Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Day One Update: Version 1.2.0 Patch Notes Revealed for Nintendo Switch & Switch 2

The highly anticipated release of Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Nintendo Switch and the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2 has been accompanied by the immediate availability of a Day One Update, bringing the games to Version 1.2.0. While the official patch notes from Nintendo are concise, they confirm important fixes and adjustments aimed at delivering the most polished Mario Galaxy experience on modern hardware. This update is particularly crucial for players intending to jump into the cosmic platformers on the new Switch 2 console.

Essential Fixes and Adjustments Highlighted in Version 1.2.0

Nintendo’s approach to the launch patch is focused on stability and optimization across both Switch generations. The official notes confirm two key areas of improvement:

• General Gameplay Experience Improvements: Several fixes and adjustments have been made to improve the overall gameplay experience on both the base Nintendo Switch and the newer Nintendo Switch 2. This is a standard measure for any major game launch, addressing minor bugs, performance hiccups, and last-minute tweaks discovered in the final stages of development.
• Nintendo Switch 2 Optimization: Several specific issues have been addressed to ensure smooth and optimal gameplay on the Nintendo Switch 2. This is vital, as the Switch 2 offers enhanced features such as potential 4K resolution support when docked (via a separate free update) and the implementation of a Mouse Mode feature for the Co-Star multiplayer mode.

The update is a strong indication of Nintendo’s commitment to ensuring players, especially those adopting the new hardware, have a seamless Super Mario Galaxy journey from day one. Digital pre-load customers should already have access to this update, and physical cartridge owners will be prompted to download it upon first launch.

Crucial Compatibility Requirement for Switch 2 Owners

A significant piece of news emerging from the update is that Version 1.2.0 is required for the game to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2. Reports from dataminers and hardware preservation accounts indicate that physical copies of the Super Mario Galaxy bundle are artificially blocked from playing off the game card on the Switch 2’s current firmware (version 20.4.0) without this Day One Update. This means Switch 2 owners must connect to the internet to download the patch before playing, which is a key point for consumers concerned with game preservation and offline access. Players on the original Nintendo Switch console are generally unaffected by this specific requirement.

The Impact of the Patch on Enhanced Features

While the patch notes themselves are light on detail, the update directly supports the enhanced features that distinguish this re-release from the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection.

Mouse Mode for Co-Star Co-op

The new version of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 introduces a Mouse Mode functionality on the Nintendo Switch 2 for the two-player Co-Star Mode. Player Two can now use the Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 in a new, more precise mouse-like capacity to gather Star Bits and stun enemies, improving upon the gyro controls of the original Wii versions. The Version 1.2.0 update is likely crucial for properly integrating and stabilizing this new input method, ensuring a smooth Co-op gaming experience.

Graphics and Performance Optimization

The games utilize a complex hybrid of native port and emulation technology, similar to the approach used for the Pikmin 1 + 2 Switch ports. The patch will be integral to optimizing this delicate balance, ensuring a stable frame rate and the promised enhanced resolution across both Switch platforms. Future updates, specifically for 4K gaming on the Switch 2, may follow, but the V1.2.0 patch lays the necessary groundwork for improved visuals and performance.

Beyond the Day One Patch: What the New Release Offers

The re-release is much more than a simple port, offering several quality-of-life and content additions that make it an attractive purchase for both veterans and newcomers looking for a high-quality 3D platformer:

• Widescreen Cutscenes: Pre-rendered cutscenes have been re-rendered in full widescreen without the black bars seen in the previous 3D All-Stars collection.
• Revised UI: The User Interface has been improved and adapted for modern Switch screens, enhancing readability and navigation.
• Full Controller Support: Crucially, the menus now support full button control—a welcome change from the original release that often required touch-screen input.
• Expanded Lore: Additional chapters have been added to Rosalina’s Storybook, providing more narrative depth and context to her character and the Lumas.
• Assist Mode: A new Assist Mode is available, offering increased health and automatic fall recovery, making the challenging Super Mario Galaxy levels more accessible to all players.

The Day One Update ensures that this feature-rich re-release is ready for its global debut. As millions of players prepare to embark on their cosmic adventure across the galaxies, the stability provided by Version 1.2.0 is a welcome safety measure from Nintendo.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is available globally starting October 2, 2025. This package, which offers two of the best platform games in history, is now fortified with its essential launch patch. Fans eager for the best possible experience should ensure their game is updated before launching into space.

What are you most excited to revisit in Super Mario Galaxy 1 or 2 now that the launch is here?