Ball and chain (windup)

Ball and chains are spiked balls on chains that appear in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (and its reissue) and Yoshi's New Island. They typically appear in castles and forts.

Each ball and chain is wound up by a Boo Guy that sits in the wall. Once a ball and chain is wound up as far as it goes, the Boo Guy lets go and the heavy ball drops. If the ball touches a Yoshi, Baby Mario will fall off the Yoshi's back. The Boo Guys take some time to wind up the maces, giving the Yoshi time to safely pass underneath. Ball and chains, as well as the Boo Guys that operate them, are invincible.

In Yoshi's Story, similar objects appear alongside Ball 'N' Chains in The Tall Tower and Magma Castle. Unlike in the Yoshi's Island games, they are not operated by Boo Guys, they are black, and there is a pause before they drop down. They also have the same appearance as the game's Ball 'N' Chains.

Ball and chains appear as anchors for Bowser's Castle in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.