Separating The Best From The Baffling
Power-ups make Super Mario games unforgettable, turning basic jumps into gravity-defying stunts and changing Mario into everything from a fireball-throwing hero to an unstoppable force. And while some power-ups are legendary, others are a total disaster! First, we'll tackle the lamest before celebrating the greatest power-ups in Mario's history. Here we go!
1. Poison Mushroom
Looks can be deceiving, and the Poison Mushroom is the ultimate trickster. Debuting in Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels (1986), this deceptive item mimics a helpful Super Mushroom but instead shrinks or defeats Mario. Sneaky level placements turn it into a cruel prank, punishing players who grab without thinking.
What happens when Mario collects the Poison Mushroom in Bowser's Fury? by CatToady
2. Mini Mushroom
Tiny but terrible! The Mini Mushroom, introduced in New Super Mario Bros (2006), shrinks Mario to a fraction of his size, which lets him squeeze into tight spaces and even run on water. Sounds cool, right? Not so fast! Weakened jumps and increased enemy danger make survival a nightmare.
3. Spring Mushroom
Ever wanted to feel like a malfunctioning pogo stick? No? Too bad! The Spring Mushroom from Super Mario Galaxy (2007) locks Mario into an endless cycle of bouncy chaos. Instead of enhancing platforming, this power-up turns every level into a frustrating trampoline nightmare. Most players would rather skip it altogether.
What happens when Mario use the Spring Mushroom in Bowser's Fury? by Sirloin
4. Super Leaf
Introduced in Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988), the Super Leaf turns Mario into a raccoon with flight and tail-whipping abilities. While iconic, it feels redundant in later games where other power-ups like the Cape Feather outshine it. It is great for beginners, but seasoned players often find it underwhelming compared to more versatile options.
What happens when Luigi collects a Super Leaf in Super Mario Odyssey? by CatToady
5. Boo Mushroom
Floating through walls sounds excellent, but Super Mario Galaxy (2007) makes the Boo Mushroom underwhelming. Sure, turning into a Boo grants flight, but at what cost? Mario loses most of his combat abilities, leaving him defenseless. To make matters worse, even a simple light source cancels the effect instantly.
Can Mario use the Ultimate Boo Mushroom in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe? by Sirloin
6. Penguin Suit
Sliding into trouble has never been easier! The Penguin Suit gives Mario ice-ball attacks and improved traction. Still, its bulky controls slow him down, making platforming feel clunky. Although fun in icy areas, it's rarely the best choice. For most levels, it's just unnecessary in New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009).
What happens when Mario collects the ULTIMATE Penguin Suit in Super Mario Odyssey? by CatToady
7. Rock Mushroom
Rolling into enemies sounds fantastic—until you realize you can't stop! The Rock Mushroom lets Mario smash through obstacles with sheer force, but controlling him is another story. In Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010), one wrong move can send you careening off a cliff. Momentum is key, but precision? Forget it!
What happens when Mario collects the Rock Mushroom in Super Mario Odyssey? by CatToady
8. Cloud Flower
The Cloud Flower lets Mario create three temporary platforms by adding new ways to explore tricky levels. However, in Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010), they vanish too quickly, making precise platforming unreliable. Even worse, water instantly removes the ability and forces players to be extra cautious. It's fun in theory but frustrating in execution.
What happens when Mario collects the Cloud Flower in Super Mario 3D World? by CatToady
9. Light Box
Ever wanted to walk around with a lamp on your head? That's the Light Box in Super Mario 3D World (2013). It brightens dark areas and zaps Boos, but it's rarely necessary since most levels provide enough light already. The worst part? Mario has to carry it.
10. Double Cherry
Precision platforming becomes a nightmare when you can't keep track of yourself. This power-up in Super Mario 3D World (2013) creates clones of Mario, which sounds great—until chaos takes over. Managing multiple characters at once leads to missteps and total confusion. Instead of power, you panic!
Having tackled the power-ups that cause more frustration than fun, it's time to flip the script and examine the ones that redefine gameplay.
1. Super Mushroom
The power-up that started it all! Introduced in Super Mario Bros. (1985), the Super Mushroom doubles Mario's size and lets him take an extra hit before defeat. Simple and essential, this iconic power-up set the standard for every Mario game to come. Without it, survival would be a lot tougher.
2. Fire Flower
This power-up grants Mario the power to launch fireballs, giving him a ranged attack against foes. The revolutionary ability makes challenging levels more manageable by allowing players to clear obstacles from a safe distance. It has been a staple in Mario's arsenal since its debut in Super Mario Bros (1985).
3. Super Star
Have you ever wanted to be downright unstoppable? The Super Star grants Mario invincibility by letting him charge through enemies like a glowing, rainbow-wrecking ball. Speeding through levels and backed by an iconic tune? It doesn't get much better than that. A true game-changer since Super Mario Bros (1985).
What if Mario's Mega Super Star tried to beat Super Mario Bros.? by BOX STORY GAME
4. Cape Feather
In Super Mario World (1990), players could take flight, glide, and stall mid-air for precise landings. This power-up lets Mario do just that, offering unmatched aerial mobility and a powerful spin attack. Its versatility makes it perfect for exploration and speedrun tricks.
5. Tanooki Suit
More than just cute, this suit is packed with surprises. In Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988), Mario gains the ability to fly. Still, the best part is the statue transformation, which lets him avoid enemies and hazards entirely. With both offensive and defensive skills, this power-up is fun and strategic.
2023 TANOOKI SUIT MARIO | Super Mario Bros Movie Wave 2 | Jakks Pacific by Toy Shiz
6. Propeller Mushroom
The Propeller Mushroom launches Mario skyward with a quick spin, which turns vertical movement into a breeze. In New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009), a shake of the Wii Remote sends him rocketing up, followed by a smooth, gliding descent. Perfect for dodging hazards, tricky jumps feel like second nature.
What happens when Mario collects the Propeller Mushroom in Super Mario 3D World? by CatToady
7. Hammer Suit
Turn the tables. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) included the rare but powerful Hammer Suit, granting Mario the ability to throw hammers. Despite its scarcity, it's one of the few power-ups that can defeat even Bowser, making it a fan favorite.
8. Cat Suit
Ever wanted to see Mario embrace his inner feline? The Cat Suit grants incredible agility by letting him climb walls, pounce on enemies, and quickly zip across platforms. Launched in Super Mario 3D World (2013), it is a power-up that makes movement feel faster and more dynamic.
THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE "Cat Mario Vs. Donkey Kong" Trailer (2023) by ONE Media
9. Yoshi
Yoshi is more than just an upgrade—he's a loyal companion with legendary abilities. Eating enemies, flutter-jumping, and even spitting fire make him a must-have in tricky levels. Since his debut in Super Mario World (1990), he's remained one of gaming's most beloved icons.
10. Metal Cap
Indestructible and unstoppable, Super Mario 64 (1996) introduced the Metal Cap, turning Mario into heavy metal. This form makes him immune to most damage, lets him walk underwater, and withstand strong currents. It's one of the most memorable and visually striking power-ups in 3D Mario history.
