdotal compared to what you’d expect for a 40th-anniversary celebration. And the price, €70, is particularly steep for a duo that doesn’t include any real expansions or “next-gen” remastering. There’s a slight feeling of incompleteness, or even deliberate laziness, which the most demanding fans will notice immediately. If you’ve never played these two galaxies before, dive in, they’re pure joy. But if you already know them, it might be wiser to wait for a sale rather than support Nintendo’s new pricing approach.

I miss the Virtual Console days, when your new Nintendo console came with a potentially vast library of classic games at very approachable prices. Now, we’re caught between paying a subscription fee for drip-fed retro catalogues, and paying top dollar at retail for games considered too new for Nintendo Switch Online but old enough that they need retouching. Thing is, I’ve been ecstatic at being able to jump back into these games – Super Mario Galaxy 2, especially – and what’s here is a perfectly fine way to play or replay them. I think we should just be glad that Nintendo is (rightly) averse to the whole Unreal Engine 5 remake path.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a straightforward compilation that brings two of the most celebrated platformers to modern hardware. Together, they form one of the strongest adventures in the Mario canon. But with some barebones upgrades and inconsistent visual improvements, these are hardly the definitive versions of either Galaxy or Galaxy 2. Regardless, despite the visual presentation, it's hard to deny the strength of the core at this compilation. Both games boast inventive and engaging level design that, with (mostly) improved controls, are easy to enjoy today.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 arrives to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. Both games add notable features, including an assisted mode that makes play more accessible, improved Joy-Con support, a wonderful soundtrack with over 100 musical tracks, and even new chapters that expand both main stories. Even so, tighter attention to small details, less finicky camera shifts, or a more active co-op mode would have truly completed the experience.

Both parts of Super Mario Galaxy are still phenomenal 3D platformers, worth playing even today. The problem is that the anniversary compilation looks like it was put together in a hurry, and its price is more off-putting than appealing.