Bouncing Notes

Bouncing Notes are note-like entities found in Music Park in Mario Kart 7. They are found towards the end of the track. They bounce in tune with the melody and, once they land, create waves that lift all racers on their section up a little; a trick can be performed when this happens. Anyone under them when they land, however, will be flattened. Bouncing Notes notably bounce faster when the timer of it is reached, most commonly in the third lap. They are said to be based off of the Be-Bops, characters from Wii Music.

Bouncing Notes, along with Music Park, return in Mario Kart 8. They retain the same strategy from before. However, when they go faster, instead of bouncing at the same speed as in Mario Kart 7, they still bounce in tune with the music. Also, before they bounce, three ticks are heard, similar to the sound of a metronome. Miniature ones appear towards the starting line, and it is possible that these are a neutral species.