There is much to enjoy and appreciate when it comes to Nintendo’s classic platforming phenom, the Super Mario Bros. franchise. But one of the key components of this beloved series is the range of fun, exhilarating power-ups the mustached hero can obtain.
Still, despite the epic nature of the games, the 3D Mario entries don’t tend to be thought of as much when it comes to iconic power-ups in the franchise. Even with the renewed hype spurred by the recent Super Mario 3D All-stars, these aren’t often discussed aspects of the games. It makes sense in a way, as the distinct changes from the 2D classics shift the focus elsewhere.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a large selection of great ones to highlight - far from it!
With that said, let’s embark on an adventure and explore 10 of the coolest, most powerful power-ups that can be found in the 3D realms of Mario games.
10 Ice Flower (Super Mario Galaxy)
The original Super Mario Galaxy may not have had an abundance of power-ups, but it sure had ’em where they counted. Case in point? The Ice Flower; a tool in Mario’s arsenal which proves to be both practical and powerful.
Not only is it a satisfying offensive weapon with a pretty “cool” motif - but it also makes Mario immune to fire and creates instant ice platforms on water surfaces. While it’s fairly limited compared to some more versatile power-ups, it’s a pretty fun, stylish way to get around in SMG, to be sure!
9 Fire Flower (Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2)
What’s not to love about the beast that is the Fire Flower? Unlike many power-ups that show up in 3D Mario games, this iconic ability has found its way in both of the SMG games, much to the delight of oldschool fans.
Of course, given that this is a limited-use item here, its impact isn’t quite the same as in the 2D romps. Still, it’s a joy to bust out this classic power-up and watch Mario’s foes get burnt to a crisp. Not only this, this power-up is a bit more versatile here, as it can light up event-triggering torches.
8 Rock Mushroom (Super Mario Galaxy 2)
Much like the gameplay itself, Super Mario Galaxy 2 added a bit of depth when it came to power-ups, featuring all-new abilities like the Spin Drill and Cloud Flower. Still, it’s tough to beat this rock-solid ability pound for pound.
Not only is it amusing with its unique rolling mechanics, but it’s also pretty effective in plowing through hordes of enemies and ending them in one fell swoop. It instantly turns Mario into a rolling rock of destruction, bulldozing all in his path.
7 Wing Cap (Super Mario 64)
Some may knock it for its tendency to lose momentum pretty quick, but Super Mario 64’s Wing Cap made for an enjoyable way to swiftly get from place to place.
Though the 2D Mario games before it had their own version of a flying ability, soaring the skies in a 3D space for the first time was truly exhilarating. Whether it was a matter of plummeting from cliffs or being propelled from a cannon, this was a fun one to take for a ride.
6 Lucky Bell (Super Mario 3D World)
Super Mario 3D World may be a rather divisive entry in the Mario franchise with its more linear approach and simpler settings. These days it’s not known for much more than a new theme to allow for more unique stages in Super Mario Maker 2.
Still, it’s hard to deny the array of unique, generally satisfying power-ups throughout the game. The new Cat Mario (Super Bell) is amusing as it is, even if it does look a bit silly to some. But the aptly-named Lucky Bell is really where it’s at.
Not only does Mario transform into Cat Mario, but he’s also equipped with a neat-looking Ground Pound that turns him gold and makes him invincible. Beyond this, he’ll even rake in coins when falling, making this a pretty economical Mario power-up.
5 Metal Cap (Super Mario 64)
One of the neatest additions in Mario’s debut on N64 is the sleek Metal Mario ability, given for a limited time when nabbing a Metal Cap. Between the cool visual of a metal-laden Mario and the rockin’ soundtrack that accompanies it, this one definitely warrants a spot on our list.
Of course, it also has substance in addition to style, with its ability to make Mario impervious and run underwater.
4 Mega Mushroom (Super Mario 3D World)
One of the most exhilarating feats in the New Super Mario Bros. series was the ability for Mario to grow mega-sized and plow through all in his path via the Mega Mushroom. Much to the delight of the game’s millions of fans, this ability was brought to the Wii U’s own Super Mario 3D World.
It’s nice to remove any worry about dodging hazards for a bit and simply bulldoze all in one’s path, wracking up coins and points in the process.
3 T-Rex Mario (Super Mario Odyssey)
It was debatable as to whether or not abilities from the epic Super Mario Odyssey should be included. After all, it’s really Mario’s cap that is the universal power-up here, controlling enemies it touches. But hey - semantics, right?
And out of the vast array of enemies and objects that can be controlled, we felt it essential to give a nod to the amusing T-Rex hack. It’s really like an even more powerful, visually awesome version of the Mega Mushroom, as the player can utterly wreck and plow through all in its way. Though it’s functionally limited - and one of the many oddities in the game, it sure is a blast to play with.
2 Rainbow Star (Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2)
Let’s face it - it wouldn’t truly be a Mario game if there weren’t some form of a Star power-up that grants invincibility. And the variant in the Galaxy games certainly gets the job done in terms of its power and awesome appearance.
Seriously, this one is as fun to look at as it is to use - as players can plow through just about anything with a dazzling, multi-colored Mario. It’s also a return of that memorably nostalgic Super Star music, which serves to complete this exhilarating experience.
1 Invincibility Leaf (Super Mario 3D World)
About the only thing better than limited-use invincibility is a power-up that grants permanent invincibility, or at least until the stage is complete. There happens to be just such a power-up in Super Mario 3D World. The epic Invincibility Leaf allows a nimble, impervious Mario to climb, float, and plow through all in his wake the entire stage.
As Super Mario Bros. 3 diehards would likely agree, there are few things cooler in a Mario game than soaring through a stage in a glistening, super-powered Tanooki suit.
NEXT: Ranking Super Mario’s Power-Ups From Worst to Best
