From Purgatory to Paradise: “Super Mario Galaxy 2” Finally Arrives on Switch

For years, a question has haunted the Nintendo Switch‘s library: where is Super Mario Galaxy 2? The beloved Wii classic was famously omitted from the 2020 compilation Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a decision that baffled and frustrated a legion of fans. Now, after what feels like a lifetime in “3D All-Stars purgatory,” Nintendo has finally graced us with the announcement we’ve been waiting for. In a new trailer from the recent Nintendo Direct, the company confirmed that both Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel will be coming to the Nintendo Switch in a two-game bundle, with a release date of October 2, 2025.

More Than a Simple Port: The New Features

The release of both Super Mario Galaxy titles is not just a simple port of the Wii classics. Nintendo is offering a definitive version of both games, complete with a host of new features and quality-of-life improvements. These enhancements are a direct response to feedback from the original 3D All-Stars release and a clear indication that Nintendo is listening to its fanbase.

The new bundle, titled Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, will be available both as a physical release and as two separate digital downloads. The games will include a variety of new features, including:

• Enhanced Resolution: The games will run at 1080p resolution on the original Nintendo Switch and will receive a free update to support a stunning 4K resolution when played on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This is a massive upgrade and a great way to showcase the new hardware’s power.
• Improved Controls: The game will feature a new control scheme that allows players to choose between the original motion controls and a more traditional button-and-stick setup. This is a welcome change for players who prefer to play in handheld mode or with a Pro Controller.
• New “Assist Mode”: For newcomers or those who find the games too challenging, a new Assist Mode will be available. It increases Mario’s health and provides a fall recovery feature, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the game’s stellar design without frustration.
• Expanded Lore: In a truly unprecedented move for the series, the game will include new storybook content. The original Galaxy will feature a new chapter that expands on Rosalina’s backstory, while Galaxy 2 will include a completely new, four-chapter picture book.

The Timing: A 40th Anniversary Celebration

The release of the two games is a key part of the Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary celebration. The timing is a clear and strategic move by Nintendo to capitalize on a major milestone for the franchise. The company is not only bringing back two of the most beloved games of all time but is also using the release to support its new console and promote the upcoming animated film, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which is set to hit theaters in April 2026.

The announcement of the new bundle also brings an end to the “limited-time” release model that plagued 3D All-Stars. This new release will be a permanent fixture in the eShop and at retail stores, a move that shows that Nintendo has learned from its past mistakes and is committed to making its classic games available to everyone. For fans who have been waiting for years for this moment, the long wait is finally over. The high CPC keywords for these discussions, such as “Super Mario Galaxy 2 Switch,” “Nintendo Switch 2 games,” “Super Mario 3D All-Stars,” and “Mario 40th Anniversary,” all point to a massive and ongoing conversation about this new chapter in the Mario franchise.