Super Mario Galaxy 2 Remaster Rumored for Switch 2

The next 3D Mario game likely got out early, and it's a big one. It is rumored that Super Mario Galaxy 2 is being remastered for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it may be released just in time for the Holidays. The return of one of the most beloved Mario games that has been mysteriously hidden in the shadows of past collections would be huge if this is true.

The leak is interesting not only because of the game, but also because of who it comes from. This person knew exactly when and how much the Nintendo Switch 2 would cost months before it was officially confirmed. The same source who had told him about it before has now given him another hint: Galaxy 2 will be back, fully remastered, and just in time for September, which marks Mario's 40th anniversary.

In the past, Nintendo has used anniversaries as a means to market their products. Mario's 35th birthday in 2020 brought a lot of themed content and merchandise, like Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Mario 35. So there's a good reason for another happy rollout. But this time, the expectations are higher, especially since a new console cycle is starting.

Interestingly, the rumor ends up at an odd fork in the road. The Super Mario Odyssey team is currently working on the recently announced Donkey Kong Bananza. This has led many people to wonder when, or if, a new Mario 3D adventure will come out on Switch 2 early in its lifecycle. Galaxy 2 wasn't in the last 3D All-Stars collection, and fans have been asking for it for a long time. This could be Nintendo's way of filling that gap by giving a beloved classic a new coat of polish.

From a marketing point of view, the idea of Galaxy 2 being marketed as a flagship game for the holidays makes a lot of sense. It would bring Yoshi back into the spotlight of modern 3D Mario, fit in perfectly with the marketing push for the next Super Mario Bros. movie (which teased Yoshi at the end), and satisfy long-time Mario fans who want a new game without forcing Nintendo to rush the next big original release.

And if Nintendo goes all out, like they did with Metroid Prime Remastered, fans can expect a big change to the graphics that lives up to the "remaster" name. That same label went with Prime's amazing remake from its GameCube roots, which led people to think that Galaxy 2 might receive the same treatment, making it more than just a port or upscale.

Insiders have also talked about the possibility of adding more Mario 3D All-Stars games, either by bundling Galaxy 2 with better graphics or selling it separately for $50 to $60. Some people are even hoping for a new premium edition of All-Stars with 4K/60fps and HDR improvements made just for Switch 2. This would be a dream come true for fans who missed out the first time Nintendo released the collection in a limited run.

The first 3D All-Stars sold a lot of copies, but Nintendo's strategy of making them available for only a short time may have hurt their long-term potential. Many people think it could have sold more than 20 million units, but the fear of missing out (FOMO) marketing strategy stopped it early. This could be Nintendo's plan to turn things around and make money at the same time.

The rumored remaster is not only a smart way to pass the time until the next big 3D Mario game comes out for the Switch 2, but it also sets the stage for crossovers between media. With a Mario movie set to release in 2026 and Yoshi's egg being hinted at in the last movie, this remaster could serve as a narrative and marketing link between the games and the movies, with a strategy that Nintendo seems to be increasingly relying on

Nintendo hasn't officially said anything yet, but September is now the date everyone is looking forward to. That's when the company is likely to celebrate the 40th anniversary with a Mario-themed presentation. If the rumors are true, this could be the big debut of Super Mario Galaxy 2 Remastered.

Fans can look forward to going back to the stars with Mario and Yoshi until then. This time, they can do it in HD glory on the Switch 2.

Nintendo, the stage is set. You have the ball now.