Super Mario Galaxy has been rated for the Wii U eShop by the ESRB. Of course, it was rated E for Everyone.
It's a great game, but this reveal does not necessarily inspire excitement. Super Mario Galaxy 2, is widely acclaimed as the bigger classic of the two, and was actually one of the launch titles for Wii retail games on the Wii U eShop, alongside Metroid Prime Trilogy and Donkey Kong Country Returns. Super Mario Galaxy isn’t particularly hard to find in retailers either.
So, the relevance of this release lies more in what it represents. Nintendo is determined to keep providing games to the Wii U, even when it means Wii rereleases. Fans who are committed enough will go ahead and buy both Galaxy games, especially if they want digital backups.
Unfortunately, it also means prospects for future Wii digital rereleases seem conservative. Nintendo has mostly focused on 1st party titles, and not even particularly interesting games like the New Play Control series. There are obscure and rare Wii games that would fit in well on the eShop, even games Nintendo’s released. Some of them, like Xenoblade Chronicles, did get the much deserved digital rub. Others, like The Last Story and Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn, are still waiting for their proper recognition. There are rare third party games too, such as Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon.
Super Mario Galaxy remains acclaimed as one of the best 3D platformers of all time. Some critics also consider it as the superior Galaxy game, and among the best of the best lists of all games. At 12.59 million copies sold, it is also one of the bestselling games on the Wii.
Will you be buying Super Mario Galaxy for your Wii U digitally? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.