Checkpoint Flag

The Checkpoint Flag is a recurring object that signifies a checkpoint in several Mario sidescrolling games. If Mario or Luigi lose a life after passing through a Midway Point, they will restart at the point in the level in which the Checkpoint Flag is positioned.

Checkpoint Flags first appeared in Super Mario Bros., and appeared in New Super Mario Bros. shortly after. In both games, they appeared as white flags with a picture of a Mushroom on them, though not all courses had them. The function of the Checkpoint Flag remains constant between the two games, the only difference being that in New Super Mario Bros., the Checkpoint Flag doesn't turn Mario or Luigi into Super Mario or Super Luigi when activated.

The Checkpoint Flags featured in Super Mario World (also known as Midway Gates in this game), replaced the original Checkpoint Flags from the previous games. These Checkpoint Flags had the power to turn normal, small Mario or Luigi into Super Mario or Super Luigi respectively.

Checkpoint Flags reappeared once again in New Super Mario Bros Wii. In this game, they appear as black flags with Bowser's symbol on them. When Mario, Luigi or one of the Toads touches one, the Bowser symbol will be replaced by the symbol for whatever character touched it. Depending on the character that touched it first, the player may also receive 2,000 points. Additionally, if Mario is currently Small Mario, he will become Super Mario when the Checkpoint Flag is activated.

They reappear again in Super Mario Galaxy 2 and feature the same appearance and function as in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Depending on which galaxy the player is in, there may be anywhere from one to several Checkpoint Flags positioned from the beginning of the level to the end of the level. Some levels, such as The Perfect Run in the Grandmaster Galaxy, may not feature any Checkpoint Flags at all. When Mario or Luigi touches one, the Bowser symbol will change to their respective symbol.

Trivia

 * In Super Mario Galaxy 2, Checkpoint Flags don't always have to be activated by Mario or Luigi; they can also be activated by the Co-Star Luma or by Yoshi's tongue.