Spin Turn

A Spin Turn (or spin turn), originally hyphenated as Spin-Turn, is a driving mechanic from the Mario Kart series, introduced in Mario Kart 64. When the accelerate and brake buttons are pressed while a kart is at a standstill, the kart can pivot around, creating very precise maneuvers. While it is not a common tactic to use while racing, in nonlinear arenas such as those used in Battle Mode, it is used to quickly change directions and aim items better.

Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart: Double Dash!! are the only mainline Mario Kart titles without the ability to spin-turn. Additionally, exclusively in Mario Kart Wii, a Mini-Turbo can be activated by using Spin Turns.

Mario Kart 64

 * Instruction manual: "Use Spin-Turns Wisely! To change direction on narrow roads, or when you want to direct a Shell at an opponent, turn and press the A and B Buttons simultaneously, to do a Spin-Turn."

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

 * Instruction manual: "Master the Spin Turn! When you need to change direction in an instant, the Spin Turn is your best bet. Just hold the A and B Buttons and crank the steering wheel!"