Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy is a 3D platformer from Nintendo that moves Mario's classic jumping mechanics onto small planets and other celestial bodies. Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach along with her castle; Mario then travels with Rosalina and the Lumas through numerous galaxies, collecting Power Stars to open the way to Bowser.

Shifting gravity is the defining element of the game: Mario runs around spherical planets, jumps between celestial bodies and uses Launch Stars to reach new areas.

The original Wii version was released in Germany on Nov 16, 2007. Nintendo later also released the game as a Wii download for Wii U. Since Oct 2, 2025, Super Mario Galaxy has also been available as a revised version for Nintendo Switch.

The Switch version adds, among other things, higher resolution, revised menus, additional Storybook chapters and an Assist Mode. On Nintendo Switch 2, the Switch version can be played with the free update, with 4K output on compatible displays and mouse controls for the second player.

Super Mario Galaxy was originally released natively for Wii. A Wii download version later became available on Wii U. The current re-release runs natively on Nintendo Switch and is playable on Nintendo Switch 2 via Switch compatibility; for Switch 2, Nintendo also provides a free enhancement update.

There is no official PC version.

In individual galaxies, Mario collects Power Stars and moves across planets with their own gravity. Alongside jumping, the spin attack is one of the core moves; Star Bits can be collected and flung at enemies or objects.

Several transformations change how Mario moves. As Bee Mario, he can fly briefly and cling to certain surfaces; as Boo Mario, he can float and glide through certain walls. Ice, fire, rainbow and feather forms add further situation-dependent abilities.

The Switch version, released in 2025, offers 1080p output on Nintendo Switch and up to 4K on Nintendo Switch 2 with the free enhancement update. Nintendo also added a revised user interface, additional chapters in Rosalina's Storybook, an Assist Mode and a Soundtrack Mode.