Head Shake

Head Shake is an ability in Super Mario Galaxy 2, and it can be used only by Yoshi. The ability is similar to Mario's spinning move, but it replaces Mario or Luigi's spin move. When the player shakes the Wii Remote or Nunchuk, Yoshi will shake his head, which can be used to break Item Crystals, activate objects, and perform other functions, just like the spin move. However, the Head Shake does not work on objects behind Yoshi, unlike the spin. After using Head Shake, Yoshi will have to wait for a moment before he can Head Shake again, similar to the spin move.

The Head Shake can be used to gain height in midair. This works only if Yoshi jumps but does not Flutter Jump. If Yoshi Flutter Jumps, he cannot gain any height if he uses the Head Shake afterward. Also, if Yoshi uses Head Shake, he will then not be able to Flutter Jump.

In the earlier Mario Party games, Yoshi uses a Head Shake instead of a punch. In the Super Smash Bros. games, Yoshi relies on his head to hit opponents rather than punching.