Moves

Jump [B]: Press B to jump. Hold B after jumping on an enemy to jump higher.

Running [D-PAD + Y]: Press the D-Pad to move. Hold Y while moving to run.

Spin Jump [A]: Press A to perform a spin jump. This is effective against tougher enemies and for smashing rotating blocks from above, but results in a lower jump height than a normal jump.

Run Jump [D-PAD + Y, B]: Run in a direction and press B while Mario's arms are extended to jump higher than a normal jump. If you have the Cape Feather, this move allows Mario to soar into the sky.

Yoshi High Jump [RIDING YOSHI, B, A]: While riding Yoshi, perform a normal jump (B) and then press A to dismount, resulting in a very high jump. This is useful for reaching high areas or for a last-second escape if Yoshi is sacrificed.

Holding an item [HOLD Y]: Stand next to an item and hold Y to pick it up and hold it. You can run and swim while holding an item. Release Y to drop the item. Pressing a direction on the D-Pad when releasing Y throws the item in that direction.

Swimming [D-PAD + B]: In water, use the D-Pad and B (or A) to swim. To exit the water, press Up on the D-Pad and B (or A) while at the surface.

Crouch [DOWN]: Press Down on the D-Pad to crouch. This is useful for dodging enemy attacks. Crouching on a pipe may cause Mario to travel down it.

Climbing onto a Fence / Rope [UP]: Jump towards a fence or rope and press Up to grab onto it. You can punch the fence by pressing Y to knock enemies off the other side.

Opening doors [Y]: Press Y when near a door to open it and enter. This also applies to doors encountered while climbing fences.

Flying and using the Cape [CAPE FEATHER REQUIRED]: Run and jump to be propelled into the air. Refer to section 2.05 Power-ups for details on flying mechanics.

Throwing fireballs [FIRE FLOWER REQUIRED]: Press Y to throw a fireball forward. Refer to section 2.05 Power-ups for more details.