Nintendo is set to re-release two of its most celebrated 3D platformers with Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 Remaster. Early comparisons, including new gameplay footage from Good Vibes Gaming, suggest the remasters will offer significant improvements over the 2020 Super Mario 3D All-Stars compilation. The new versions are expected to feature visual upgrades, new features, and several refinements that will make them a distinct improvement.
The remastered Super Mario Galaxy will run at 4K on the Nintendo Switch 2 and at 1080p in handheld mode on the original Switch. Although no handheld footage has been released, available clips from Nintendo’s official site show sharper textures and higher-quality rendering. For instance, floor patterns and other environmental details have been redone, with previously static textures now replaced by more intricate designs. Cutscenes, which were simply upscaled from their original 480p resolution in the 3D All-Stars collection, have been completely re-rendered to eliminate banding and are now displayed in a widescreen format, giving them a more cinematic feel.
Beyond technical improvements, Nintendo has added several new gameplay elements. A new Assist Mode allows players to recover health by standing still, gain an extra life, and automatically return to a safe spot after falling. This feature is similar to the assist mechanics in Super Mario Odyssey but includes further refinements. Galaxy 1 will also have additional chapters in Rosalina’s storybook, while Galaxy 2 introduces an entirely new story and gives players access to the full soundtrack directly from the menu, featuring 72 tracks compared to Galaxy 1’s 82.
Despite these enhancements, some assets appear unchanged. While floor textures have been notably improved, some wall designs remain identical to the 3D All-Stars version. Still, the overall presentation demonstrates a clear effort from Nintendo to elevate these classics rather than just upscale them.
Originally released for the Wii in 2007 and 2010, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are considered some of the most critically acclaimed titles in the franchise, praised for their gravity-defying gameplay, orchestral score, and imaginative design. The remastered collection will be released digitally on October 2, 2025, for $69.99 on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with both games also available separately on the eShop.
The legacy of the Galaxy series will also expand beyond gaming. Elements from both titles will appear in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, set for release in April 2026 as a direct sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. For fans, the remaster offers an enhanced way to experience two beloved adventures and a renewed look at Mario’s galactic future.
