Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Switch 2) Review: Still A Must-Play Platformer

If you’re a Mario franchise fan, odds are you have a favorite 2D and 3D game. It’s tough to compare them directly, given the series’s extensive history, and everyone has their top pick. For me, it’s Super Mario 3D World, but Super Mario Galaxy 2 comes very close.

Nintendo was on a roll with 3D Marios after the polarizing Sunshine, and all the hard work on the first Mario Galaxy game culminated in Galaxy 2, which builds upon many of the same concepts and “plusses them up.”

Still A Classic For A Reason

I Dove Right In All Over Again

3D Mario games are my most-replayed platformers, and it’s not just because I like them personally: a ton of friends and family are eager to join in on the fun as well. I’ve had many side-by-side speedrunning races with friends in various Mario games, and although a few have fallen on the wayside due to platform availability, Nintendo typically comes through with a remaster or remake after a long wait.

So why is a re-release of Super Mario Galaxy 2 such a big deal? Well, this is the first time it’s been available outside the Wii platform, and it’s too good to stay on a retro console. If you’re unfamiliar with the Galaxy series, most of it takes place in space, and gravity-based platforming plays a huge part. Thankfully, Nintendo only really mined this gimmick in two mainline Galaxy games, so by the time you get to the sequel, it’s still fresh and exciting.

Adding in the ability to fully control Yoshi on many levels, some new power-ups, and inventive extra stages, Galaxy 2 feels less like a rote sequel and more like a daring new 3D entry. I was reminded of this rush every time I moved on to a new level, and the mechanics and layouts drastically changed to the point where I had to learn something new.

This slow ramp is something that Nintendo does perfectly on most Mario games, and Galaxy 2 ramps up rather quickly. After going on an adventure to rescue Princess Peach yet again, you’ll blast off to space and help some stars power up your ship, and encounter new planets in the process.

This time, instead of a proper hub world selection screen, you’ll have a classic level selection menu, which cuts down on time wasted wandering around and in menus. Galaxy 2 gets straight to the point, and it’s greatly appreciated, as it lacks a lot of the traditional “stop and chat” tutorials found in other Mario games.

I thought Galaxy 2 looked wonderful when it was released, and it still shines today, especially with its new coat of paint and upscaled visuals. It’s a gorgeous game, supported mainly by its vibrant color schemes and excellent, smooth design.

IR Pointer Controls Won’t Always Shine

It Depends On Your Setup

While this Switch 2 edition doesn’t add much beyond enhanced visuals and some extra storybook lore bits, there is something that sticks out this time around: the IR motion controls. Galaxy 2 is built with IR pointer controls in mind, and you’ll accomplish that by aiming a reticle at the screen with your remote (including a Pro controller).

IR controls govern the ability to fire off stars at the screen to stun enemies, and manipulate Yoshi’s tongue, which is required for some progression. The catch is that if you’re on a Switch Lite, or playing completely in handheld mode, you could have a lot of issues actually aiming it. Even on a TV, my daughter had some issues acclimating to the pointer controls while playing in the co-op helper mode (which Nintendo also brought back for Donkey Kong Bananza).

The optimal way to play is just how the Wii functions: two separate Joy-Con, one for movement, and the other for the aforementioned motion shenanigans. However, if you’re not keen on playing this way, you may struggle to get used to Galaxy 2. I was hoping for additional control schemes to make things more convenient for my playmates, but to no avail this time.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Withstands The Test Of Time

Play It, You Won’t Regret It

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is on my shortlist for platforming recommendations: not just within the Mario series, but the genre itself. It manages to make nearly every level feel new and fresh, while keeping you on your toes if you want to get every collectible. Still, while it’s a bit of an undertaking to go for a 100% completion rate, you’ll have a ton of fun doing it.

Although I wish this Switch 2 edition had made a few more tweaks, this is one of the only ways to play Super Mario Galaxy 2 outside the original Wii hardware, because it was never included in the All-Stars package on the original Switch. For that reason alone, it’s great to have one of the greats cemented in history on a modern platform.