From humble mushrooms to galaxy-shifting upgrades, Mario’s power-ups have defined generations of gameplay. These game-changers aren’t just gimmicks—they’ve fundamentally transformed how players interact with the world around them. Each item introduced a new layer of creativity, exploration, or chaos, and in some cases, entire games were built around them. Whether you’re smashing bricks, soaring through space, or turning into a cat, these power-ups didn’t just enhance Mario’s abilities—they became symbols of innovation in gaming history. Here are the 10 most iconic Mario power-ups that truly changed the game.
#10: Ice Flower
The Ice Flower, introduced in New Super Mario Bros. and later seen in titles like Super Mario Galaxy, gave Mario the power to freeze enemies and manipulate his environment in clever ways. Unlike the Fire Flower’s brute force, the Ice Flower required strategic thinking—freezing enemies to use them as platforms or to halt hazards like lava bubbles. In Super Mario Galaxy, it even allowed Mario to skate on water and climb frozen waterfalls, adding verticality and puzzle-solving to the mix. It brought a cool, stylish aesthetic and encouraged experimentation in levels that were otherwise straightforward. Though it doesn’t always get the same love as its fiery sibling, the Ice Flower brought innovation to the series with an elegant twist.
#9: Penguin Suit
Equal parts adorable and effective, the Penguin Suit debuted in New Super Mario Bros. Wii and quickly became a fan favorite. It improved Mario’s swimming, gave him a sliding tackle attack, and allowed for precise movement on ice—an often dreaded terrain in platformers. More than a novelty, it offered practical utility that made underwater levels more tolerable and ice levels actually enjoyable. Players could slide across icy slopes and knock out enemies, making it feel more like snowboarding through danger than tiptoeing on treacherous platforms. The charm of waddling around like a chubby penguin didn’t hurt either. The Penguin Suit may not be the most overpowered item, but in terms of sheer fun and utility, it earned its place as a power-up that redefined how we approached winter-themed worlds.
#8: Mini Mushroom
The Mini Mushroom flipped expectations when it shrunk Mario down to a fraction of his size. Introduced in New Super Mario Bros., this tiny transformation allowed players to run across water, enter tiny pipes, and reach otherwise inaccessible areas. However, it also made Mario incredibly fragile, as any hit would knock him out. This trade-off added a new layer of tension and reward—if you could survive the dangers, you’d be rewarded with secret exits or hidden collectibles. The Mini Mushroom wasn’t about overpowering your foes—it was about outsmarting the level design. It forced players to take a different approach to navigation, often rewarding precision over brute strength, and gave rise to some of the most memorable hidden paths in 2D Mario history.
#7: Mega Mushroom
On the opposite end of the size spectrum, the Mega Mushroom turned Mario into a towering colossus capable of smashing through enemies, pipes, and even level structures. First appearing in New Super Mario Bros., this power-up made destruction part of the fun. For a brief moment, players got to feel invincible—obliterating everything in their path while Mario’s footsteps shook the screen. While the effect was temporary, the sense of scale and chaos it introduced was unforgettable. It shifted the pace of gameplay dramatically and offered a delightful break from the usual platforming precision. Though it wasn’t seen as often in later games, its legacy as one of Mario’s most “powerful-feeling” power-ups remains intact.
#6: Tanooki Suit
First appearing in Super Mario Bros. 3, the Tanooki Suit took the power of flight granted by the Super Leaf and added a few magical twists. Not only could Mario soar through the air with a running start, but the suit also allowed him to turn into a statue to avoid enemies and projectiles. This defensive option was a unique twist on the traditional platforming gameplay, allowing players to plan tactical retreats or pull off clever dodges. Its cultural influence—drawing from Japanese folklore with the Tanuki creature—gave it charm and personality. The Tanooki Suit became a defining symbol of Mario’s ability to blend cultural whimsy with innovative mechanics, and its return in Super Mario 3D Land was met with thunderous nostalgia.
