Post-Movie Power-Up: The 7 Must-Play Games After Super Mario Galaxy
Just exited The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with stars in your eyes? We've got the ultimate game list to keep that Mushroom Kingdom buzz going! Dive into classics, space adventures, and modern marvels across your Nintendo Switch and beyond.
So, you’ve just peeled yourself off the cinema seat, brain buzzing, eyes wide, after the incredible visual feast that was The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The nostalgia hit hard, the colors popped harder, and now you’re itching to grab your Switch (or Switch 2, if you’re lucky enough to have upgraded!) and blast off to the Mushroom Kingdom yourself. Whether you’re chasing more cosmic adventures, looking to meet those familiar faces from the film in their original glory, or just need a solid dose of Nintendo fun, we’ve got your post-movie gaming cravings covered. Here are some of the absolute best games to jump into right now.
Cosmic Journeys and Iconic Returns
First up, if you saw Fox McCloud soaring through the cinematic cosmos and thought, "Hey, I wanna do that!", then Star Fox 64 is your destination. Widely celebrated as the peak of the team’s intergalactic escapades (partly because, let's be real, Fox hasn't gotten much love lately!), this classic is readily available on your Switch via a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. While it definitely shows its age a bit, its retro-future aesthetic, high-flying space combat, and undeniable attitude still shine through, making it the perfect starting point for any aspiring Arwing pilot.
Then, of course, there are the games that literally inspired the movie's name: Super Mario Galaxy 1+2. Nintendo has been kind enough to port both of these Wii-era masterpieces to the Switch, and let me tell you, they hold up magnificently. These are some of Mario's most enchanting and imaginative platforming adventures ever conceived, letting you leap across miniature planets and collect Power Stars. You can snag both games in a bundle for around $70, which is a better deal than buying them individually for $40 a pop. Plus, you’ll get a whole lot more Rosalina – a character who, let’s be honest, we all wanted to see more of in the film!
A Trip Down Mushroom Kingdom Memory Lane
Did you spot some unusual villains in the movie and wonder where they came from? Look no further than Super Mario Bros. 2. This NES classic, playable through the NES Nintendo Classics on Switch, is where baddies like Wart, Birdo, and Mouser first made their grand entrance back in '88. Fun fact: it actually started life in Japan as Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic before being reskinned with Mario characters. This unique origin story explains why familiar faces like Bowser are absent, but it also cemented a host of new, now-iconic characters into the Mario universe.
And speaking of iconic characters, remember that adorable scene where baby Mario and Luigi needed rescuing? Well, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island lets you live that fantasy for an entire game! Available through Switch Online, this SNES adventure platformer is a whimsical masterpiece. Its levels are bursting with creative puzzles and hidden secrets, all rendered in a distinctive 16-bit art style that still charms today. Many consider it the best Yoshi game, and honestly, one of the best Mario games period. It truly fleshes out the inventive spirit that the Mario Galaxy Movie only hinted at, complete with a fantastic soundtrack.
Modern Wonders and Crossover Chaos
If your post-movie buzz is more about experiencing the latest and greatest, Super Mario Wonder is an absolute must-play. This gem from 2023 just received a shiny Switch 2 upgrade right in time for the movie’s release. While it’s fantastic on the original Switch, the Switch 2 edition comes with the new Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion, which adds fresh multiplayer levels and, get this, makes Rosalina and Luma a playable duo! That’s some serious synergy. If you’re looking for a quick, joyous multiplayer romp with the family (especially if the kids are still hyped from the film), Wonder is perfect. The Switch 2 upgrade will set you back about $20 if you already own the original.
Perhaps the movie’s various cameos (Fox, Pikmin, Mr. Game & Watch) got you thinking about broader Nintendo universes? Then it’s high time you finally picked up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. If you’re one of the rare Switch owners who hasn't already, this crossover fighter feels more relevant than ever. The base game is packed with an incredible roster of fighters to learn and master. And if you’re willing to shell out an extra $55 or so for both fighter passes, you’ll unlock a dozen more characters, including unexpected heroes like Sora from Kingdom Hearts and Steve from Minecraft. This is a game that will keep you and your family entertained until the third Mario movie rolls around, no doubt.
A Different Kind of Adventure: RPG Goodness
While most of our recommendations are for the Switch, we’ve got a special shout-out for anyone still rocking a 3DS: Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey. This fantastic remake of the DS original includes an extra story starring Bowser Jr., running concurrently with the main game’s events. It’s a hilarious and incredibly creative turn-based RPG that offers a fresh take on the Mario universe. You'll encounter many characters from the movie in a whole new context. Physical copies are still floating around at decent prices on sites like eBay, making it a great, unique pickup if you're craving something beyond traditional platforming.
Whether you’re reliving classics, diving into modern marvels, or exploring a different genre entirely, there’s no shortage of fantastic Nintendo adventures waiting for you after The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Grab your controller, and let the games begin!
FAQ
Q: Which of these games are most directly related to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
A: Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 are the most direct inspirations, featuring the cosmic themes, Rosalina, and many elements seen in the film. Super Mario Wonder also features Rosalina and Luma in its Switch 2 expansion, tying it closer to the movie's themes.
Q: Are all these games available on the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2?
A: Almost all of them! Star Fox 64, Super Mario Bros. 2, Yoshi’s Island are available via Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions. Super Mario Galaxy 1+2, Super Mario Wonder, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are standalone titles for Switch. Only Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey requires a 3DS.
Q: Is the Switch 2 upgrade for Super Mario Wonder worth it?
A: If you want to experience the game with enhanced visuals and, especially, if you're interested in the new multiplayer-focused Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion that adds Rosalina and Luma as playable characters, then the $20 upgrade for the Switch 2 version is definitely worth considering for a fresh experience.
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