Shell dash



A shell dash is a move which Mario and Luigi can perform by entering a shell and sliding around in it; it can be used in New Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario 3D World. As the player dashes, they will defeat enemies and bounce off walls. In the games' multiplayer modes, any other players hit by this move will power down or lose a life, depending on their form.

New Super Mario Bros.
This move is introduced in New Super Mario Bros. and can only be performed if they player is in their shell form after collecting a Blue Shell. It can be performed by running for about two seconds or crouching on a slope. After doing so, Mario or Luigi will duck into their shell and dash as fast as a moving Green or Red Shell. Mario or Luigi can jump while using this move, as well as hit or break blocks (which, alongside walls, they will ricochet off of) and defeat enemies; it takes three shell dash hits to defeat most bosses. Unlike kicking a Koopa Troopa's shell and hitting multiple enemies to earn increasing points and extra lives, Mario or Luigi only earn 200 points for every enemy defeated when using a shell dash.

Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
There is a similar move in Super Mario 3D World and its Nintendo Switch port. If the player crouches while holding a Green Shell, they will duck into the shell and dash; they will remain idle if standing still in the Wii U version. Unlike in New Super Mario Bros., one can earn increasing points and extra lives with this move. The player can exit the shell any time; if they do so, they will do a Spin Jump. However, the player's character automatically exits the shell after a while, becoming dazed and stunned for a few seconds. If a player touches the Goal Pole while using this move, they will get an extra life.

In Bowser's Fury, Fury Bowser uses his own version of the shell dash, which involves him tucking into his shell and rolling at Mario from the side of his carapace, rather than have his shell lie flat on the ground. When he does so, he leaves behind a trail of goop, and if Giga Cat Mario claws his his shell or Long Jumps into it, he can be Ground Pounded.