Switch 2 Gives Mario Galaxy Games Big Boost, Analysis Shows

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Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are now available on the Switch, and they look fantastic! Previously, you could only play them on the original Wii or as part of the temporary Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection on Switch-which didn’t even include Galaxy 2. Now, you can enjoy both games on both the standard Switch and the Switch 2.

The new remasters offer a lot to enjoy, and Digital Foundry recently did a detailed comparison of the improvements and slight reductions in quality. The most noticeable change is the resolution: the original Switch displays games at up to 1080p, whereas the Switch 2 significantly upgrades the visuals to 4K. This makes everything appear much crisper and clearer, particularly when played on today’s TVs. You can find the complete analysis below.

As a big fan, I noticed that a lot of the game feels familiar – the menus, cutscenes, and even the controls are pretty much identical to what we saw in the 2020 3D All-Stars release. That includes things like the touchscreen and motion controls. It’s a little disappointing that the pre-rendered cutscenes are *still* at 1080p, even on the Switch 2, and they haven’t been updated to 4K. They also still have some noticeable compression and color issues. However, the improved resolution and much sharper gameplay on the Switch 2 really help balance things out. I’ve noticed shadows now appear from further away, and even the character models look better when they’re far off in the distance, which is a great improvement!

A major enhancement is the addition of new, high-resolution textures. Nintendo has refreshed almost every surface in the game – including grass, dirt, rocks, bricks, and character outfits. These textures appear significantly sharper and more detailed compared to the original Wii version. As an example, you can now see stitching on Mario’s overalls, and Peach’s eyes and eyelashes have more detail. Certain areas, such as the hay in the Dino Piranha’s nest and the brick paths in Honeyhive Galaxy, have been noticeably improved while remaining faithful to the original design.

There are a few minor issues. The in-game videos still appear somewhat compressed, and you might notice color banding in areas like skies or backgrounds occasionally. However, these updated versions of Galaxy 1 and 2 generally look fantastic. The Switch 2version really shines with its improved resolution and sharper textures, but even the standard Switch version is a welcome upgrade from the original Wii game. Although it’s not a complete overhaul, this remaster effectively revitalizes two of Nintendo’s classic platformers for a new audience. It’s a great way to experience these games again.

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2025-10-02 20:45