Luigi's Mansion 2 HD

The Verdict

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review: The Poltergust 5000 Returns, But Is It Fresh?

Here’s the thing about remasters: they either justify their existence with meaningful upgrades, or they feel like a cash grab. Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD — the 2026 Switch port of the 2013 3DS classic — leans heavily toward the former, but it’s not without its quirks. With a 4.8/5 Amazon rating across 240 reviews, players are clearly happy. But let’s dig past the aggregate score and see if this ghost-hunting adventure deserves your $60.

What You Actually Get

The box contains the game cartridge (or download code) and nothing else — standard for Switch titles. No amiibo, no art book, no steelbook. The game itself is the full Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon experience, now running at a native 1080p in docked mode and 720p handheld, both at a smooth 60fps. That’s a massive leap from the original 3DS version, which struggled to hold 30fps on a 240p screen. The visual upgrade is immediately noticeable: the mansions’ gothic details, the glow of your flashlight, and the ghost designs all pop with a clarity the original never had.

Performance and Real-World Play

The core loop remains intact: Luigi must recover pieces of the Dark Moon from five distinct mansions (Gloomy Manor, Haunted Towers, Old Clockworks, Secret Mines, and Treacherous Mansion), each packed with puzzles, collectibles, and boss encounters. The mission-based structure — you’re dropped in, complete objectives, then return to the hub — still feels a bit fragmented compared to the free-roaming exploration of Luigi’s Mansion 3. But the tight puzzle design and Luigi’s endearingly cowardly animations carry the experience.

Gyro aiming for the Poltergust 5000 is the standout addition. The 3DS’s circle pad was imprecise; here, subtle wrist movements let you target ghosts with real accuracy. It’s not motion-control gimmickry — it genuinely improves combat flow. The ScareScraper mode, a procedurally generated tower for up to four players, is still a blast online. It’s the same content from the original, but the Switch’s more robust online infrastructure makes finding matches far easier.

What Buyers Are Saying

The Amazon reviews skew heavily positive, with recurring praise for the visual fidelity and the co-op mode. One reviewer writes, “Played the original on 3DS and this is the definitive version. The 60fps makes the boss fights feel completely different.” Another notes, “My kids and I play ScareScraper every weekend. It’s the best co-op game on Switch.” The few critical voices focus on the lack of new content — fair point, since this is a straight remaster with zero added levels or modes.

Where It Falls Short

Here’s the honest tradeoff: if you already played Dark Moon to completion on 3DS, this offers nothing new beyond the visual and performance upgrades. The mission structure — which forces you to replay mansions with different objectives — can feel repetitive, especially in the later chapters. And at full price, it’s hard to recommend to anyone who isn’t a diehard Luigi fan or a newcomer who missed the original. The lack of a “New Game+” or any bonus content is a missed opportunity.

Who Should Buy This

• Newcomers to the series: If you’ve only played Luigi’s Mansion 3 and want more, this is a must-buy. The puzzle designs are clever, the atmosphere is top-tier, and the 60fps makes it feel modern.
• Parents looking for family co-op: ScareScraper is approachable for kids and engaging for adults — it’s one of the best couch co-op experiences on Switch.
• Returning players: Only if you’re nostalgic for Dark Moon specifically. Otherwise, wait for a price drop.

FAQ

Q: Is Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD worth it if I’ve never played the series? A: Absolutely. It’s a complete, self-contained adventure that doesn’t require knowledge of the first game. The tutorial pacing is excellent, and the difficulty curve is gentle enough for beginners.

Q: Does the game support local co-op? A: Yes, ScareScraper supports local wireless and online play for up to four players. The main campaign is single-player only.

Q: How long is the campaign? A: Around 15 hours for the main story, plus another 5-10 hours if you hunt all collectibles and complete ScareScraper floors.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You missed Dark Moon on 3DS, want a polished co-op experience, or love Luigi’s Mansion 3 and crave more of the same.

Skip it if: You’ve already 100%’d the original and expect new content — this is a faithful remaster, not a remake.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is the definitive version of a genuinely great game. The 60fps upgrade and gyro controls make it feel like a modern title, and the ScareScraper mode adds real longevity. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a polished, charming, and thoroughly enjoyable ghost-hunting adventure that earns its 4.6/5 score.

Rating: 4.6/5

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.