Spin

"Jump! Spin! Make 'em flip!"

- Star Bunny

Spinning is a move that Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Co-Star Luma, and Rosalina can perform in Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Super Mario 3D World. It is done when the player shakes the Wii Remote or Nunchuk. Mario gains this ability in the Gateway Galaxy, after being entrusted with Luma's care. In addition to being a main method of attacking enemies, performing a spin is the only way to activate Launch Stars, which let Mario fly through the cosmos like a comet and reach new planets and galaxies, making it a vital move throughout the game. It seems to have taken inspiration from the Mario Tornado, which itself is based off the Spin Jump. However, once Mario performs a spin, he cannot do it again until he touches solid ground, and Luma "recharges".

It can also be used to deflect certain projectiles, activate switches, break Crystals, swim faster, and even pick up certain items that are nearby. After performing a spin, Mario or Luigi must wait a short period for Luma to return to his hat before he is able to spin again, with Luigi's wait being slightly longer.

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. Mario is able to negate this spin by performing one of his own.

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 chain a spin into a Double Kick, and if he spins in midair and immediately ground pounds, he will automatically home in on nearby objects or enemies.

Occasionally, spinning is 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.

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, which has the same effect as a spin (except it cannot be used to give him extra height while jumping).

In Super Mario Galaxy, Mario can collect Coins, 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 as the Red Star is absent from the game. However, he can still use it to collect shells.

Mario also uses his spin move in the Mario & Sonic series as his Special Skill since the second installment, where it makes him move faster.

In Super Mario 3D World, Rosalina, the fifth playable character in the game, can also perform this move. Like in the Super Mario Galaxy games, the move allows her to gain a bit of extra height when used in mid-air. It is possible to spin multiple times in one jump though only the first spin will give Rosalina the extra height. Because Rosalina doesn't need Luma to do it, the delay between the spins is reduced. Just like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, Rosalina is able to stun or defeat an enemy.