Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (known as Super Mario Wii 2 in South Korea) is a 3D action platformer game for the Wii. It is the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy and is the fourth 3D platformer entry in the Mario franchise; it is also the first, and thus far, the only 3D platformer in the Mario franchise to be released on the same console as its predecessor (Super Mario Galaxy 2 was released on the Wii; the same console that Super Mario Galaxy was originally released for). The sequel retains many elements from its predecessor, such as the adventure being in outer space, the element of gravity, and recurring objects such as Launch Stars and Sling Stars. Returning items include the Bee Mushroom and the Fire Flower. However, the game introduces new elements as well, such as the utilization of Yoshi, new power-ups like the Cloud Flower, and the use of a guide within the game for beginner players. All releases of the game except for the American version include a beginner's DVD to help players understand the controls and items if they have not played Super Mario Galaxy. In North America, help for beginners is found on the official website as well as on the Nintendo Channel.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is also the first Wii title to be digitally re-released on the Wii U's Nintendo eShop service.

General
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is "another story of stardust". The game begins at the time of the Star Festival, which only happens every 100 years. Princess Peach invites Mario to share some cake while watching the shooting stars. On his way to Peach's Castle, Mario finds a lost Baby Luma, who seems to like Mario and jumps into his hat, granting him spin power. Near the castle, Mario discovers it under attack by Bowser, now gigantic thanks to the Power Stars, who kidnaps Peach and takes her away to the center of the universe. In response, Lumas who crashed near the castle offer to aid Mario to chase Bowser by transforming into a Launch Star and launching Mario to space.

After collecting a Power Star, Mario arrives on a planet-like object, where he meets Lubba, who tells his crew and their spaceship were attacked by Bowser. Realizing both him and Mario need each others' help to collect the stolen Power Stars and rescue Peach, he uses the Power Star to fix his ship and transform it into Starship Mario, which is used to travel through space and find more Power Stars. During his travels, Mario has to deal with Bowser's forces, including Bowser Jr. and Super Bowser himself.

Finally, Mario and friends locate Bowser's Galaxy Generator, where Bowser is fought for the final time. After Bowser's defeat, his empire becomes undone, and Peach is saved. A comet which was caught by Bowser's fortress is also freed and is revealed to be the Comet Observatory. Rosalina then appears, happy to see that Baby Luma is safe. Baby Luma, overjoyed that he's reunited with his "mama", heads back to his home, and takes Mario's cap as a souvenir, much to Mario's surprise. After the Comet Observatory leaves, Mario and Peach return to their own home using the Starship Mario. Along the way, Bowser is shown in a tiny form near Peach's Castle.

If the player collects the first 120 Power Stars and battles Bowser again in his fortress, an extra scene is shown after the credits, revealing Rosalina and her Lumas in the Comet Observatory's Library. She has finished reading a story to them (possibly the events of the game itself) and plans on telling the Lumas a new story about the Green Power Stars. A new feature is then unlocked in which all the galaxies are visited by green Prankster Comets. From there, the player must hunt down all the Green Stars. When they are all collected (adding up to 240 Power Stars), the Grandmaster Galaxy will be opened in World S. It houses the last two Power Stars, and when the last one is reached, Rosalina will congratulate the player, and will appear on Starship Mario.

From instruction booklet
Shining stardust falls on the Mushroom Kingdom once every hundred years. That time had come again... ''"Dear Mario, Would you like to share some cake while we watch the shooting stars? Meet me at the castle!" -Peach'' Mario ran through the field with stars falling around him. Suddenly, he noticed a strange light in the grass. As he peered cautiously through the reeds, he saw a small, lost Luma. With the baby Luma tucked safely under his cap, Mario rushed on to the castle. But when he got there, something unexpected was waiting for him...

