Mario uses many items, which give him various powers. The first power-up Mario uses is the Hammer in Donkey Kong.super Mario Bros. introduced the basic three power-ups that have become staples for the series—- the Super Mushroom, which causes Mario to grow larger; the Fire Flower, which allows Mario to throw fireballs; and the Starman, which gives Mario temporary invincibility. These powers have appeared regularly throughout the series.[25] Throughout the series' history, there have been several kinds of Mushroom power-ups, including a 1-Up Mushroom, which gives Mario an extra life; Poison Mushroom, which causes Mario to either shrink or die;[26]Mega Mushroom, which causes Mario to grow very large; and Mini Mushroom, which causes Mario to shrink.[27] A common item across the series is an item that gives Mario the ability of flight. The first was introduced in Super Mario Bros. 3 called the Super Leaf, which gives Mario a raccoon suit.[28] Also in this game is the Tanuki suit, which allows flight and the ability to turn into a statue. Later, in Super Mario World, an item called the Cape Feather was introduced that gave Mario a cape,[29]. In Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, a carrot was available that gave Mario rabbit ears that allowed him to fly, and in Super Mario 64, an item called the Wing Cap, resulting in the temporary ability to fly.[30] All four of these flying power-ups were featured on the cover of their respective box arts. Super Mario Sunshine introduces a water spraying device called "F.L.U.D.D.", which has the ability to spray water, hover and more.[31]
Some of these powers have appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series. Super Smash Bros. features the Fire Flower as one of Mario and Luigi's attacks and an item any character can use. It also features the Star and Hammer.[32] In Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Super and Poison Mushrooms also appear.[33].
