Thanks to the release of the appealing compilation package, Super Mario 3D All-Stars, gamers have been reminded of the fun, celestial journey that is Super Mario Galaxy. And with the enhancements that come with the high-res display and Joy-con support, this epic 3D platformer manages to shine more brightly than ever.
Given the emphasis on exploration and range of unique galaxies, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of secrets and easter eggs beckoning to be discovered.
What are some of the most amusing easter eggs that can be found during Mario’s intergalactic adventure?
10 A Pokeball Planet
Yes, it would seem there is a subtle reference to the equally-popular Pokemon series in this Mario game. It takes the form of a planet inside the Buoy Base Galaxy.
Upon approaching the Water Sphere Planet, Nintendo fans might notice a familiar object, which is further revealed after Mario uses his Star Spin to uncork a large screw. Doing so will open a portion of the planet, showing what appears to be a giant Pokeball.
If only there were some Pokemon-esque monsters crawling about to complete the theme…
9 The Mystery Of The Hidden Toy Train
Looks like some youngster has abandoned their toy train amongst a cluster of large blocks and contraptions in the Toy Time Galaxy.
Early on in the stage, you’ll find a blue ramp sitting atop a giant orange and yellow block. Hiding in a small gap between these blocks is a solitary toy train. It’s a particularly odd find in that the train is a degree smaller than most assets in this stage, and it serves no purpose. Still, it makes for a fun little easter egg that further invokes a yearning to explore.
8 The Rolling Gizmo Rupees
Considering there is a Pokemon reference in Super Mario Galaxy, it stands to reason that there’d be a Zelda one tossed in as well, right? At the beginning of the Rolling Gizmo Galaxy, bypass the ball and make your way across the treacherous zig-zagged platform. Approach the vertical bridge, and take a peek behind it.
There you will see a cluster of blue Star Bits that fans of Nintendo’s fantasy adventure might recognize. Yes, these Star Bits take on the form of a large Rupee; the universal Legend of Zelda currency.
7 The Pikmin Planet
It seems Super Mario Galaxy is not done with subtle nods to other Nintendo properties. This time, the Big N references another intergalactic journey known as Pikmin. The console RTS’ easter egg can be found in the Space Junk Galaxy.
Soon after traversing the cluster of Pull Stars, you’ll be blasted onto a small space ship, which clearly resembles Captain Olimar’s ship in Pikmin and Pikmin 2. What happened to the captain himself is anyone’s guess…
6 The Battlerock Galaxy Pit Of Death
There are various areas towering in the backgrounds of certain Galaxies which are seemingly inaccessible and meant only to provide a backdrop. The rock formations of Battlerock Galaxy seem to serve this function, yet they can be traversed if Mario goes far enough off the beaten path.
Around the top of these formations is a gaping hole in the geometry, which will send Mario plummeting to a quick death when falling into it. Doing so will essentially send you falling through the level, as a mesh of floating polygons whiz by.
5 Turning Coconuts To Watermelons
Watermelons have been something of a recurring item in the Yoshi series, though they aren’t typically found in Mario games. For whatever reason though, these items do make an appearance in Super Mario Galaxy, although only when you’ve managed to obtain a whopping 9999 Star Bits.
To add to the weirdness – these don’t just randomly emerge when accumulating this massive Star Bit collection. Rather, all of the green coconuts in the game instantly change into these melons. Hey, in a celestial trip like this, anything is possible, right?
4 A Useful Speed Boost When Racing Cosmic Mario
The ominous cosmic counterpart to Mario might be a bit tough to beat in your various scrambles to get Power Stars. But there is a way to get a leg up on the competition.
When racing Cosmic Mario, simply wait until the timer hits “2” and hold the ZR button while holding forward on the joystick. The second the race begins, quickly tap the A button, and Mario will take off right out of the gate – glowing yellow and sprinting to drive the point home.
Much like in Mario Kart, this swift boost can make all the difference in the heat of a race.
3 You Can Travel To Galaxies By Flying
It’s common practice within the main hub – or Comet Observatory – for Mario to launch his way to various Galaxies using the Launch Star.
But did you know you could also take matters into your own hands and fly there yourself? In case you wanted to take some time to kick back and soak in the atmosphere on the way to your destination, this can be done by nabbing the fun powerup called Flying Mario.
Once you have got this ability, simply take to the skies and soar towards the Galaxy destination of choice.
2 Volcanic Riches
While there’s no shortage of riches to be had in Super Mario Galaxy, it’s always a delight to stumble upon more. As it happens, there’s a secret area within the Melty Molten Galaxy that has an abundance of these riches, specifically Star Bits.
Bypass the Launch Star that hovers above the towering volcano in this Galaxy. Doing so will allow you to drop inside the volcano. Ground-pound the switch and rings of Star Bits will emerge.
1 The Triumphant Return Of Luigi
This one can be considered a cool unlockable for Luigi fans as much as an amusing easter egg. As it happens, you can play as Mario’s neglected brother upon notching 120 Power Stars. Once you’ve gotten all of the Stars, speak to Princess Rosalina, as this will prompt a clash with Bowser.
Defeating him will enable you to get the “true” ending, but it will also make Luigi a playable character. Not only can he jump higher and run faster than Mario, but he’ll also open a pathway to obtaining another star and a secret galaxy – the Grand Finale Galaxy. You’ll need to get all Power Stars and take out Bowser with Luigi to do so.
NEXT: 3D All-stars: 10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Starting Super Mario Galaxy