Gameplay elements
The gameplay is similar to Super Mario Galaxy, with a focus on platforming based on and around 3-D planets of varying sizes and with many different types of surfaces. Power-ups, such as the Bee Mushroom, Boo Mushroom, Spring Mushroom, and Fire Flower make a return, along with new ones such as the Rock Mushroom and the Cloud Flower, as well as various enemies and Airships. Launch Stars reappear for interplanetary navigation, along with a Luma and Mario's spin action. Additionally, the concept of "dark matter" appears as the medium of which Cosmic Clones are composed, and as a portal through which Airships emerge. 2-D stages featured in Super Mario Galaxy are also included in Super Mario Galaxy 2, introducing many new features. The game has only three file slots to use, unlike the six files in the preceding game; also, files can no longer be copied.

Mario is controlled with the analog stick and can jump with the. The works just as the  trigger did in Super Mario 64. The player uses it to make Mario crouch, do Somersaults and do Long Jumps. The centers the camera behind Mario, while the  can adjust the camera angle manually. By pressing the upper part of the, the player can enter a first person perspective.

The game also uses the motion sensors in the Wii Remote. The pointer of the Remote appears as the Star Cursor on the screen. The Star Cursor is used to perform a variety of actions, such as using Pull Stars, manipulating Sling Pods, and collecting Star Bits. Shaking the Wii Remote or Nunchuk will make Mario perform a Spin.

One of the more notable additions in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the inclusion of Yoshi. When Mario finds a Yoshi Egg, he can crack it to release and use Yoshi. Yoshi will change colors when eating either a Dash Pepper, Blimp Berry or Bulb Berry; a Dash Yoshi darts at rapid speeds, a Blimp Yoshi inflates and floats upwards, and a Bulb Yoshi lights up and shows hidden paths for a certain amount of time, respectively. When utilizing Yoshi, the player's Wii Remote cursor turns into a red sphere that detects targets for Yoshi's tongue. Using the cursor allows Yoshi to swallow enemies and swing from special flowers.

Elements from older games are also included in the new game. These elements include a remix of Super Mario Bros.'s overworld theme (which is originally heard in Toy Time Galaxy from the predecessor, Super Mario Galaxy), Supermassive Galaxy, a galaxy that is reminiscent of Giant Land from Super Mario Bros. 3, a remix of the second overworld theme from Super Mario World, the checkpoint flag from New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Throwback Galaxy, a galaxy based on Whomp's Fortress from Super Mario 64, and a remix of the main theme and slide theme from Super Mario 64.

Like Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2 features a main hub. For traveling between different galaxies, Mario will use a planet shaped like his head, Starship Mario. Starship Mario can be explored, much like the Comet Observatory, although it is smaller. The game has a total of 242 stars to collect, twice the number of stars found in Super Mario Galaxy, including 120 Power Stars, 120 Green Power Stars and an extra 2 Power Stars in Grandmaster Galaxy.

Multiplayer from the original Super Mario Galaxy reappears, but in addition to being another star cursor, the second player is a Co-Star Luma. The second player can stun enemies and pick up Star Bits like in Super Mario Galaxy, but now they can pick up coins (including Purple Coins) and mushrooms, defeat enemies by spinning, stop the Star Ball (while player 1 is riding on it), activate checkpoints, and flip switches.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 features ways to help players during gameplay similar to the Super Guide mode seen in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In some levels, the player may watch the Tip Network, which it is a short demonstration of Mario taking some actions to progress. Another way the game offers is the Cosmic Guide mode. If the player finds a very difficult obstacle on his or her way, an entity known as the Cosmic Spirit will ask Mario if he needs some help. Activating this mode, Mario will pass automatically through the level to find the Star. The player may stop this mode by pressing the, though once the player has chosen this mode, they will finish a level by getting a Bronze Star instead of one gold. The player must play through the level without the Cosmic Guide in order to gain a gold Star.

Unlike in Super Mario Galaxy, the player can now switch between playing as Mario or playing as Luigi in certain levels. If the player clears Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Luigi can be played as in any level. Like in most Mario games, Luigi can jump higher but has reduced traction.

Controls

 * Move
 * (shake): Spin
 * Jump / Interact / Swim (while underwater) / Stun enemies and grab coins and items (P2 only)
 * Shoot Star Bit
 * Crouch / Ground Pound (in midair) / Dive (while underwater)
 * Enter/exit first-person view
 * Rotate camera left/right
 * Pause

Non-playable characters
A star symbol (★) denotes a character that was not in the first Super Mario Galaxy.

