Super Mario Galaxy: All Motion Control Options for Switch Explained

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is out now for the Nintendo Switch. Since Super Mario Galaxy relied on the Wii Remote motion controls when it released on the Wii in 2006, some changes needed to be made for the Switch version. There are three different options for playing Super Mario Galaxy on the Switch, with motion controls working slightly different for all of them. Here are all of the motion control options for Super Mario Galaxy on the Switch explained.

All Motion Control Options for Super Mario Galaxy on the Switch Explained

Docked Mode with Separated Joycon

The first option to play Super Mario Galaxy is using two separated Joycon controllers. This control method acts most similarly to the original experience with Wii Remotes.

Simply point the right Joycon at the screen to move the blue Star Cursor around to collect Star Bits. Aim the Star Cursor with the right joycon pointing at the screen and press ZR to shoot the Star Bits to stun enemies.

The camera can be reset by pressing the L button, and the Star Cursor can be reset to the center of the screen by pressing the R button.

With this control method, there are two ways to spin Mario for an attack. You can either shake the Joycon just like with the Wii Remote, or you can press the Y button.

Docked Mode with Pro Controller or Joycon Grip

The second option to play Super Mario Galaxy is using a Pro Controller or the Joycon together in the grip. This control method uses the gyroscope of the controller.

The Star Cursor moves around the screen by tilting the controller in the direction you want it to move, making it easy to collect any Star Bits on the screen. Like the separated Joycon method, you can aim the cursor with the gyroscope and press ZR to shoot the Star Bits.

With this method, the only way for Mario to perform a spin attack is to press the Y button on the controller.

Handheld Mode – All Motion Control Options in Super Mario Galaxy

The final option to play Super Mario Galaxy is in handheld mode. If you have a Switch Lite, this is the only way to play unless you’ve paired Joycon or a Pro Controller to the system.

In this mode, you can use the Switch’s touch screen to tap or swipe any Star Bits that appear on the screen, even if they are very far away.

You can also touch the screen to aim the Star Cursor, and it stays in that place until you tap someplace else. Again, using ZR shoots the Star Bits wherever the cursor is pointing to.

In order to be lifted up by blue Pull Stars, you need to touch and hold them.

The gyroscope is used in other instances where motion is needed, such as during manta ray surfing, which is similar to using tilt controls in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The Y button is also used for Mario’s spin attack in this mode.

Those are all of the motion control options for Super Mario Galaxy on the Switch explained. Be sure to check back with Twinfinite for more guides related to Super Mario Galaxy and the other games in Super Mario 3D All-Stars.