The Flutter Jump (also known as Hovering Jump in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, Sustained Jump in Yoshi's StoryPrima material[1], Hover in Super Smash Bros. Melee, and flutter kick in Super Mario 64 DS and Yoshi Touch & Go) is a characteristic jumping technique used by Yoshi and various other characters throughout the Mario franchise and the Yoshi franchise. It can be used to prolong descending after a jump and to keep a character airborne temporarily. The Flutter Jump has a distinctive appearance and is executed by rapidly moving one's legs and in some cases one's arms as well, until the character starts to float and "walk" on air. This technique can be utilized to reach remote locations, or simply to rescue a character from a bottomless pit.
The Flutter Jump was first used by Yoshi and seemed like an ability exclusively available for their species alone, similar to the Ground Pound. During the different installments, however, other characters were shown to be able to perform a Flutter Jump, such as Ludwig von Koopa, Baby Bowser,[2]Poochy, and the Poochy Pups.
While the Flutter Jump was not introduced until Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, Luigi could use a similar jump called a scuttle in Super Mario Bros. 2. This was a holdover from the original mechanics of Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic, from which Super Mario Bros. 2 was adapted, but was probably welcomed as a way to help make Luigi less of a clone of Mario.
Long after its debut in the Yoshi series (see below), Yoshi's Flutter Jump reappeared in Super Mario 64 DS. In this game, it is called the Flutter Kick and it helps the player jump slightly higher. Luigi's Scuttle Jump also reappears and allows him to slow his descent, rather than gain height.
The Flutter Jump ability returns in Super Mario Sunshine, now used by Yoshis who serve as Mario's mounts. It can be used after every jump of Yoshi's Triple Jump to extend its covered distance.
The Flutter Jump returns in New Super Mario Bros. Wii where it can be performed by Yoshis. In this game, Ludwig von Koopa is also capable of using a Flutter Jump technique during his two boss battle appearances. With this technique, he is able to execute it multiple times in a row without descending or touching the ground.
The Flutter Jump can be performed with Yoshi in Super Mario Galaxy 2. As with previous games, players can perform this trick by holding down the button on the Wii Remote after jumping with Yoshi. This move can be used to get to places that Mario and Luigi can't usually reach. It can also help to stop the player from falling and it can be used to avoid enemies. There is also a glitch that allows Yoshi to endlessly Flutter Jump. Yoshi can still eat while in a Flutter Jump in this game.
Once again, Ludwig, as in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Flutter Jumps during his fight against Mario in New Super Mario Bros. 2. This time, however, he uses it to grab some chains hanging from his arena's ceiling.
In New Super Mario Bros. U, when riding a Yoshi, players can perform the Flutter Jump, by jumping and holding the jump button while in the air. Ludwig von Koopa also demonstrates a move similar to the Flutter Jump in his boss battle.
Super Mario Maker / Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS[edit]
Flutter Jumping in Super Mario Maker 2 works identically to how it did in the original. Ludwig returns in the version 3.0.0 update acting the same as in his New Super Mario Bros. U appearance.
Yoshi flutter jumping in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
The Flutter Jump first was shown during the events of Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island and was featured as a unique trait of the Yoshi species. The move allows the Yoshis to move through the air for a short time, aiding them on their quest to reunite Baby Mario with his brother. Its mechanics then were adapted for all of the following Yoshi franchise platformers. Yoshi can flutter far by jumping off of an enemy or a bouncy surface with good timing.
Within the Toad Jump minigame of Super Princess Peach, Toad is capable of performing a "Flutter Jump" of sorts as the player controls him within the minigame. Toad's variation of the jump involves him wildly flapping his arm to keep himself afloat for a longer period of time. This jump allows him to stay above enemies and various pits throughout the course he must complete. The duration of his jump is dependent on how long the player blows into the mic of the Nintendo DS (as his jumps are initiated by blowing into the microphone).
Mini-Yoshi flutter jumping in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
Another variation of the Flutter Jump appears in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. It serves as the field ability of Mario's Yoshi partner and while riding on him, he can use it to reach ledges that cannot be reached with a normal jump. The ability is similar to Parakarry's move in the previous game.
In Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, Paper Mario can use an ability strikingly similar to (if not) the Flutter Jump. He uses it as a counter in combat and lets him float in the air, and even ascend for a short amount of time.
* In version 1.20 or later • ** In version 1.30 or later • *** In version 1.40 or later • † Only in the Wii U version. • ‡ Only in the Nintendo 3DS version
