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In Super Mario Galaxy, the key to defeating a boss is usually to use the arena or an enemy’s own behavior against it—not simply to keep jumping or spinning. This guide covers the game as included in Super Mario 3D All-Stars for Nintendo Switch and explains three representative fights: Dino Piranha, Topmaniac, and Bouldergeist.
iMore counts 23 boss encounters in its guide, including repeat encounters and variants; that is the guide’s editorial tally, not an official Nintendo count. Its walkthrough and a GameSpot walkthrough describe the tactics below.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Super Mario 3D All-Stars - Nintendo Switch (Renewed) | $133.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Super Mario 3D All-Stars - Nintendo Switch | $119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Super Mario 3D All stars (European Version) | $147.98 | Buy on Amazon |
How to use the boss strategies
Watch what changes when a boss attacks or exposes a weak point, then use the corresponding interaction. The instructions here avoid exact hit counts and timing because the cited walkthroughs do not establish them consistently.
- To check the game’s control display, press the minus button.
- Use the A button to interact with characters and signs.
- Adjust the camera with the right control stick.
These are general collection tips from Nintendo’s Super Mario 3D All-Stars tips; no special controller is identified as necessary for the strategies here.
#1 Best Overall
- Does not come with original case or manuals; game cartridge only
- Discover (or rediscover) three of Mario’s most memorable adventures all in one package—available on the Nintendo Switch system
- Take these three adventures on the go with the Nintendo Switch system’s handheld or tabletop mode
- Jump into paintings to collect Power Stars and save Princess Peach in the Super Mario 64 game
- Spray away paint-like goop with the help of your water-spouting friend, FLUDD, in the Super Mario Sunshine game
How to defeat the featured Super Mario Galaxy bosses
Dino Piranha
- Move around the egg-shaped creature to get behind it. Moving to the side can help you avoid its charge and find an opening.
- Spin into the bulb at the end of its tail when you can reach it.
- Repeat the approach as the fight continues, watching its movement to avoid the charge.
Topmaniac
- Jump on Topmaniac’s flashing top to retract its spikes.
- Spin it into the electric barrier while it is vulnerable.
- Avoid the smaller Topmen, then repeat the sequence as needed.
Bouldergeist
- Dodge the boulders Bouldergeist throws.
- Use a Bomb Boo against its rocky body to damage it.
- Continue the attack cycle as the fight changes, looking for opportunities to use Bomb Boos again.
These are walkthrough strategies, not Nintendo’s official descriptions. See iMore’s boss guide and GameSpot’s walkthrough for their encounter coverage.
Playing Super Mario 3D All-Stars on Switch or Switch 2
Nintendo’s collection includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy, according to Nintendo’s product page.
Rank #2
- Discover (or rediscover) three of Mario’s most memorable adventures all in one package—available on the Nintendo Switch system
- Take these three adventures on the go with the Nintendo Switch system’s handheld or tabletop mode
- Jump into paintings to collect Power Stars and save Princess Peach in the Super Mario 64 game
- Spray away paint-like goop with the help of your water-spouting friend, FLUDD, in the Super Mario Sunshine game
- Travel from planet to planet and power up Rosalina’s Comet Observatory in the Super Mario Galaxy game—motion controls and a two-player Co-Star mode included
Nintendo Support lists version 1.1.4 as released October 28, 2025, and says this update is required to play the collection on Nintendo Switch 2. The same version history notes that version 1.0.1 improved the screen display during Galaxy Co-Star Mode. Check Nintendo Support’s update history for the version information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to get the game
Nintendo ended digital sales of Super Mario 3D All-Stars on March 31, 2021. Nintendo Support says people who bought the digital game can still play or redownload it, and download codes can still be redeemed. The company says physical copies are available while supplies last, which does not confirm stock or price at any particular retailer.
Rank #3
- 0045496426675
For the current distinctions, see Nintendo Support’s sales information and Nintendo’s collection tips.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
