For years, Mario fans have clamored for their favorite 3D adventures to grace the Nintendo Switch. We’ve seen the triumphant return of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy through the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection and more recently, the stellar inclusion of Super Mario Sunshine. But amidst the hype and nostalgic cheers for these giants of the franchise, a quieter, yet equally magnificent, title has finally made its much-anticipated arrival on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: _Super Mario Galaxy 2_.

Yes, you read that right. While perhaps not technically the most “underrated” in the strictest sense – it’s a beloved critical darling, after all – its omission from the initial Switch landscape, compared to its predecessor, and the general quietness surrounding its Switch Online debut, has felt like a curious oversight. Now, finally, this masterpiece of platforming, creativity, and sheer unadulterated joy is readily available for a new generation of Switch owners to discover, and for veterans to revisit.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 arrived in 2010, a sequel to an already groundbreaking game, and many believed Nintendo couldn’t possibly top it. They were wrong. Galaxy 2 took the already brilliant foundation of its predecessor and amplified everything that made it special. It’s a game that never rests on its laurels, constantly throwing new mechanics, gravity-bending challenges, and whimsical worlds at you with infectious enthusiasm.

What makes it so exceptional? For starters, the sheer variety of gameplay. While Galaxy introduced us to spherical planets and cosmic playgrounds, Galaxy 2 doubled down on innovation. We revisit familiar concepts but with a fresh coat of paint and a twist. The introduction of Yoshi, not just as a mount but as an integral part of
puzzle-solving and traversal with his unique tongues and fruit-based abilities, is a stroke of genius. The feeling of gliding through the cosmos on his back, powered by different colored fruits, is a sensation that lingers long after you’ve put the controller down.

Then there are the galaxies themselves. Galaxy 2 boasts an astonishing diversity of environments, each meticulously crafted with unique themes and challenges. From the dizzying heights of the Cloud Copter to the perilous volcanic slopes of the Lava Dome, and the mind-bending gravity shifts of the Grandmaster G-Force, every level feels distinct and designed to push your platforming skills to their absolute limit, all while remaining remarkably fair. The level design is simply immaculate, a testament to Nintendo’s unparalleled mastery of the genre.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Super Mario Galaxy 2 is its relentless sense of momentum and discovery. The game rarely allows you to get comfortable. Just when you think you’ve mastered a particular mechanic, a new one is introduced, or an existing one is reimagined in a way that demands a fresh perspective. This constant innovation prevents any sense of repetition and keeps the player perpetually engaged, always wondering what delightful surprise awaits them in the next galaxy.

And let’s not forget the music. The orchestral score of Super Mario Galaxy 2 is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s epic, whimsical, and perfectly complements the on-screen action, soaring with grandeur during climactic moments and providing a charming backdrop to more lighthearted segments. It’s a soundtrack that deserves to be experienced in all its glorious symphonic glory.

For those who might have dismissed Super Mario Galaxy 2 as “just another Mario game” or perhaps overlooked it in the shadow of its predecessor, its arrival on Switch Online is a golden opportunity. It’s a chance to witness a franchise at its absolute peak of creativity, a game that dared to push the boundaries of 3D platforming and succeeded with flying colors.

While the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection offered a curated taste of Mario’s 3D evolution, the continued integration of individual classics through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a win for accessibility and preservation. Super Mario Galaxy 2 deserves its place in the spotlight, not just as a companion to its sibling, but as a standalone masterpiece that continues to define what it means to be a truly exceptional video game.

So, if you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription and a fondness for tight controls, ingenious level design, and a sprinkle of cosmic magic, do yourself a favor. Dive into the vastness of Super Mario Galaxy 2. You might just discover your new favorite Mario adventure.