Shell Mario

Shell Mario (also known as Koopa Mario ) is a form of Mario and Luigi that they can become by wearing a Blue Shell.

New Super Mario Bros.
This form lets Mario swim faster, and gives him the Hammer Suit-like ability to dodge the attacks of enemies when he crouches. As long as he keeps ducking, he is safely protected from most enemies, but it won't protect him from Bob-omb explosions, spike balls, hammers thrown by Hammer Bros. or Sledge Bros, boomerangs from the Boomerang Bros, and the Volcanic Debris from World 8-8.

If Mario runs for a short time, or crouches while on a downward slope, he slides in the shell through the level. This maneuver is called a Shell Dash. This move is extremely powerful, as Mario can defeat enemies such as Thwomps and Boos while doing so. However, the Shell Dash mechanics also make it almost impossible to Triple Jump, while Double Jumping becomes harder to perform, because the player must make the second jump while running but before Mario goes into the shell to slide.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Shell Mario returns in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. The Blue Shell is an item found in the overworld, and it was introduced by a group of Blue Paratroopas. Mario can turn into Shell Mario by striking Shell Blocks (which were spread around when Mario and Luigi hit a giant version of them). Luigi can then hit Mario using his hammer, and this makes Mario go into the shell, spinning straight forward. This can be used to hit blocks in areas which Mario and Luigi can't directly go into. However, because the shell is so heavy, Mario is unable to jump in it. If he does, he loses the shell. It serves a similar purpose to Kooper and Koops' field abilities in the Paper Mario series.

Trivia

 * The Blue Shells needed to become Shell Mario were more common in Super Mario World. However, they were used like normal shells in that game.
 * Through a glitch in Super Mario 64, it is possible for Mario to maintain a shell and move normally, albeit with the same speed he would have if he was riding that shell. This mimics the powers of Shell Mario.
 * Shell Mario is the only form from New Super Mario Bros. that doesn't appear in New Super Mario Bros. 2.
 * Penguin Mario has the same sliding ability in New Super Mario Bros. Wii and its sequel. However, it's most effective on ice and water. On other surfaces, Mario stops very soon after starting to slide. Penguin Mario also adds the abilities to throw ice balls, swim with more control, and slip less on ice.
 * Shell Mario was planned for Super Mario 3D World before being removed from the game.