The original Super Mario Galaxy for Wii was a product of its time, with the 3 2007D platformer featuring motion controls. Players were shaking the Wii Remote to make Mario do a Star Spin, a movement essential for combat and crossing. Now that Super Mario Galaxy is heading to Nintendo Switch via Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Switch owners are wondering if they'll have to shake their wrists for this re-release, even in handheld mode.
While the Joy-Con controllers also have motion control, most Nintendo fans who want to replay Super Mario Galaxy would love the option to map the Star Spin to a button. According to Nintendo UK's website page for the 3D All-Stars Collection, these fans will make their wish come true, as the motion controls are optional. “Defy gravity and jump on planets with optional motion controls,” the website says in describing the game. Players will still be able to shake the Joy-Con controllers to do a Star Spin or point around the screen to collect coins. Star Bits.
There are other motion control apps in Super Mario Galaxy - some transformations like Ghost Mario required a shake. Fire Mario could also throw fireballs with the same shaking motion. A few levels used the Wii Remote as a joystick as Mario balanced himself on a large ball; presumably, Switch version players will be able to do the same with a Joy-Con.
The question is whether or not motion controls will be supported in portable mode. It's impossible to shake the entire Switch console while it's in your hands, but it's still a possibility. While not stated on the website, we can assume that the Star Spin and all other associated motion controls will be relegated to the push of a button. It is not clear how players can collect Star Bits without a cursor in handheld mode.
