Digital Foundry’s Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 Switch Tech Analysis
▼ Summary
– Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 have been released on Switch with a free patch for Switch 2, featuring improved visuals and performance.
– The games receive a significant upgrade with updated textures and higher resolutions, reaching 1080p on Switch 1 and 4K on Switch 2.
– Super Mario Galaxy 2 benefits the most from the update, as it was not previously rereleased and now has sharper character models and polygons.
– Performance is strong with very few frame drops on Switch 1 and even fewer on Switch 2, making these the best-looking versions available.
– Minor drawbacks include lower bitrate in cutscenes and some color-banding in the sky, but the overall experience is highly praised.
Today marks the official arrival of Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel on the Nintendo Switch, bringing two beloved Wii classics to a modern audience. For anyone considering picking up one or both of these iconic platformers, which also benefit from a free patch for the upcoming Switch 2, understanding how they perform and look compared to their original releases is essential.
Digital Foundry has released a detailed technical analysis examining how both Super Mario Galaxy titles run on the Switch lineup, comparing them directly to the Wii originals and, in the case of the first game, the Super Mario 3D All-Stars version.
The overall verdict points to a polished and substantial upgrade. The most noticeable improvement comes from the updated textures, which have been significantly enhanced. Combined with the resolution increase, 1080p on the base Switch and 4K on the Switch 2, every visual element, from grassy fields and stone walls to sparkling stars, appears crisp and vibrant. Details like the stitching on Mario’s overalls are now clearly visible.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 stands out in particular, as this marks its first re-release alongside the original. The leap in visual quality is impressive, with sharper character models and refined polygons making this the definitive way to experience the game.
Performance is equally strong across both titles. The standard Switch version maintains a steady frame rate with very few dips, while the Switch 2 edition runs even more smoothly. These are, without question, the most visually appealing and stable versions available. A couple of minor drawbacks include slightly compressed cutscene video quality and occasional color banding in certain skyboxes.
Despite the premium price, this double release offers a wonderful package for longtime Super Mario Galaxy enthusiasts. And for players discovering these cosmic adventures for the first time, prepare for an unforgettable journey.
(Source: Nintendo Life)
