Starting today, fans can stream the full soundtracks of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Spotify — a rare concession from a company that has long resisted sharing its music on third-party platforms.
The release coincides with Mario’s 40th anniversary and the theatrical debut of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, offering 130 tracks across two official playlists totaling roughly five hours of music. For the first time, Nintendo’s orchestral scores — once confined to its own Nintendo Music app — are accessible on the world’s largest streaming service.
But the gesture comes with a significant caveat: the music is only available for a limited time, though neither Nintendo nor Spotify has specified when it will be removed. This ambiguity has sparked frustration among fans who have waited years for broader access, only to receive a temporary window with no clear end date.
Spotify’s announcement highlights a curated experience beyond audio. Premium subscribers will see the beloved character Luma animate on the playback bar as tracks play, a modest but deliberate touch meant to deepen emotional engagement. Meanwhile, the company has deployed billboards in New York City, Los Angeles, and Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing to promote the playframes, turning urban spaces into promotional touchpoints for the campaign.
Yet beneath the fanfare lies a familiar tension. Nintendo launched its own music streaming app in 2024, which continues to roll out new soundtracks weekly — though notably, no update was issued this week, the same period the Spotify release went live. The last additions to the Nintendo Music app were the Animal Crossing soundtrack on April 13 and a special batch of Tomodachi Life tracks on April 15.
For more on this story, see Super Mario Galaxy Movie tops box office for third straight weekend.
This timing raises questions about motive. Is the Spotify release a genuine effort to meet long-standing fan demand, or a calculated move tied to the film’s promotion? Some observers suggest external partners like Universal Pictures, distributor of the movie, may have influenced the decision. Others speculate Nintendo is using the limited window to drive traffic to its own platform without cannibalizing long-term engagement.
Whatever the intent, the release underscores a broader pattern: Nintendo’s relationship with digital distribution remains cautious, selective, and often paradoxical. The company that revolutionized home gaming now dips its toe into streaming culture — but only on its own terms, and only for a moment.
This follows our earlier report, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Dominates Box Office, Surpasses $600M Globally.
Why did Nintendo choose to release the music now?
Nintendo stated the release celebrates Mario’s 40th anniversary and coincides with the theatrical release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, according to both the company’s announcement and Spotify’s press materials.
How long will the music be available on Spotify?
Neither Nintendo nor Spotify has specified an end date for the availability of the Super Mario Galaxy soundtracks, only describing it as a “limited time” offering based on promotional materials and public statements.
Is this music available elsewhere?
Yes, the soundtracks for Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are available year-round on Nintendo’s own Nintendo Music app, which continues to update weekly with new game soundtracks.
