Star Switch

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Star Switch
Star Switch
First appearance Super Mario 64 DS (2004)

A Star Switch is a special type of Purple Switch that is introduced in Super Mario 64 DS. Star Switches resemble yellow stars and have an exclamation mark imprinted on each. 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 Power Star itself, is usually obstructed by some sort of strong material that Yoshi, Mario, and Luigi are not strong enough to break.

Any playable character is able to activate the Star Switches by stepping on them. Once one is activated, it makes a Power Star appear in a Star Sphere within the same level. The Power Star remains there for only 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
Star Switch Whomp's Fortress
Switch Star of the Fortress
In an alcove below the Moving Bars. The switch is hidden under a Brick accessible to anyone but Yoshi.
Star Switch 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, accessible only to Vanish Luigi. This Switch Star has the shortest timer.
Star Switch Cool, Cool Mountain
Switch Star of Cool, Cool Mountain
On a floating isle near the chairlift that connects the snowman head area with the penguin pond area.
The location of the Star Switch in Big Boo's Haunt in Super Mario 64 DS 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 that only Wario can break.
Star Switch Hazy Maze Cave
Underground Switch Star
Under a Black Brick in a corner of the Elevator Area.
The Star Switch of Shifting Sand Land in Super Mario 64 DS 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.
Star Switch 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 Bricks.
Star Switch Tiny-Huge Island
Switch Star on the Island
In the cave underneath the area where Wiggler is fought.
Star Switch Tick Tock Clock
The Pendulum Switch Star
On the platform patrolled by a Heave-Ho and two Goombas, near the two large pendulums.
Star Switch Rainbow Ride
Switch Star of the Manor
On the far end of a wooden platform, outside the giant floating manor, where the second Star is.
Star Switch Goomboss Battle On a long platform next to the huge caged shaft, accessible only by Mario's Wall Kick.
Star Switch 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-kicking. This Switch Star has the longest timer.
Star Switch Bowser in the Dark World Behind the Warp Pipe that leads to the boss battle with Bowser.
Star Switch Bowser in the Fire Sea On top of the obstacle course with the rising and sinking grid platforms near the end of the level.
Star Switch Bowser in the Sky On the far end of the platform underneath the first set of Ferris wheel platforms.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning
Italian Interruttore Stella
Star Switch