Dash Mushroom

The Dash Mushroom, commonly called simply the Mushroom, is a type of mushroom physically identical to a Super Mushroom that is used for speed boosts. It is also used to represent the Mushroom Cup in the Mario Kart games.

Super Mario Kart
The Mushroom debuts in Super Mario Kart, where it is one of the items obtainable from Question Blocks. When used, it provides a short speed boost. Apart from simply going faster, this can be used for going off-road without losing speed to provide shortcuts, or to bash other racers. If used before driving over a Jump Panel, the resulting jump goes further than normal. Racers are most likely to get the Mushroom if in 5th place or behind.

Mario Kart 64
In Mario Kart 64, the Mushroom (also named Speed Mushroom ) returns with two new variations, the Triple Mushroom, which provides three speed boosts, and the Super Mushroom, which allows unlimited boosts for a short period. In this game, ramming into another racer while boosting from a Mushroom causes the opponent to spin out. In this game, the Mushroom is only a moderately common item, and cannot be obtained behind 5th place.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit
In Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Mushrooms return with their role from the first game and their design from Mario Kart 64.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mushrooms appear with the same role as previously. In this game, ramming into an opponent's kart with a Mushroom boost allows the player to steal their own item. From this game forward, being hit with Lightning or a similar item while carrying a Mushroom causes it to be dropped onto the track, and driving over it automatically boosts the kart. Additionally, Mushroom Cars can be found at Mushroom Bridge and Mushroom City, and drop Mushrooms onto the track when collided with.

Mario Kart DS
In Mario Kart DS, Mushrooms have the same role as before, though they have been redesigned. They can be gained from an Item Box from 2nd to 7th place, though players are most likely to get it while in 4th place. Unlike other games barring the first, where Triple Mushrooms (or a pair of Mushrooms in the previous game) are given by default for time trial mode, this game gives a varying amount of Mushrooms based in the kart's "Item" statistic. Additionally, the Goombas in Mario Circuit turn into Mushrooms when lightning strikes.

Mario Kart Wii
In Mario Kart Wii, Mushrooms can be gained from 2nd to 8th place. The best chance of getting this item is in 4th place, with a 20 percent (8 out of 40) chance of getting it in said position. From this game onwards, it can be used to avoid the Spiny Shell, though as they cannot be obtained in first place, the player would need to have one in reserve. Goombas again drop them, but only when hit by weaker items than Lightning.

Mario Kart 7
In Mario Kart 7, Mushrooms are called Dash Mushrooms for the first time, albeit only in British English materials. When a player is gliding, using a Mushroom will provide a pushing force that propels the vehicle higher, allowing them to glide longer. The Mushroom can be gained from 1st to 5th place in this game.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
In Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Mushroom (again called Dash Mushroom exclusively in British English materials) is slightly more powerful than it is in other games. It also receives a new visual effect; the boost will create a line of flames between the road and the wheels, and it causes the engine to rev louder and higher. When obtained as a set of three, they now revolve around the vehicle, in the same way as the Triple Shells, and other racers that drive into them will feel their effect immediately without causing one to disappear. Mushrooms also have a sponsor named after them, Mushroom Piston.

Mario Kart Tour
In Mario Kart Tour, in addition to speed boosts, Mushrooms give bonus points upon use. Single Mushrooms are automatically trailed behind the player's kart, meaning other racers that drive into them will receive a boost, similarly to the Triple Mushrooms in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. When a player runs into an Item Box as they crash, and they have Auto Item activated, any Mushrooms they currently carry are used up without giving them a speed boost, although the Mushrooms still grant bonus points in this situation; similarly, if a player picks up a Mushroom from the road while crashing, they do not get a speed boost but do get bonus points from it. Triple Mushrooms are also included in the game as the special skill of several drivers.

The following gliders in Mario Kart Tour increase the chance of getting Mushrooms and points for using one:

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
Mushrooms return as items in Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, providing a speed boost like in previous Mario Kart games.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
Dash Mushrooms appear in the Nintendo DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. They appear in the Dream Race event, where they give the player a short speed boost when used. In the Wii version, Dash Mushrooms appear as items in Dream Platform, where they give the character a five second speed boost when used.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
Dash Mushrooms appear as items in the Supersonic Downhill Dream Event in the Nintendo DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. They appear randomly scattered throughout the course, and allow the player to perform a Mushroom Dash by pressing the B Button, which gives them a boost of speed. The player can store up to five Mushrooms at once.

Mario Party series
The Dash Mushroom appears as an item in Mario Party: Island Tour, Mario Party: Star Rush, Mario Party: The Top 100, and Super Mario Party. When used, it adds three to the player's dice roll.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the Dash Mushroom appears as a type of speed-based equipment that can only be used by Bowser, Bowser Jr., and Donkey Kong. Its common variant is simply referred to as a Dash Mushroom, while its uncommon variant is known as the Double Dash Mushroom and its rare variant is known as the Turbo Dash Mushroom.

Super Mario Kart

 * Wii Virtual Console manual bio: This gives you a temporary burst of speed.

Mario Kart 7

 * Digital instruction manual bio: Mushrooms provide a short speed boost.
 * North American website bio: Mushrooms mean super speed on the racetrack. Grab one for a turbo boost at any time.

Mario Kart 8

 * Digital instruction manual bio: Gives you a brief speed boost.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

 * In-game description: Gives you a temporary speed boost.

Mario Kart Tour

 * Tips & Tricks: This classic item gives your kart a speed boost. Doesn't get much simpler than that!
 * Mario Kart Tour Twitter: Today we're introducing the Mushroom item. Grab one of these to receive a burst of speed and overtake your opponents! You can even use them to take shortcuts by breezing past things like signs in the game, which can lead to a glorious victory in the City of Lights!

Mario Party: Star Rush

 * In-game description: Adds +3 to your roll, which lets you move an extra three spaces.

Mario Party: The Top 100

 * In-game description: Gives a little extra to your rolls by adding 3.