Nintendo is bringing two of Mario’s most celebrated adventures to modern hardware. Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 will arrive on Nintendo Switch on October 2, reviving the gravity-defying platformers that debuted on Wii in 2007 and 2010. The release delivers long-requested access to the Galaxy duo on Switch—particularly the sequel, which has been notably absent from the system—positioning a new audience to experience the series’ inventive planetary level design and hallmark polish ahead of the holiday season.
Release Timeline, Availability, and Edition Breakdown
Digital Rollout and Preloads
- Americas (eShop): Unlocks Oct 1 at 9 p.m. PT / Oct 2 at 12 a.m. ET; preloads begin Sept 18.
- Europe (eShop): Unlocks Oct 2 at 00:00 local time; preloads begin Sept 18.
- Australia, New Zealand, and Asia (eShop): Unlocks Oct 2 at 00:00 local time; preloads begin Sept 18.
Physical Retail
Street date is Oct 2 worldwide. Delivery timing may vary by retailer and region.
Edition Lineup
- Standard Digital Double Pack: Both games in one download – $59.99 USD
- Individual Digital: Each title separately – $34.99 USD each
- Physical Edition: Single cartridge, reversible cover, mini art leaflet – $59.99 USD
- Cosmic Collector’s Edition: Steelbook, art cards, soundtrack voucher, commemorative pin – $79.99 USD
Control Schemes and Play Tips
Joy-Con Motion Mapping
Pointer-style aiming translates to Joy-Con motion sensors, with a recenter button for drift correction. Use buttons for spin in tight spaces and flick motions for combat or cancels. HD rumble enhances timing cues.
Pro Controller and Handheld Considerations
The Pro Controller’s gyro is precise after calibration, offering less fatigue for long sessions. In handheld mode, touch input is fastest for Star Bits; tabletop play with detached Joy-Con mimics pointer control.
Visual Presentation and Performance Expectations
Expect 1080p docked, 720p handheld, and a steady 60 fps. Cleaner texture filtering, sharper UI, and refined pointer emulation are likely. Start with Super Mario Galaxy to learn core mechanics, then tackle Galaxy 2 for its advanced challenges and Yoshi-focused gameplay.
Buying Advice and Launch-Day Checklist
- Budget $59.99–$69.99 depending on edition and region.
- Physical copies are better for collectors; digital enables preload convenience.
- Plan 15 GB of free space for downloads and patches.
- Update your Switch firmware, charge controllers, and confirm payment methods in advance.
With two of the Wii era’s most celebrated platformers landing on modern hardware, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 return as both preservation and invitation. Mark October 2 on your calendar for Mario’s gravity-defying comeback.
Source verification: Announcement confirmed by Nintendo Newsroom and covered by IGN.
