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As a child, I missed out on owning the popular Wii. Admittedly, I tried Wii Sports and other flagship titles during visits to relatives and companions during the 2000s decade, however I missed my personal Wii system, causing me to overlook numerous outstanding titles in Nintendo’s iconic franchises.

One of those games included Super Mario Galaxy, which, along with its sequel, got modernized recently then adapted for the Nintendo Switch. The first one also appeared in 2020’s limited-edition collection Super Mario 3D All-Stars. I embraced the opportunity to try what many consider one of the best Mario games ever made. I became immediately engrossed, while affirming that it fulfills about 18 years of excitement. That said, it’s also made me realize how happy I am movement-based inputs have largely remained from previous eras.

Starting the Space Journey

Following traditional Mario adventure, Super Mario Galaxy opens as Bowser nabbing Mario's royal friend including her home. His armada of cosmic vessels carry her to the cosmos, throwing Mario into the galaxy in the process. Mario meets star-like cuties known as Lumas plus Rosalina atop her Comet Observatory. She tasks Mario with collecting stellar objects to fuel her spacecraft enabling pursuit of the villain, and then we’re set free to start discovering.

Super Mario Galaxy’s platforming provides delight, and all it took experiencing a few missions to realize why it’s held in such high regard. It’ll feel familiar to anyone who’s played Mario's 3D adventures, and the controls are approachable and straightforward following Nintendo's style.

Unique Movement Systems

As a space nerd, the backdrop aligns with my preferences, permitting Super Mario Galaxy to experiment with planetary forces. Spherical platforms let Mario to circle repeatedly surrounding them like he’s Goku chasing after Bubbles on King Kai’s planet. When structures approach, Mario can leap across being pulled by the gravity by neighboring objects. Additional areas are flat discs, frequently containing rewards underneath, where you may not think to look.

Rediscovering Classic Characters

The pleasure in playing Super Mario Galaxy 18 years later involves recognizing some of its characters. I didn't realize Rosalina first appeared through this adventure, or that she acted as the adoptive mother for Luma creatures. Prior to this experience, I only knew her as part of my regular Mario Kart World driver rotation. Likewise for Penguins, alongside whom I enjoyed swimming in initial coastal stage.

Movement-Based Hurdles

The only real drag during this adventure in 2025 are the motion controls, which are used for collecting, aiming, and shooting star bits, colorful objects scattered around levels. Playing on handheld mode involved moving and adjusting the device to direct, seeming somewhat awkward. Motion controls are prevalent in various navigation areas, where you have to aim the stellar pointer at surfaces to attract Mario toward them.

Levels that wholly require the motion controls are best played using separate controllers enhancing accuracy, including the aquatic gliding mission at the start. I’ve never been enthusiastic about movement inputs, and they remain notably effectively throughout Galaxy. Thankfully, by collecting sufficient stars through different stages, these gyroscopic sections might be entirely bypassed. I tested the mission where Mario has to navigate a large sphere through a track dotted with holes, then immediately quit following single try.

Timeless Mario Excellence

Apart from the clunky Wii-era input methods, there's hardly anything to dislike throughout Galaxy, and galactic environments provide enjoyment to explore. Even as standouts like Super Mario Odyssey have come after it, Super Mario Galaxy remains one of the best and creative Mario adventures existing.