These are the core items Mario will encounter, providing him with temporary abilities or defensive boosts:
- Super Mushroom: The most common power-up. Transforms Small Mario into Super Mario, allowing him to take one hit without losing a life. If Super Mario collects another Super Mushroom, it will typically be stored as a backup power-up (if you're already Fire or Bunny Mario) or simply give you points.
- Superball Flower: Transforms Super Mario into Fire Mario. Allows Mario to shoot bouncing Superballs by pressing B. These Superballs can defeat most enemies, collect coins, and even hit switches. It's a versatile offensive tool.
- Carrot: Transforms Super Mario into Bunny Mario. Grants Mario the ability to float gently downwards by holding A after a jump, and perform a short flutter jump. This is invaluable for precise platforming, avoiding falls, and reaching hidden areas.
- Starman: Grants temporary invincibility. While invincible, Mario can run through most enemies without taking damage. Use it to clear crowded areas or rush past difficult sections. Its duration is short, so use it strategically.
- Heart: A rare item that restores one hit point if Mario is Super Mario, or transforms Small Mario into Super Mario. It's essentially a defensive boost, similar to a Super Mushroom but less common.
Item Management: You can only hold one power-up at a time (Superball or Carrot) on top of being Super Mario. If you are Super Mario and hit a block containing a Superball Flower, you become Fire Mario. If you then hit a block with a Carrot, you become Bunny Mario, and the Superball Flower is lost. Plan your power-up acquisitions carefully.