Red-Blue Panel

Reversible Platforms (also referred to as Flip-Swap Platforms, a reference to the Flip-Swap Galaxy) are platforms that are found in Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario 3D Land and in the upcoming Super Mario 3D World. They are flat metallic tiles suspended in midair, colored red on one side and blue on the other side, that flip over if a certain command is performed.

In Super Mario Galaxy 2, when Mario performs a spin move, the platforms will flip over, causing the red platforms to show while the blue ones are hidden, or vice versa. Reversible Platforms appear as the primary stage element of the Flip-Swap Galaxy, though minor sections of the same platforms also make an appearance in various parts of the Chompworks Galaxy and the Grandmaster Galaxy as well. In order to successfully make his way through the areas in which these platforms are present, Mario must skillfully spin to make them flip at exactly the right moment. Otherwise, he will fall into open space and lose a life.

In Super Mario 3D Land, where they function the same as the previous game. Instead of being activated with spins (which can not be used in the game), they are activated simply by jumping, making the player plan their jumps in order to avoid falling down a bottomless pit.

Reversible Platforms are set to return in Super Mario 3D World, for the Wii U. Here, the panels are noticeably larger, and are again activated by jumps.

Trivia

 * A glitch utilizing these platforms can be performed in the Flip-Swap Galaxy, which allows Mario to "jump" much higher than he would normally be able to.
 * A similar type of platform makes an appearance in "The Secret of the Dirty Lake" mission of Bianco Hills in Super Mario Sunshine. These platforms also flip over, though they are wooden and are not controlled by the player.