New enemies

 * Technically appeared first as Giant Land Para-Goombas in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3.

Returning enemies
* - Enemies which first appeared in Super Mario Galaxy.

Bosses
Twenty-one bosses appear in the game. Some of them are fought more than once. The numbers below include Prankster Comet encounters. Bosses formatted in bold are world bosses.

Note: In Boss Blitz Galaxy, there is a Green Star on Major Burrows's planet and Bouldergeist's arena. In these situations, the player can choose to ignore the two bosses and go for the Green Star instead.

Power-ups
This game introduces the Cloud Flower, the Spin Drill and the Rock Mushroom. The Ice Flower and the Red Star would have made a comeback appearance in the sequel before being removed. All of the power-ups except for the Rainbow Star appear in the Engine Room of Starship Mario, though none can be used, as they are contained as souvenirs in small glass domes which cannot be penetrated. However, the Cloud Flower will appear on the "forehead" of the Starship Mario, which can be used around the ship.

Yoshi and Fruits
These are Yoshi's powerups and the locations they are in, along with the locations that Yoshi himself is in.

Prankster Comets
Like the previous game, Prankster Comets appear and cause special missions to appear. While some comets from the first game return, others are completely new. Unlike the previous game however, comets are gotten by collecting Comet Medals instead of appearing randomly; also, not all galaxies have a comet (barring the Green Comet that appears after all 120 regular Power Stars are gotten). The table below shows how many Comet Medals it takes to cause a Prankster Comet to appear in a certain galaxy, as shown in the Prima Official Game Guide:

The following galaxies do not have a comet associated with them:
 * Fluffy Bluff Galaxy
 * Rightside Down Galaxy
 * Cosmic Cove Galaxy
 * Wild Glide Galaxy
 * Honeybloom Galaxy
 * Freezy Flake Galaxy
 * Honeyhop Galaxy
 * Space Storm Galaxy
 * Boo Moon Galaxy
 * Upside Dizzy Galaxy
 * Fleet Glide Galaxy
 * Melty Monster Galaxy
 * Slimy Spring Galaxy

Galaxies
All forty-nine Galaxies can be accessed via the Grand World Map by piloting Starship Mario through the different worlds and galaxies. There are seven more galaxies in this game than in the first game. Galaxies marked with an asterisk (*) are only accessible by feeding a Hungry Luma. Unlike the first game, which had numerous galaxies consisting of only a single mission, each galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy 2 has two to three unique missions; with many of the smaller galaxies possessing a Prankster Comet level or a hidden mission. Additionally, each galaxy has a number of Green Stars, the amount of which is equal to the amount of Power Stars in the galaxy.

