Super Mario Galaxy on Switch: upgrades, pricing, and the Galaxy movie tie‑in (April 2026 update)
Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 arrive on Switch with upgrades. Prices, features, amiibo, and how it ties into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Updated April 2026.
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Super Mario Galaxy lands on Switch — here’s everything new (April 2026 update)
Mario’s celebrated cosmic adventures have fully touched down on Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 launched on the system on October 2, 2025, available as a physical double pack and as separate digital purchases. The timing tees up Nintendo’s broader Galaxy push: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opened in the U.S. on April 1, 2026, amplifying interest in the refreshed Switch releases. (nintendo.com )
What’s upgraded on Switch (and Switch 2)
Nintendo’s official Direct recap details a suite of modernizations for both games:
- Enhanced resolution, with a free Switch 2 update adding 4K support in TV mode.
- Option to play with button-and-stick controls or motion controls.
- Improved UI.
- An in-game music player.
- New Storybook content.
These changes arrive alongside the re-release itself, ensuring the pair feel at home on current hardware while preserving the original level design and gravity-bending platforming. (nintendo.com )
Pricing, formats, and availability
- Super Mario Galaxy (digital): $39.99
- Super Mario Galaxy 2 (digital): $39.99
- Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 (physical bundle): $69.99
Both titles are sold individually on the Nintendo eShop and together as a retail package. The collection originally launched on Switch on October 2, 2025, and supports Switch 2 enhancements via a free update. (nintendo.com )
Amiibo and the Storybook tie-in
Nintendo released two new, larger-than-standard amiibo on April 2, 2026 — Mario & Luma and Rosalina & Lumas. Scanning Mario & Luma grants a Life Mushroom; Rosalina & Lumas grants a 1‑Up Mushroom. Nintendo is also offering Rosalina’s Storybook as a standalone illustrated hardcover, bringing the game’s beloved narrative vignette to physical form. (nintendo.com )
Why this matters: from All‑Stars to a permanent Switch home
Galaxy’s return is notable given the series’ winding Switch history. In 2020, Super Mario Galaxy debuted on Switch as part of the Super Mario 3D All‑Stars compilation — a release Nintendo delisted on March 31, 2021. With the new editions now available individually and in a bundle, Galaxy 1 is once again purchasable on Switch, and Galaxy 2 finally joins it on the platform. (nintendo.com )
How it plays in 2026
- TV vs. handheld: On base Switch, both games run at enhanced resolution; Switch 2 adds a free 4K upgrade in TV mode. That means your docked experience on the newer hardware gets the sharpest image while handheld play remains crisp on either system. (nintendo.com )
- Controls: You can choose classic-style motion inputs that emulate the Wii-era pointing and spin, or stick with traditional button-and-stick play. Players sensitive to motion can comfortably finish both campaigns without waggling. (nintendo.com )
- Quality-of-life: The updated UI and optional music player modernize navigation and replay, while new Storybook content refreshes one of Galaxy’s most charming narrative touches. (nintendo.com )
The movie connection — and the latest dates
Nintendo formally revealed the title The Super Mario Galaxy Movie during its September 12, 2025 Direct and initially dated it for April 3, 2026. A January 25, 2026 corporate update then moved the U.S. (and several additional markets) release up to April 1, 2026, with Japan set for April 24, 2026. The film’s roll-out throughout April pairs neatly with the Switch re-releases and April 2 amiibo drop. (nintendo.co.jp )
Should you double-dip?
- New to Galaxy: The Switch versions are the most convenient way to play both games today, with modern control options and a clean presentation. If you missed the Wii originals, this is the definitive on-ramp.
- Owned 3D All‑Stars: If your only Switch copy was the time-limited 3D All‑Stars version of Galaxy 1, you can now buy Galaxy 2 standalone and skip the bundle. Completionists may still prefer the physical double pack. (nintendo.com )
Key dates at a glance
- September 12, 2025 — Nintendo Direct announces Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Switch; movie title revealed. (nintendo.com )
- October 2, 2025 — Galaxy 1 & 2 launch on Nintendo Switch (bundle at retail; each title digital). (nintendo.com )
- April 1, 2026 — The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opens in the U.S. and additional markets. (nintendo.co.jp )
- April 2, 2026 — Mario & Luma and Rosalina & Lumas amiibo release. (nintendo.com )
- April 24, 2026 — The film opens in Japan. (nintendo.co.jp )
The bottom line
After years of fan requests, both Galaxy titles now have a stable, fully featured home on Nintendo Switch with thoughtful upgrades and a clear path to 4K on Switch 2. Pair that with new amiibo, a Storybook hardcover, and a box-office push from The Super Mario Galaxy Movie this month, and 2026 is a banner year for stargazing with Mario. (nintendo.com )
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