Julio Neves
Mario’s journey has always been about running, jumping, and saving the day from iconic foes like Bowser. Along the way, power-ups have been a cornerstone of the franchise, starting with the Mushroom and Super Star in the original Super Mario Bros. These items add excitement and strategy to both 2D and 3D adventures.
Nintendo has continuously introduced new power-ups with each game, but not all of them stick around. While classics like the Super Leaf have become staples, others have faded into obscurity. Here’s a look at ten power-ups that deserve a modern revival, reminding us why they captured players’ imaginations in the first place.
1. Mystery Mushroom
First Appearance: Super Mario Maker
Ability: Transforms Mario into different characters.
The Mystery Mushroom debuted in Super Mario Maker, offering no unique powers beyond its transformation mechanic. Yet, this feature alone made it a standout. It allowed Mario to transform into various characters from the Mario universe and even crossovers from other franchises.
Imagine the possibilities if the Mystery Mushroom returned in a 3D Mario game. Transforming into Peach could grant Mario floating abilities, while becoming Donkey Kong might enhance his strength. This power-up could add not only visual variety but also unique gameplay mechanics based on who Mario transforms into.
2. Carrot
First Appearance: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Ability: Grants Mario rabbit ears for high jumps and gliding.
The Carrot from Super Mario Land 2 is a forgotten gem. This Game Boy-era power-up turned Mario into a bunny-eared hero, allowing him to leap great distances and glide gracefully. It served a similar function to the Super Leaf but with a charming twist.
In a modern context, the Carrot could integrate well into Mario’s ever-expanding universe. Rabbits have become recurring characters, from Nabbit to the Mario + Rabbids series. Reviving the Carrot would be a nostalgic nod to Super Mario Land 2 while giving players a fresh way to traverse levels.
3. Mega Mushroom
First Appearance: New Super Mario Bros.
Ability: Transforms Mario into a giant capable of destroying everything in his path.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about going on a rampage, and the Mega Mushroom delivers that thrill. Introduced in New Super Mario Bros., this power-up lets Mario grow to colossal proportions, smashing enemies, blocks, and anything else in his way.
The last major appearance of the Mega Mushroom was in Super Mario 3D World, where it added new dynamics to 3D gameplay. Bringing it back in a more open-world setting, like Bowser’s Fury, could create epic moments of chaos and destruction.
4. Metal Cap
First Appearance: Super Mario 64
Ability: Turns Mario into an indestructible, metallic form immune to hazards.
The Metal Cap from Super Mario 64 transformed Mario into a shimmering chrome powerhouse. While in this form, Mario became impervious to damage, resistant to hazards like fire and toxins, and could even walk underwater.
Despite its iconic status, the Metal Cap hasn’t returned in a mainline game since Super Mario 64. Its unique mechanics, such as limited movement and weighty jumps, made it both fun and challenging. A revival could offer a creative twist in modern Mario titles, especially in puzzle-heavy levels.
5. Ice Flower
First Appearance: Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Ability: Lets Mario freeze enemies and walk on water.
The Ice Flower made a splash in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time before becoming a beloved addition to the mainline series in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. This frosty counterpart to the Fire Flower allowed Mario to freeze enemies into ice blocks, which could then be used as temporary platforms or weapons.
The Ice Flower’s versatility makes it a fan favorite. Its appearance in Super Mario Galaxy added water-walking mechanics, showcasing its potential in unique level designs. Bringing it back would not only delight fans but also add depth to gameplay in future Mario adventures.
6. Super Acorn
First Appearance: New Super Mario Bros. U
Ability: Transforms Mario into Flying Squirrel Mario, enabling gliding and wall-clinging.
The Super Acorn introduced Flying Squirrel Mario, giving players the ability to glide through the air and cling to walls. While it’s similar to the Super Leaf, the Acorn offered more control and precision during traversal.
Despite mixed reactions to New Super Mario Bros. U, the Super Acorn was a standout feature. If Cat Mario can make multiple comebacks, there’s no reason Flying Squirrel Mario shouldn’t return. Its smooth gliding mechanics would shine in both 2D and 3D environments.
7. Boo Mushroom
First Appearance: Super Mario Galaxy
Ability: Turns Mario into a Boo, granting flight and phasing abilities.
The Boo Mushroom from Super Mario Galaxy was a delightfully spooky addition. It transformed Mario into a Boo, complete with a mustache and cap. As Boo Mario, players could hover, phase through walls, and interact with Boo-specific obstacles.
This power-up brought a fresh perspective to levels, forcing players to think differently about navigation. Its reappearance in Super Mario Galaxy 2 was brief, and it hasn’t been seen since. However, its playful design and unique mechanics would make it a great fit for modern 2D and 3D games.
8. Golden Flower
First Appearance: New Super Mario Bros. 2
Ability: Turns Mario into gold, converting enemies and objects into coins.
The Golden Flower perfectly embodied the coin-collecting frenzy of New Super Mario Bros. 2. This power-up let Mario fire golden projectiles that turned everything they hit into coins, adding an addictive reward system to standard gameplay.
Imagine the Golden Flower in a more open-world Mario game, where players could explore and rack up massive coin totals. Its return would appeal to completionists and casual players alike, while visually contrasting nicely with other power-ups like the Metal Cap.
9. Blue Shell
First Appearance: New Super Mario Bros.
Ability: Grants Mario a protective shell that allows him to roll and speed through levels.
Known for its infamy in Mario Kart, the Blue Shell also appeared as a wearable power-up in New Super Mario Bros.. This transformation let Mario roll across levels, shielded from most threats, while also moving faster and clearing obstacles in his path.
The Blue Shell’s ability to speedrun levels made it both powerful and fun. Bringing it back with new features, such as a timed explosive attack inspired by its Mario Kart counterpart, could elevate its appeal in future games.
10. Wing Cap
First Appearance: Super Mario 64
Ability: Lets Mario fly for a limited time.
The Wing Cap is one of the most iconic power-ups in Mario history. Introduced in Super Mario 64, it allowed Mario to soar through the skies, giving players a sense of freedom and wonder. Its flight mechanics were a highlight of the game, enabling exploration on a grander scale.
If Nintendo were to create another open-world Mario game, the Wing Cap would be an ideal power-up. Its superhero-like flight would make traversing vast landscapes both practical and exhilarating.
Conclusion
Power-ups are more than just gameplay mechanics in Mario games—they’re a core part of the series’ identity. Reviving these classic items could bring fresh energy to future titles while giving fans a dose of nostalgia. Whether it’s soaring through the skies with the Wing Cap or smashing everything in sight with the Mega Mushroom, these power-ups have earned their place in Mario history and deserve another chance to shine.