Differences from Super Mario Galaxy

 * In the first game, excluding green or red Power Stars, galaxies had either six Power Stars (three missions, two Prankster Comets, and a Hidden Star) or only one Power Star (the sole mission). In the sequel, these numbers were changed to give each galaxy either three Power Stars (either two missions and a Prankster Comet/Hidden Star or one mission, Prankster Comet, and Hidden Star each) or two Power Stars (one mission and a Prankster Comet/Hidden Star/challenge).
 * Boss galaxies now have Prankster Comets.
 * When the star appears, the music changes to the "star get" theme for the rest of the mission, unlike the original, which only played the theme after a boss was beaten.
 * During Purple Coin missions, the clock now stops after the star appears, whereas in the original, the clock ran until the star was grabbed.
 * Some Speedy Comet missions have clocks that must be grabbed to keep the timer going.
 * Prankster Comets are no longer categorized by type, simply leaving them as generic Prankster Comets.
 * Cosmic Comets and Fast-Foe Comets do not return, being replaced by Clone Comets and Double Time Comets respectively.
 * The game now notifies a player when a Prankster Comet has appeared in a certain galaxy, rather than having to check themselves.
 * The player can select any mission in the galaxy they want even if a Prankster Comet is in orbit. Because of this, Comet Tico and his ability to move Prankster Comets do not return.
 * Hungry Lumas that create planets in galaxies now require coins to be fed to them instead of Star Bits. However, Hungry Lumas that make galaxies still require Star Bits.
 * Hungry Luma galaxies can be accessed via the World Map, just like the rest of the galaxies in their corresponding world, rather than using an alternate method to access it (a launch star outside of the dome).
 * When Lumalee asks if the player wants to buy a 1-Up Mushroom or Life Mushroom, the dialogue boxes now show their names alongside their icon (like the Japanese version of the first game), rather than just their icon like in the English version of the first game.
 * While swimming underwater, Mario and Luigi no longer spin rapidly.
 * In the American version of the game, when getting an extra life, the text now shows "1UP" like the Japanese version instead of "1-UP" like the English version of the previous game. However, it's still "1-UP" in the European version.
 * The game now saves automatically instead of the player having to manually save after every Power Star collected.
 * The "Game Over" text is now yellow instead of pink. The text is also slightly wider than in the previous game.
 * If the player gets a Game Over, they return to the hub world, rather than all the way back to the title screen.
 * When Mailtoad has a letter from Peach, there is no sound that constantly plays when the player is near him.
 * The first Star that the player obtains is a Power Star rather than a Grand Star.
 * There are only three save files instead of six.
 * Rosalina and Luma are new save file icons.
 * Luigi can be used as an icon immediately.
 * The player cannot copy save files like in the previous game.
 * The text saying "You got a Star/Grand Star" during the star collecting victory animation as well as the text saying "TOO BAD!" during when Mario/Luigi loses a life are slightly larger than in the first game.
 * When the player returns to the Starship Mario after obtaining a Grand Star, the text box that appears afterwards says "You got a Grand Star", instead of "You got a Star".
 * Similarly, when the player collects a Green Power Star, the text box says, "You got a Green Star", instead of "You got a hidden Star".
 * During the egg phase of Dino Piranha and Fiery Dino Piranha's boss fights, as well as the first phase of Major Burrow's boss fight, a new soundtrack is used during those sections instead of the originals.
 * Fiery Dino Piranha's egg now has visible heatwaves around it.
 * Bugaboom's boss fight now uses the Cloud Flower and springs, rather than the Bee Mushroom and swinging flowers.
 * The Stink Bug Parent mini-boss now has an actual theme playing (which shares the same with King Lakitu), rather than using the same theme as the level.
 * Coins are now a general collectible like Star Bits, rather than just being collected for a high score. After collecting a Power Star, coins collected will be added to the coin collection, similar to Star Bits.
 * The game now records the time the player has taken to beat the level.
 * Luigi is now playable in the same save file as Mario, and is accessed by a secret door on the Starship Mario, rather than having to play the entire game again as Luigi.
 * Cutscenes are now done in a storybook format, and the player has to press a button to progress dialogue.
 * The prologue level is 2D instead of 3D.
 * The prologue level cannot be replayed. The prologue level of the first game could be replayed via the Grand Finale Galaxy.
 * The galaxy icons are much more detailed than in the first game, and some of them have more animated features, rather than being completely stationary models. Similar concepts have been used later in Super Mario 3D Land and Super Mario 3D World's stage icons.
 * The game rewards a 1-Up upon collecting 100 Star Bits, rather than every 50.
 * Collecting a Life Mushroom while having a full six hit points now rewards a 1-Up rather than absolutely nothing.
 * Peach's letter to Mario at the beginning of the game is not voiced like it was in the first game, with the exception of "Dear Mario".
 * While many soundtracks return from the first game, some returning soundtracks have been remixed to be more orchestrated rather than maintaining synthesized instruments. This includes:
 * The theme of Bowser's Star Reactor and Bowser's Dark Matter Plant, used in Bowser's Lava Lair and Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet.
 * The theme of Honeyhive Galaxy and Gold Leaf Galaxy used in Honeybloom Galaxy and Honeyhop Galaxy.
 * The theme of Toy Time Galaxy used in Supermassive Galaxy.
 * Bowser's boss battle theme. This also applies to the final boss music as well.
 * The mission selection theme.
 * The level introduction theme.
 * The theme of the Baron Brrr and Undergrunt Gunner battle, used in the King Lakitu battle.
 * When receiving a letter from Princess Peach, Mailtoad automatically gives the player 5 1-Ups, rather than asking if they want to accept it.
 * Luigi no longer receives 20 1-Ups from Peach's letters, only receiving 5 like Mario.
 * The credits are more interactive, with the player playing through various levels in the game, rather than having standard credits.

