Highlights

  • Mario and Luigi's jump height in Super Mario Galaxy is determined by which hand the player shakes when performing a spin. Mario jumps higher with the Wii remote or right Joy-Con, while Luigi jumps higher with the Nunchuck or left Joy-Con.
  • This detail may be a reference to the characters' dominant hands and adds a small level of nuance to the game. It can be used to optimize efficiency and squeeze out a little more from the characters.
  • Shaking the pro controller on the Switch version translates to shaking the right Joy-Con, meaning only Mario benefits from this trick when using the pro controller. As fans continue to uncover secrets, more nuances may be revealed in the game over time.

A Super Mario Galaxy fan uncovered a new trick in regard to Mario and Luigi's jump height. While the trick does not give an earth-shattering advantage, it demonstrates how nuanced Super Mario Galaxy can be.

Super Mario Galaxy was released in 2007 to widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. It currently sits as the ninth highest-rated game of all time on Metacritic, with a score of 97. Its gravity-based gameplay proved to be a big hit with fans, and its unique world design and memorable soundtrack only further solidified its popularity. Super Mario Galaxy's release was over 16 years ago, yet fans are still unveiling new, interesting ways to play the game more efficiently.

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Twitter user MarioBrothBlog discovered that Mario and Luigi will jump at different heights depending on which hand the player shakes when performing a spin jump. Mario jumps higher if the user shakes the Wii remote (or right Joy-Con on the Switch version), and Luigi jumps higher if the user shakes the Nunchuck (or left Joy-Con on the Switch version). While it could simply be a small design flaw, it's speculated that this may be a reference to the brothers' dominant hands. Regardless of this detail's nature, it's a satisfying trick that can be used to squeeze just that much more efficiency out of the game's characters.

One user asked, "What happens if you shake the pro controller?" In response to this, MarioBrothBlog explained that any shake input on the Switch version translates to shaking the right Joy-Con, meaning that only Mario will benefit from this trick when using the pro controller. With Super Mario Galaxy fans still uncovering new secrets about the game, players may see more nuances revealed as time goes on.

An example of Super Mario Galaxy's enduring popularity was put on display earlier this year when an excited Nintendo fan took to the internet to show off their Goodwill plunder. They purchased a used, $3 copy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, only to find Super Mario Galaxy and New Super Mario Bros. Wii tucked inside the case as well. This might sound like a trivial outcome for Nintendo outsiders, seeing that all three games are at least thirteen years old. But, fellow Mario fans were so excited for them that the post gained over three thousand upvotes on Reddit and generated hundreds of comments.

Fans considering a return to this Nintendo game may want to consider some things before diving back in. Figuring out which galaxies are the best in Super Mario Galaxy is a good starting point. While all galaxies are useful in one way or another, some offer fun, unique challenges like the Freezeflame Galaxy's ice skating levels.

SUPER MARIO GALAXY
Super Mario Galaxy

Considered by many to be the best Mario game of all time, Super Mario Galaxy introduces a number of innovative new gameplay mechanics to the long-running franchise. The game makes excellent use of the Wii's motion controls and is the first and only 3D Mario game to receive a direct sequel.

Franchise
Super Mario
Platform(s)
Wii , Nintendo Wii U
Released
November 1, 2007
Developer(s)
Nintendo