Spin

"Jump! Spin! Make 'em flip!"

- Star Bunny



Spinning is a move that Mario (or Luigi) can perform in Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. It is done when the player shakes the Wii Remote or Nunchuk. The move is slightly similar to a Spin Jump, except that it can also be done on the ground. It can be used to deflect certain projectiles flying at Mario, stun enemies, activate switches, break Item Crystals, swim faster, and even pick up certain nearby items. Mario also ascends very slightly whenever he does a spin. Mario is able to do a spin because of a white Luma given to Mario by Rosalina. Whenever Mario does a spin, Luma pops out of his hat for a second. Mario can only perform a spin one time in the air. He must touch solid ground before he can use the ability again. Even on the ground there is a slight recharge time for this move. When Luigi uses this move, a slightly longer recharge time is required. However, wall jumping will instantly recharge the spin on either character.

It also appears that after his first defeat in Super Mario Galaxy, Bowser uses the power of a Grand Star to attack Mario with a move similar to Mario's spin. He also attacked Mario with a move similar to Mario's Side Somersault.

Spinning is one of Mario's few attacks, with the ability to stun, freeze, or make enemies dizzy by spinning into them. This gives Mario a chance to escape or attack the enemies. Spinning is needed to defeat some bosses. Spinning also causes Mario to skate on icy surfaces. Mario can also chain a spin into a Double Kick. In addition, if Mario spins in midair and immediately ground pounds, he will spin and then home in on nearby objects or enemies. Also, if Mario crouches and spins, he kicks instead. Occasionally, the spinning is also used to activate or use several power-ups, including the Fire Flower, the Red Star, the Cloud Flower, the Rock Mushroom, and the Spin Drill. Although not necessary for it to work, spinning while the Ice Flower is in effect causes Mario to skate across water instead of walking, and spinning while the Boo Mushroom is in effect causes Boo Mario to become invisible for a short time. Spinning cannot be performed as Spring Mario.

Spinning also activates Launch Stars and Sling Stars, both which shoot Mario to other planetoids and areas. Mario can spin near a Yoshi to ride it without having to jump on it, and when riding Yoshi, the spin becomes a Head Shake.

In Super Mario Galaxy, Mario can collect coin, Star Bits, and shells with the spin move. Mario can attract only coins and Star Bits when he uses it underwater or when he uses it as Flying Mario, while he can attract shells in any kind of condition. The ability to attract coins and Star Bits by spinning was actually a beta element that the developers accidentally left in the game. This feature was removed in Super Mario Galaxy 2. However, he can still use it to collect shells.

Mario also uses his spin move in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games as his Special Skill, which makes him move faster.