Development
The development of Super Mario Galaxy 2 started as soon as the first Super Mario Galaxy was released. Many of the ideas were based on those shown in the first game, which, for example, included moving or adding new stars in the levels. The project was initially called  Super Mario Galaxy 1.5. The development of the new version of the game lasted a year; however, Miyamoto realized that the new game was beginning to overflow with new elements and ideas. Therefore, the team decided to create a real Super Mario Galaxy sequel rather than a new version of the original installment. The development of the sequel then lasted two and half years.

The game was revealed at E3 2009, along with New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Although the game was far along in development, it was held back to 2010 due to the release of New Super Mario Bros. Wii in November 2009. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, 90% of the features in the game would be new, whereas the remaining 10% were already introduced or featured in the original Super Mario Galaxy. Shigeru Miyamoto noted, "Really what we ended up with is more than 90% of what you'll see in Galaxy 2 is brand new. I'd say closer to 95, maybe even 99%. One of the new things was the inclusion of Yoshi, and also the use of the drill to open up and drill through stages." On the other hand, Miyamoto stated in an interview that he wanted to go with as little story as possible for Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Some of the developers wanted to include characters from other Nintendo franchises, such as Pikmin or Donkey Kong. However, Miyamoto shot down the idea.

CEO of Nintendo America stated that Super Mario Galaxy 2 would be more challenging regarding its predecessor. It was hinted that the new game would implement a tool-assisted guide, similar to the Super Guide from New Super Mario Bros Wii. It was eventually confirmed, although it worked differently. Beginner players could use the Cosmic Guide mode (activated when encountering the Cosmic Spirit) or the Tip Network to learn moves and hints during gameplay. Japanese, European and Australian boxes came with a special DVD to help players to know basic and expert techniques of the game.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Original Soundtrack
An official two-disc soundtrack was released exclusively to Club Nintendo members in Japan, which holds all seventy songs from the game. The game's official soundtrack is performed by the Mario Galaxy Orchestra.

Reception
Upon its release, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was met with critical acclaim, and is one of the highest rated video games of all time on the aggregation sites Metacritic and GameRankings. EDGE magazine has given the game a perfect score of 10 out of 10, being the third Mario game so far to receive such rating (the others were Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy). Official Nintendo Magazine grants it a 97%, while Game Informer has given the game 9.25 out of 10. Nintendo Power gave it a 9.5 out of 10. IGN and Gamespot granted the game a perfect 10/10, as well as GamesRadar. Gamespot also gave the game the Best Platforming Award and the Best Wii Game Award of 2010. IGN named it the Best Wii Game of all time. Gametrailers has given a 9.7 from 10, while Famitsu a 37 out of 40. GamePro gave four and half stars, X-Play gave it a perfect five out of five stars, and 1UP.com an "A" rating.

Sales
Super Mario Galaxy 2 sold 143,000 copies on its first day of release in Japan and 340,000 copies in its first week. In North America, the game sold 650,000 copies during the month of May 2010. In the United Kingdom, it was the third best-selling game among multiplatform releases and the best-selling single platform release for the week ending June 26, 2010. As of July 16, 2010, the game has sold 1 million copies within the USA and 6.36 million copies worldwide as of April 2011.

Awards
Super Mario Galaxy 2 was awarded Game of the Year by Nintendo Power and named "Wii Game of the Year" by IGN, GameSpot, and 1UP in 2010. In the March 2012 issue of Official Nintendo Magazine, the publication named Super Mario Galaxy 2 the "Greatest Nintendo Game Ever Made" ranking at #1 out of 100. It was awarded Game of the Year and Best Game on Wii by Guinness Book of World Records Gamer's Edition 2011.

