Star Switch

Template:Item-infobox A Star Switch is a special type of switch that is introduced in Super Mario 64 DS. They are an additional gameplay element exclusive to the remake and did not appear in the original game, Super Mario 64. Star Switches resemble yellow stars and have an exclamation mark imprinted on them. They appear in ten of the fifteen main courses, where they are necessary for one of the seven course missions respectively. Each of these missions has the term "Switch Star" somewhere in its name. Five more Star Switches can be found in the other secret levels. Fifteen Switch Stars can be found throughout the entire game. Most of them require Wario to be collected, as the Star Switch, or the actual Star itself is usually obstructed by some sort of strong material that the other characters are not strong enough to break.

Any playable character is able to activate the Star Switches by stepping on them. Once activated, they will make a Power Star appear in a Star Sphere within the same level. The Power Star only remains there for a short time, so the player needs to hurry in order to reach the star in time, or else they will have to press the switch again. The time limit varies depending on the respective switch.

Star Switch locations

Image	Course Star	Location
File:SM64DS Switch Lv02.png	Whomp's Fortress Switch Star of the Fortress	In an alcove below the Bomps. The switch is hidden under a Brick Block accessible to anyone, but Yoshi.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv03.png	Jolly Roger Bay Switch Star of the Bay	Behind a rock in the underwater cave with the falling stone pillars, near where the third star is located, only accessible to Vanish Luigi. This Switch Star has the shortest timer.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv04.png	Cool, Cool Mountain Switch Star of Cool, Cool Mountain	On a floating isle near the lift that connects the snowman head area with the penguin pond area.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv05.png	Big Boo's Haunt Switch Star in the Basement	In the shallow water outside the merry-go-round in the basement. The switch is located under a black Brick Block that only Wario can break.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv06.png	Hazy Maze Cave Underground Switch Star	Under a black Brick Block in a corner of the Elevator Area.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv08.png	Shifting Sand Land Tox Box Switch Star	On the course roamed by Tox Boxes above a field of quicksand. The switch is located under a black Brick Block.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv09.png	Dire, Dire Docks Koopa Surfin' Switch Star	Near the access point of the level, on a small shoreline. The switch is located under one of the three black Brick Blocks.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv13.png	Tiny-Huge Island Switch Star on the Island	In the cave underneath the area where Wiggler is fought in.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv14.png	Tick Tock Clock The Pendulum Switch Star	On the platform patrolled by a Heave-Ho and two Goombas, near the two large pendulums.
File:SM64DS Switch Lv15.png	Rainbow Ride Switch Star of the Manor	On the far end of a wooden platform, outside of the giant floating manor, where the second star is.
File:SM64DS Switch WE2.png	Goomboss Battle	On a long platform next to the huge caged shaft, only accessible by Mario's wall jump.
File:SM64DS Switch WE1.png	The Secret Under the Moat	On a remote area opposite the large slope at the beginning, accessible by either Mario's floating ability or wall-jumping. This Switch Star has the longest timer.
File:SM64DS Switch LvB1.png	Bowser in the Dark World	Behind the Warp Pipe that leads to the boss battle with Bowser.
File:SM64DS Switch LvB2.png	Bowser in the Fire Sea	On top of the obstacle course with the rising and sinking grid platforms near the end of the level.
File:SM64DS Switch LvB3.png	Bowser in the Sky	On the far end of the platform underneath the first set of ferris wheel platforms.