Three new, creative, and fun to use power-ups in the form of the Cloud Flower, the Spin Drill, and the Rock Mushroom.

Yoshi returns after being absent in the first Galaxy, and without all of the problems associated with him in Super Mario Sunshine.

This game has a level selection on a map similar to that of the 2D Super Mario games, which makes it quicker to select galaxies as you don't have to run across the hub world do so so like in the previous 3D Mario games.

Incredible soundtrack that doesn't focus as much on orchestral music as did the first Galaxy, allowing for a more diverse soundtrack.

When a Prankster Comet does appear, the player can still play the normal levels of that galaxy rather than being forced to beat it like in the previous game.

Comet Medals are introduced, which make when Prankster Comets will appear less randomized.

One such example is the more detailed backgrounds that utilize more themes other than space themes.

Fantastic graphics that use a more colorful pallet than in Super Mario Galaxy.

The utilization of the new power-ups mentioned below.

The prankster Comets are more challenging than in the previous game.

Certain enemies and obstacles that were underutilized in the first game appearing much more often.

Cosmic clones, who chase after the player by copying their every move.

Obstacles and enemies that only appeared in 2D Mario games such as Snake Blocks appearing here.

A galaxy that is based on Whomp's Fortress from Super Mario 64.

A galaxy that's pitch black aside from an occasional flash occurring.

The introduction of Red-Blue Panels, which flip over whenever Mario or Luigi user their spin attack.

The level designs are even more creative and challenging than in the previous game.

This marks the first time a 3D Mario game gets a direct sequel.

Everything that made the first Galaxy game good returns here, and is improved upon, with the flaws also being downsized.

Super mario galaxy 2 power ups