Quotes

 * "Oh, by the way, I found this 1-Up Mushroom a little while ago! Think you can use it?" - Banktoad
 * "Super Mario Galaxy, Wahoo!" - Mario
 * "First time in galaxy, always Comet medal somewhere. Look hard. Find!" - Whittle

Yoshi's infinite Flutter Jump
To perform this glitch, Mario should ride Yoshi and perform a Flutter Jump. When he is almost finished, the player should release and press, then, release  and hold , repeating this to gain more height. This was discovered by fans very shortly after the game's release. This glitch is known by many fans as "Infinite Fluttering," and has become the most well-known glitch in the game. Using this glitch, players can fight the final boss, Bowser, and also even clear the Perfect Run with Yoshi. It is also because of this glitch that many other glitches have also been found.

Flip-Swap Superjump
In the Flip-Swap Galaxy, Mario can use the upward momentum from a Red-Blue Panel flipping up to perform an extremely long, high jump. Mario must be on one of the non-flipping platforms in the galaxy. Then, he must run toward an empty space that a flipping platform flips to when Mario spins. Right before Mario runs into the empty space, he must spin to make the flipping platform flip to the empty space. Mario should fall onto the flipping platform while it is still rising. Finally, Mario must perform a Long Jump right before the platform stops moving. The timing for this is difficult, but if performed correctly, Mario will do a "superjump" that covers huge distance and can be used as a shortcut.

This can also happen if Cloud Mario jumps immediately after he forms a cloud.

Pre-release and unused content
In the debut trailer from E3 2009 and the two Media Summit Trailers, there were several differences from the games release.
 * The starting planet in Boo Moon Galaxy was originally going to look similar to the Crystal Planet in Space Junk Galaxy from the first game.
 * When a player used a Dash Pepper, the player did not glow or leave a glowing trail as in the final version.
 * Good Egg Galaxy's background was used in Tall Trunk's Slide, and in Space Storm Galaxy's Topman's tower.

General Producer

 * Shigeru Miyamoto

Producers

 * Yoshiaki Koizumi
 * Takashi Tezuka

Director

 * Koichi Hayashida

Music

 * Mahito Yokota
 * Ryo Nagamatsu
 * Koji Kondo

References to other games

 * Super Mario Bros.: Supermassive Galaxy's music, which is itself a remix of Toy Time Galaxy's music from the first game, originated from this game's overworld theme. The first few notes of this music are played when switching between Mario and Luigi. Other music from this game returned from Super Mario Galaxy as well. In the Grandmaster Galaxy, there is a backdrop featuring elements and enemies, as well as Mario and Luigi in their 8-bit sprites from this game.
 * Super Mario Bros. 3: Supermassive Galaxy is similar to Giant Land from this game, as the two are of massive size and feature giant versions of common items and enemies.
 * Super Mario World: Yoshi, who first appeared in this game, is playable in Super Mario Galaxy 2, and the percussion sounds heard when riding on Yoshi are reused. In fact, when Mario first saves Yoshi, his speech is obviously based on his speech in this game. Additionally, this game's athletic theme returns as Hightail Falls Galaxy's music (as well as the music that plays during the mission for Starshine Beach Galaxy, "Purple Coin Beach Dash"), and the Ghost House theme returns as Haunty Halls Galaxy's and Boo Moon Galaxy's music. Also, the sound effect that is heard when a P Switch's effect is about to run out is used in the bonus areas of Super Mario Galaxy 2, and the sound effect heard when passing through a door in this game is used when opening a door in Boo Moon Galaxy. In Puzzle Plank Galaxy, the Rainbow Notes play the Bonus Game theme from Super Mario World.
 * Yoshi's Cookie: Some of the cookies seen inside the chocolate box platforms via the Bulb Berry in Sweet Mystery Galaxy are the checked cookies from this game.
 * Super Mario 64: The slider theme from this game is used for Tall Trunk Galaxy and Rolling Coaster Galaxy. The "Bowser's Road" theme is remixed once again, appearing in several Bowser-themed galaxies. Also, the Throwback Galaxy is a replica of Whomp's Fortress; its boss, the Whomp King, is fought there, and an arrangement of the course's music plays there as well. Both games start with Peach sending a letter to Mario involving cake. Additionally, the "Inside the Castle Walls" theme can be heard when rescuing Peach and the final Grand Star in Super Mario Galaxy 2. The Rainbow Star theme is remixed once again from the Wing Cap and Vanish Cap theme. Finally, Mario says, "Thank you so much for playing my game!" after the ending credits, just as he did in this game.
 * Super Mario Sunshine: The Starshine Beach Galaxy is based on some elements from this game. The main mission of Twisty Trials Galaxy is a replica of the secret level found in Episode 4 of Ricco Harbor. The red and blue flipping platforms return, although they work differently. Piantas also return.
 * New Super Mario Bros. Wii: The Checkpoint Flag returns from this game, and the Cosmic Guide and Tip Network are based on the Super Guide and hint movies from this game, respectively. Also, the world maps are based on the one from this game. In both games, Bowser is giant, and the final battle is divided in two different parts, the latter having a bigger Bowser. The model for the Koopalings' cake reappears in Super Mario Galaxy 2's credits. Additionally, when players collect all the coins in a certain time limit that were accessed by a switch in Super Mario Galaxy 2, the audience claps in the same fashion they did in this game.

