Chances are, Super Mario needs no introduction here. The platformer gaming franchise is over three decades old with nearly 300 titles if you include spin-offs and sub-series. Almost everyone has at the very least heard of it, if not been a player themselves. Considering this, today we’re going to be ranking the power-ups in the mainline Super Mario series only, with preference towards power-ups that appear in multiple games.
We’ve used utility, fun and iconic value as ranking factors. Many power-ups ended up with similar scores when their ratings were balanced out. Of course, the list presented here is subjective so if you disagree, feel free to leave your thoughts as a comment below!
Let’s get into it!
Number 1 – Super Star
Finally, in first place, the Super Star turns Mario into Invincible Mario. Invincible Mario can’t be damaged and defeats all enemies just by touching them. Depending on the game, the Super Star power-up will also make Mario faster, sparklier and plays different exciting music while it’s in effect. Another variant of this is the Rainbow Star in Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. They’re almost identical in effect to Super Stars, and were only named differently to avoid confusion with ‘Power Stars’ in the Galaxy games.
Utility: 5/5
The Super Star’s speed and invincibility are extremely useful for getting past tricky enemies and completing your level. It’s almost impossible to fail – with lava and pits being the only danger.
Fun: 5/5
The Super Star power-up is definitely fun and exciting. Its flashy effects, fast music, and overpowered feeling gets you pumped up. Nothing can stop Mario until the effect ends itself.
Iconic Value: 4/5
The Super Star is a classic power-up from the very first Super Mario Bros game released in 1985. Since then, it has appeared in a huge amount of Super Mario games, Mario Kart games and more! The only thing that stops it scoring 5/5 is how rare it is within games. If the Super Star was too easily acquired, it would remove any challenge from the game at all.
Total Score: 14/15
Number 2 – Blue Shell
The Blue Shell transforms Mario into Shell Mario. Shell Mario can block most attacks by retreating into his shell. After building up speed, he can also shell dash. When shell dashing, Mario slides along faster, bounces off walls and defeats enemies. Finally, Shell Mario has greater control when swimming in the water.
Utility: 4/5
The shell dash is a surprisingly useful movement. It may appear to be just a defensive tool, but when you realize you can use it to move faster, attack enemies, and swim easier, you realize the potential!
Fun: 4/5
A versatile power-up is always a fun tool in video games! It is one of the best power-ups in the series. Mario has the shell of a Koopa Troopa and superior offense with the Blue Shell.
Iconic Value: 3/5
You might think the Blue Shell is very iconic for the Mario franchise and we’d agree. However, we’d also argue that the power-up was popularized by the Mario Kart driving games and not the Super Mario platformers, which is why we haven’t given this a higher rating on this particular list.
Total Score: 11/15
Number 3 – Cape Feather
The Cape Feather transforms Mario into Cape Mario. Cape Mario can fly after building up speed, and glide in a slow descent. He also has a Cape Spin to attack enemies, similar to the Tail Whip of Raccoon Mario.
Utility: 5/5
Almost unlimited mobility and offensive capabilities. If you use your cape skillfully, you can skip whole levels with it! Its attack allows you to safely defeat enemies like goombas.
Fun: 4/5
Flying and gliding is fun action through stages. It gives a feeling of a superpower. Mario’s Cape also look like a cool and true superhero.
Iconic Value: 1/5
Only in a handful of games, the Cape Feather and Cape Mario are not particularly recognizable as a power-up or a form of Mario. Nintendo should consider bring this power-up back in future games. The Cape Feather is an amazing item.
Total Score: 10/15
Number 4 – Fire Flower
The Fire Flower turns Mario into Fire Mario, and the Fire Flower debutes in Super Mario Bros. on the NES. Fire Mario has the ability to throw fireballs at enemies and fireballs are very effective attacks against Browser in many games. He has all the benefits of Super Mario. He has an increase in size, endurance from one hit, and ability to break blocks.
Utility: 3/5
An attack with range is definitely useful when dealing with pesky Koopa Troopas and Fire Mario avoids close combat. It is an effective attack against many bosses. Surprisingly, it even works underwater so any level will be much easier (and safer) with this power-up.
Fun: 3/5
Throwing fireballs is fun. It makes you feel powerful and adds a dynamic of aiming to your gameplay. What’s not to love?
Iconicness: 4/5
The fire Flower is a common power-up in the most Super Mario games. Fans have enjoyed this strong power-up since Super Mario Bros. on the NES. It’s a staple of the franchise and well-beloved.
Total Score: 10/15
Number 5 – Super Leaf
This power-up turns Mario into Raccoon Mario. Raccoon Mario can glide and tail whip. In some games, it also allows him to fly a short distance after filling the P-meter. Similar raccoon themed power-ups are the P-wing, which also allows unlimited flying for one level, and the Tanooki Suit, which also allows Mario to turn into an invulnerable statue.
Utility: 4/5
This power-up gives good mobility and an attack that will make progressing through levels much easier. The flying and invincibility given by the other raccoon power-ups are even better.
Fun: 4/5
Raccoon Mario is very cute and very easy to play without taking all the challenge out of your game.
Iconicness: 2/5
The Super Leaf is in a handful of Super Mario games and Raccoon Mario is known by fans familiar with the franchise. However, they aren’t likely to be recognized by anyone who isn’t a player of the specific games it’s in.
