Power-ups & items

Illustrated guide to every main power-up, coins and familiar objects.

Edition covered

Original New Super Mario Bros. for Nintendo DS (2006). Later Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U sequels are separate games.

retrogameindex editorial · Beginner friendly

On this page01 Power-ups and collectibles 02 Choosing a power-up

Power-ups and collectibles

**Coin**
Collect 100 regular coins to earn an extra life.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**1-Up Mushroom**
Adds an extra life.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Super Mushroom**
Transforms a small hero into Super Mario or Super Luigi, allowing one additional hit and the ability to break bricks.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Fire Flower**
Grants the Fire form and throwable fireballs. Some enemies resist fire, so keep jumping and positioning in your toolkit.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Starman**
Temporary invincibility against most enemies. Falling into a pit remains dangerous.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Mega Mushroom**
Temporarily turns the hero into a giant who can smash through enemies and scenery. Destruction fills a meter that awards extra lives when the effect ends.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Mini Mushroom**
Shrinks the hero for tiny pipes, light jumps and running across water. Use a ground pound to damage enemies that a normal mini jump cannot defeat.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Blue Shell**
Grants a protective shell and a shell dash after building up running speed. It is useful for breaking bricks in narrow passages.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**? Block**
Hit from below to reveal its contents; the reward depends on the block and your current form.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Brick**
Break from below in a larger form, or use a ground pound where the route allows it.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Warp Pipe**
A familiar route into underground rooms and other areas. Small pipes require the Mini form.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

**Star Coin**
Three large Star Coins are hidden in each of the 80 courses. Spend them to open marked routes and work toward full completion.
Nintendo DS artwork, model or game image

Choosing a power-up

The Mini Mushroom helps with small passages and optional world routes. The Blue Shell rewards careful speed control. Save useful reserve items for a route that needs them.

FIELD NOTE

Select a picture to open the image, or choose a character to read their profile. Story and boss pages contain spoilers.