References in later games

 * Donkey Kong Country Returns: The Flip-Out Galaxy's concept is back (but slighty changed) for the Switcheroo level.
 * Super Mario 3D Land: Star Medals look similar to Comet Medals. In addition, the theme used on bonus planets is covered for Mystery Boxes. The blue and red flipping platforms return, but they are activated by jumping. The "beat blocks" return as well. Cosmic Clones return, but they look different. An early theme for the Boom Boom battle was the same theme played when fighting Peewee Piranha. Also, a lot of the voice clips, sounds, and enemy animations and behaviors are reused. World 7-5 is similar to Puzzle Plank Galaxy, and Special 5-1 is similar to Flip-Swap Galaxy. Also, a strange, ghostly entity can be seen in the woods near the Flagpole of World 4-4, which bears resemblance to the three, strange, black Kodama-esque figures (Hellvalleyskytrees) seen in the background of Shiverburn Galaxy.
 * Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games: The Sky Station Galaxy (under the name "Synchro Battle Galaxy") appears in the Dream Spacewalk event.
 * Fortune Street: Starship Mario makes an appearance as one of the Mario series game boards.
 * Super Mario 3D World: Green Stars make an appearance, replacing Star Medals from Super Mario 3D Land. Fizzlits return, although in a more square-shaped appearance. The final boss themes (and the Meowser defeated fanfare) have portions of the themes for Bowser's Galaxy Generator. Also, Grumblumps have a similar appearance to Rhomps. The Beat Block mechanic returns under the name "Beep Block", and the Beep Block stages return to the "beep-beep-beep-switch" rhythm as in this game with the same tempo as the Beat Block Galaxy theme as well. There is additionally a level called Boss Blitz, which is in reference to the Boss Blitz Galaxy.
 * Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U: Starship Mario appears in the background of the Mario Galaxy stage.
 * Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The giant dragon used for the Dragon Driftway racetrack has a similar design to Gobblegut, but with legs. In Deluxe, the battle course Dragon Palace has two statues of the same Gobblegut-like dragons.
 * Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Gobblegut is used as the base design for a weapon in this game.
 * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Rock Mario, Lubba, and Starship Mario appears as spirits using their artwork from Super Mario Galaxy 2. Also, Melty Monster Galaxy's theme is added to the Mario series track list.

Trivia

 * The save data description is "Launch into a new adventure!"
 * In the Japanese version, it says 「銀河を舞台にまたまた大冒険！」
 * Even though Super Mario Galaxy 2 is not featured in the compilation title Super Mario 3D All-Stars, an abridged version of the theme for when Mario or Luigi grabs a Power Star is recycled for the game's main menu.
 * This makes it the only Super Mario 3D title to not currently be re-released on the Nintendo Switch in any form whatsoever.