Spin


 * Not to be confused with Spin Jump.

"Jump! Spin! Make 'em flip!"

- Star Bunny

Spinning is a move that Mario (or Luigi) can perform in Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. It is done when the player shakes the Wii Remote or Nunchuk. The move is slightly similar to a Spin Jump, except that it can also be done on the ground. It can be used to reflect certain projectiles flying at Mario, stun enemies, activate switches, swim faster, and even pick up certain nearby items. Mario also ascends very slightly whenever he does a spin.

Mario is able to do a spin because of a white Luma given to Mario by Rosalina. Whenever Mario does a spin, Luma pops out of his hat for a second. Mario can only perform a spin one time in the air. He must touch solid ground before he can use the ability again. Even on the ground there is a slight recharge time for this move. When Luigi uses this move, a slightly longer recharge time is required.

An extremely useful application of the spin is the ability to stun, freeze, or make enemies dizzy by spinning into them. This gives Mario a chance to escape or attack the enemies if the player is fast enough. Spinning is needed to defeat some bosses. One of the major applications of this move is the ability to use it to skate on icy surfaces. Mario just has to spin while moving on an icy surface for this to work.

If Mario spins in midair and immediately ground pounds, he will spin and then home in on nearby objects or enemies. Additionally, if he is crouching and then spins, he will do a pirouette similar to a dance move. When riding Yoshi, the spin becomes a Head Shake.

It also appears that after his first defeat in Super Mario Galaxy, Bowser used the power of a Grand Star to attack Mario with a move similar to Mario's spin. He also attacked Mario with a move similar to Mario's Side Somersault.

Mario also uses his spin move in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games as his Special Skill.