#5: Propeller Mushroom
The Propeller Mushroom, introduced in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, brought verticality to a whole new level. With a quick shake of the Wii Remote, Mario could launch skyward in a graceful spin, then slowly descend while navigating hazards mid-air. This changed the platforming rhythm dramatically—suddenly, levels weren’t just about moving forward, but upward. It gave players the confidence to explore towering sections of maps, avoid enemy gauntlets, or find hidden Star Coins tucked away above the screen. More importantly, it changed how players approached jumps, turning potential falls into opportunities for last-second recoveries. The bright red helmet and yellow propeller were instantly recognizable, and its easy-to-use nature made it a favorite in co-op play. The Propeller Mushroom didn’t just add mobility—it added freedom.
#4: Metal Cap
A standout from Super Mario 64, the Metal Cap turned Mario into a walking tank. Once activated, it made him invincible to damage, allowed him to sink in water like a rock, and let him break through obstacles without flinching. The shimmering steel skin, coupled with a techno-heavy remix of the traditional Mario theme, made every moment with the Metal Cap feel epic. But it wasn’t just about power—many puzzles required clever use of the Cap’s underwater weight or invulnerability. It became one of the game’s most satisfying tools for exploration and remains a memorable example of how 3D Mario games blended power-ups with environmental interaction. Few items made players feel as cool and unstoppable as the Metal Cap, and its legacy remains iconic for Mario’s 3D evolution.
#3: Fire Flower
The original game-changer. Introduced in Super Mario Bros. (1985), the Fire Flower was the first power-up that transformed Mario’s offensive capabilities. Suddenly, enemies weren’t just to be avoided or stomped—you could burn them from a distance. This changed how players approached levels entirely. It encouraged aggressive play and rewarded timing and precision. The transformation into Fire Mario also introduced the now-classic palette swap: white and red overalls, which became iconic in their own right. The Fire Flower became a staple throughout the series, appearing in nearly every mainline game and even in spinoffs like Smash Bros. and Mario Kart. While it’s not the flashiest anymore, it’s the foundation for all future power-ups—a legendary item that redefined what it meant to power up in a video game.
#2: Super Leaf
The Super Leaf, which gives Mario a raccoon tail and ears, was revolutionary when it debuted in Super Mario Bros. 3. It introduced one of the most beloved mechanics in Mario history: flight. With a running start and a well-timed jump, Mario could soar over levels, bypassing enemies and finding hidden paths. But the tail also doubled as a weapon—spinning to swat away foes or hit blocks. The joy of flying across a level, skimming the top of the screen and uncovering secrets, created a sensation of discovery rarely matched in 2D platformers. The Super Leaf wasn’t just powerful—it was liberating. Its return in later games like Super Mario 3D Land was met with overwhelming fanfare. The raccoon tail became more than a power-up—it became an identity.
#1: Super Star (Starman)
The ultimate embodiment of invincibility, the Super Star (often just called the Starman) has been a Mario mainstay since the original Super Mario Bros. It grants Mario temporary invulnerability, allowing him to plow through enemies, absorb hits, and charge ahead without fear. But it’s more than just a mechanic—it’s a moment. The music shifts, your pace quickens, and for those brief few seconds, you feel unstoppable. From speeding through levels to surviving boss encounters with style, the Super Star delivers one of the most satisfying gameplay highs in all of gaming. It’s iconic across every corner of Mario’s universe—from platformers and party games to kart races and RPGs. No other item is as universally recognized or as joy-inducing. The Super Star changed the way players viewed risk and reward—and gave birth to some of the most adrenaline-filled moments in Mario history.
Mario’s power-ups are more than tools—they’re game-defining innovations that have shaped how generations of players explore, fight, and experiment. Whether it’s the timeless charm of the Fire Flower, the high-flying freedom of the Super Leaf, or the all-out thrill of the Super Star, each item on this list expanded the possibilities of what a platformer could be. These iconic power-ups didn’t just change Mario—they changed the way we play video games.