Total Score: 10/15
Number 6 – Super Bell
The Super Bell transforms Mario into Cat Mario. This power-up debuted in Super Mario 3D World. Cat Mario can climb completely vertical walls and poles. He can also attack enemies with a claw swipe or pounce attack. Similar power-ups, the Invincibility Bell, Lucky Bell and Giga bell transform Mario into versions of Cat Mario with even more abilities!
Furthermore, Mario’s friends may also use the Super Bell. Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad use this power-up in Super Mario 3D World. Their suits from this power-up have colors to match their characters.
Utility: 4/5
This power-up gives both great mobility and offensive capabilities. If you get the Invincibility bell, then you also gain invincibility. If you get the Lucky Bell, you can ground-pound as an invincible statue which creates a trail of coins behind you in your fall. Finally, its worth noting the Giga Bell is exclusive to ‘Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury’ and turns Mario into a Giga Cat Mario in preparation for a boss fight.
Fun: 5/5
Cat Mario feels great to play as – not to mention incredibly cute. The ability to climb walls really opens up the map to additional exploration. The invincibility and free coins with the other power-up bells are really satisfying bonuses.
Iconicness: 1/5
The Super Bell is only in more recent Mario games; ‘Super Mario 3D World’, ‘Super Mario Maker 2’, and ‘Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury’.
Total Score: 10/15
Number 7 – Mega Mushroom
New Super Mario Bros. introduced the Mega Mushroom. This power-up transforms Mario into Mega Mario. Mega Mario is an invincible giant and he destroys destroys everything in his path.
Utility: 5/5
Mario is an invincible force in this form. You can quickly progress though states due to Mario’s large size. He walks through bricks, pipes, and enemies on screen.
Fun: 3/5
At first, Mega Mario is hugely exciting to play. What’s not to love about unmitigated destruction and unlimited power!? Well, there’s no challenge when you’re Mega Mario, which could take out some of the fun.
Iconicness: 2/5
The Mega Mushroom is pretty recognizable, and it’s in a decent amount of Mario games. However, some of its fame should probably be attributed to looking like its cousin, the Super Mushroom. The Super Mushroom came first and can be found much more frequently in games.
Total Score: 10/15
Number 8 – Super Mushroom
This power-up transforms Mario into the titular Super Mario. Super Mario is bigger than his unpowered form, and can withstand 1 hit from enemies that would otherwise kill him. He is also able to break brick blocks and find other power-ups hidden inside them.
Utility: 2/5
As far as power-ups go, this one is the most basic on our list. It can save you once and has no offensive power. However, it makes the list because of its other qualities.
Fun: 2/5
Breaking blocks is fun because you never know if a block has an item. Finding hidden power-ups is enjoyable; and you can’t do either without the Super Mushroom. It’s nothing to write home about compared to other power-ups, but it’s definitely nice to have.
Iconic Value: 5/5
This is a power-up prevalent throughout most of the Super Mario games, from the very first game in 1985. In fact, its design of a red mushroom is pretty recognizable as a symbol of the franchise. It is very iconic in Super Mario.
Total Score: 9/15
Number 9 – Ice Flower
The Ice Flower transforms Mario into Ice Mario. In 2D Mario games, this allows you to throw ice balls and freeze enemies (which you can then pick up and throw) or in 3D games, it grants immunity to fire and the ability to skate on water and lava.
Utility: 3/5
Depending on the game, this power-up is either a mobility buff or an offensive buff, but never both. It is a useful item for mobility. The ability to skate on water helps Mario to progress through levels.
Fun: 3/5
Water skating and projectile throwing are both enjoyable. It can also be some chaotic fun to freeze enemies and throw them.
Iconic Value: 2/5
Most people familiar with Super Mario will know and appreciate the Ice Flower. However, it’s not as famous as its opposite, the Fire Flower.
Total Score: 8/5
Number 10 – Carrot
This power-up transforms Mario into Bunny Mario with little bunny ears to match. He can jump higher and glide a long way as long as you keep tapping the A button. If you tap it fast enough, you can almost hover.
Utility: 3/5
This power-up gives you a lot of mobility in exchange for your offensive capabilities. Therefore, it’s situationally very good. Mario can safely glide to platforms.
Fun: 3/5
It’s always satisfying to have some mobility help in a platformer game. Mastery of this power-up is a fantastic skill to defeat enemies and levels. The design of Bunny Mario with the cute ears is adorable.
Iconic Value: 1/5
The Carrot has only appeared in Super Mario Land 2, and it has not returned to the franchise. This power-up is not particularly well-known or recognized. The new generation of gamers may have not experienced this awesome power-up.
Total Score: 7/15
The Final Word:
All in all, Mario, Luigi, and their friends have some of the best and most fun power-ups in video games. The iconic Fire Flower and Super Star have elevated the franchise for over three decades. Many of us have enjoyed many hours as Mario, Luigi, or Princess Peach with these power-ups. I am sure Nintendo to have new ideas for future power-ups as well.
This list is a subjective opinion about Super Mario. Your favorite power-ups may not have made the list. Please share your top ten list of power-ups from Super Mario!
