Summary
At the end of the day, the pivotal part of Mario is running and jumping across wonderful lands to save the world from threats like Bowser. However, power-ups have been part of the franchise since the originalSuper Mario Bros., with the likes of the Mushroom and Super Star assisting players in their side-scrolling and 3D adventures.
With nearly every new entry, Nintendo has introduced a new power-up for players to have fun with. Some like the Super Leaf have returned in many titles, while others seem to have vanished other than references in spin-offs, even though fans would probably have enjoyed seeing them again in a modern Mario title.
10Mystery Mushroom
It’s Fun To Transform Into Characters
TheMystery Mushroom, originally introduced inSuper Mario Maker, has no special powers. It is essentially another form of the basic mushroom, but it has the bonus of transforming Mario into any character from the Mario universe and other properties.
A simple skin-swapping ability wouldadd variety to the visualsas Mario traverses through 2D or 3D worlds. It could also be a way to give Mario traversal abilities, especially if the Mystery Mushroom transforms him into characters like Peach or Donkey Kong, who are known for their unique traits in-game.
9Carrot
Multiple power-ups have allowed high-jumping for Marioakin to his brother Luigi, from the Spring inSuper Mario Galaxyto the Weird Mushroom inSuper Mario Maker. However, one of the first ones to give Mario the ability to jump high was theCarrotin the oft-forgottenSuper Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coinson the Nintendo Game Boy.
The Super Carrot gave Mario a pair of rabbit ears, high jumps, and gliding abilities, similar to how the Super Leaf gave him Tanooki ears inSuper Mario Bros. 3. With rabbits being a recurring character in multiple games, including the playable Nabbit, the Carrot would still fit in modern games while reminding players of the Game Boy titles that don’t get enough appreciation.
8Mega Mushroom
Mario Becomes Mega Mario And Stomps Through Levels
Nearly everyone can feel cathartic when they can destroy everything in a level and that is exactly what theMega Mushroomis for. It transforms Mario into a giant version of himself that storms through a level, destroying all enemies, obstacles, and platforms without taking so much as a scratch.
The Mega Mushroom was first introduced througha minigame in theMario Partyseries, butNew Super Mario Bros.turned it into a mainline power-up. The last time it was seen was in Super Mario 3D World, where it showed its potential with 3D gameplay, especially if it were to return to something more open world, a laBowser’s Furyin the future.
7Metal Cap
Pros And Cons Come With Metal Mario
TheMetal Caphas only appeared inSuper Mario 64and its Nintendo DS remake, transforming Mario into a chromatic version of himself that is indestructible, can breathe underwater, and is immune to hazards like toxins and fire. An ability like that makes Mario formidable, even with the disadvantage of a low jump.
Metal Mario has appeared as a playable character in other games, includingMario Kart 8, but, surprisingly,none of the 3D Mario gameshave ever brought back the Metal Cap as a power-up. However, Luigi did get a similar transformation with a different ability inNew Super Mario Bros. 2on the Nintendo 3DS.
6Ice Flower
The Cold Never Bothered Mario Anyway
Players were able to embrace their inner Queen Elsa with the Ice Flower, which was originally introduced inMario & Luigi: Partners In Time. However, it joined the mainline Mario games with NewSuper Mario Bros. Wii, allowing Mario to throw ice balls that freeze enemies into ice blocks as an attack or a new temporary platform.
The Ice Flower became so beloved as a new addition to the franchise that it was even brought intoThe Super Mario Bros. Movieas a power-up for Princess Peach. However, the last time it made an appearance in the game was inSuper Mario Galaxy, when it could have been a series regular.
5Super Acorn
It’s Like Tanooki Mario But Even Better
WhileNew Super Mario Bros. Uand its upgraded Nintendo Switch remasterare considered to be divisive games; the Super Acorn was a highlight. It is similar to the Super Leaf, transforming Mario and his companions into creatures that can glide, only this time it is a flying squirrel.
On top of the gliding, the Super Acorn gives characters the ability to extend their gliding with a single press of a button, allowing for fun traversal challenges in certain levels. If the Cat Mario can return in various games and movies, so can the Super Acorn.
4Boo Mushroom
It’s Mario’s Turn To Haunt People
The Goombas and Koopas will always be the signature enemy of Mario alongside Bowser, but theBoo characters have become a favorite. InSuper Mario Galaxy, fans were given theBoo Mushroom, which transforms Mario into a big Boo with a fluffy white mustache and hat.
The Boo Mushroom allows Mario to phase through objects and hover, granting him all the attributes people expect from a Boo character. It was different from most power-ups up to that point and only reappeared inSuper Mario Galaxy 2since then, even though it could have made for a fun inclusion in 2D Mario games, such asSuper Mario Bros. Wonder.
3Golden Flower
The Midas Touch In Video Game Form
New Super Mario Bros. 2is known for its gimmick, collecting hundreds of coins within almost every level.Fitting with that gimmick, it introduced theGolden Flower, which allows Mario to lob golden balls at obstacles and foes, making them explode into a blossom of coins to be collected.
Collecting coins is already an addictive activity in Mario games and if it were to return in a more open-ended Mario game or a sequel toSuper Mario Bros. Wonder, gamers will be spending so much time collecting coins. Additionally, seeing Mario made entirely out of gold is a welcome counterpart to Metal Mario.
2Blue Shell
The Power-Up That Makes Mario Overpowered
TheBlue Shellis most famous for being a frustrating power-up inMario Kartgames, but, inNew Super Mario Bros., it was turned into a new suit for Mario to wear. In some ways, it is one of the more overpowered upgrades for Mario, as he can hide inside the shell and slide across the floor, immune to nearly every enemy in the game.
On top of the protection, Mario’s movement is also faster with the Blue Shell, and if used correctly, the player can get through levels in more than half the time than usual. This is the kind of ability that fans would likely relish in a new 2D or 3D Mario game, especially if it is expanded on with new perks and abilities, such as a blue explosion, as a reference to its use inMario Kartgames.
1Wing Cap
Soaring Through The Skies Like A Superhero
Mario being able to fly is nothing new, with Tanooki Mario and the Red Stars providing such an ability, but theWing CapfromSuper Mario 64helps the titular character live up to his status as Super. With wings on the sides of his signature cap, Mario flies through the air like a comic book hero, especially with the typical ‘M’ symbol.
Flight is one of those magical abilities in games that attracts gamers thanks to the wonder that characters like Superman or Peter Pan instill in people. If Nintendo ever decidesto make another open-world Mario gameagain, the Wing Cap would make an ideal power-up for that style.
