Editing Raccoon Mario

{{form infobox
|image=[[File:Raccoon Mario - New Super Mario Bros 2.png|220px]]<br>Artwork of Raccoon Mario for ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]''
|item=[[Super Leaf]], [[P-Wing]] (''Super Mario'' series)<br>[[Tail|Normal]] and [[Shiny Tail|Shiny]] Tails (''Paper Mario'' series)
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' ([[List of games by date#1988|1988]])
|latest_appearance=''[[WarioWare: Move It!]]'' ([[List of games by date#2023|2023]])
|powers=Glide, fly (infinitely with a P-Wing), tail whip
|applies_to=[[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Toad]], [[Toadette]], [[Goomba]], [[Big Goomba]], [[fake Bowser]], [[Bullet Bill]], [[Boo]], [[Thwomp]], [[Bob-omb]], and any character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
}}
{{quote|Hey, flying raccoons! You didn't happen to see where those two pesky plumbers went, did ya?|[[Angry Sun]]|"[[Sneaky Lying Cheating Giant Ninja Koopas]]"}}
'''Raccoon Mario''' (spelled '''Racoon Mario''' in ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' materials) is a form [[Mario]] turns into after acquiring the [[Super Leaf]], and as of ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', [[Luigi]]'s form is called '''Fox Luigi'''. First seen in the game ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', this form allows Mario to slowly float down when falling, using his tail. Mario can attack enemies with his tail by [[spin]]ning. He is also able to briefly [[fly]] if he runs for a short time and then jumps. Though named for raccoons in English, most elements associated with the form are primarily inspired by the Japanese {{wp|tanuki}},<ref>In the Japanese ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' manual, the flying form of "Tail Mario" is alternatively called "'Nuki Mario" on page 7: 加速を続けて いるとパワー之一夕一が上 昇し、(p)が点滅してマリオが手をひらきサおんな すはやイン音が鳴ります。このと吉素早く A ボタ ンを連打してください。しっぽマリオ、夕じようたい いつていじ かんそら とヌキマリオの状態ならば一定時間 空を飛 ぶこと ができます。(''As you continue accelerating, the power level increases, the (p) symbol flashes, and when Mario opens his hand, you hear a sound. Quickly press the A button repeatedly. Tail Mario, when he has reached the state of 'Nuki Mario, can fly in the sky for a certain period of time.'')</ref> which has legends of magical leaves granting the animal strange abilities; the [[Tanooki Mario]] transformation relates to this, having a full suit rather than just the ears and tail, and is additionally given a [[Statue Mario|statue transformation]] in reference to tanuki abilities in folklore. However, the Japanese version of the ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' [[trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophy]] compares the tail to a raccoon's.<ref>しっぽマリオ -「スーパーこのは」でマリオが変身した姿。アライグマのような尻尾と耳が生えて、 走り回ってメーターがいっぱいになると一定時間空が飛べるようになる。- 飛行の際、尻尾はただ振るのみ。激しく叩きつけるわけでも、回転させるわけでもない。 どのような推進力が発生しているのだろうか…という疑問がどうでもよくなるほど見た目が可愛い。 もちろんルイージが「スーパーこのは」を取れば「しっぽルイージ」になる。 (''Tail Mario - Mario's transformed form with a "Super Leaf". He grows a raccoon-like tail and ears, and when he runs around and fills up a meter, he can fly for a certain period of time. - During flight, the tail simply waves. It doesn't slam hard or rotate. It looks so cute that it makes you wonder what kind of propulsion force is being generated. Of course, if Luigi takes a "Super Leaf", he becomes "Tail Luigi".'')</ref>

Raccoon Mario was created when [[Takashi Tezuka]] wanted a way for Mario to spin and knock away enemies with a tail. At first, the inclusion of a tailed Mario made him worried, but he wanted this new action to implemented in some way. However, the spin was originally meant for when ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' was still using a bird's-eye view, so adjusting the controls to a side-view was a challenge. Flying was a mechanic Tezuka wanted to add since ''Super Mario Bros.'', and Raccoon Mario ultimately ended up being able to do both.<ref>Sao, Akinori. [https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2016/November/Nintendo-Classic-Mini-NES-special-interview-Volume-3-Super-Mario-Bros-1157085.html Nintendo Classic Mini: NES special interview – Volume 3: Super Mario Bros.]. ''Nintendo UK''. Retrieved May 17, 2018.</ref>

In ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'', some enemies are also powered-up with Super Leaves, becoming "Tail" versions of themselves; this matches the original Japanese naming for Raccoon Mario. The game also removes the statue ability from the basic Tanooki form, making it more functionally similar to Raccoon Mario.

==History==
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros. 3''====
[[File:SMB3 - Raccoon Mario.png|thumb|left|Artwork of Raccoon Mario from ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'']]
Raccoon Mario is first introduced in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', where Mario transforms into Raccoon Mario by obtaining a [[Super Leaf]]. When Mario is in this form, he can use his tail to slowly float down (by tapping {{button|nes|a}}) or fly for a while if he fills the [[P-Meter|Power Meter]] (by running) beforehand, and tail whip enemies and blocks (by pressing {{button|nes|b}}). A [[P-Wing]] will also transform Mario into Raccoon Mario, but with infinite flight; Mario keeps the infinite flight if he turns into Tanooki Mario. The benefit of a P-Wing will be lost once Mario takes damage, transforms into [[Fire Mario]], [[Frog Mario]], or [[Hammer Mario]], or clears a level, the latter method reverting Raccoon/Tanooki Mario's flight to normal.

====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
Even though Super Leaves return in ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'', Raccoon Mario does not, though it was [[List of Super Mario 3D Land pre-release and unused content|considered for the game]]; instead, it was passed over for Tanooki Mario, for visual clarity.<ref name=gamesradar> Henry Gilbert (March 9, 2012). [http://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-3d-land-interview-we-talk-director-about-secrets-tanookis-and-marios-future/ ''Super Mario 3D Land'' interview - We talk with the director about secrets, Tanookis, and Mario's future]. ''GamesRadar.'' Retrieved May 15, 2015.</ref> The Tanooki form given by Super Leaves acts as Raccoon Mario does, but without flight. Despite this, several enemies have "Raccoon" forms (retranslated as "Tail" forms, as they only gain this form's tail), including [[Tail Goomba|normal-sized]] and [[Big Tail Goomba|Big Goombas]], [[Tail Bullet Bill|Bullet Bills]], [[Tail Boo|Boos]], [[Tail Thwomp|Thwomps]], and [[Tail Bob-omb|Bob-ombs]]; [[Fake Block]]s also have tails. Additionally, [[Tail Bowser]]s appear in {{world-link|1|castle|World 1-Castle (Super Mario 3D Land)}} and {{world-link|5|castle|World 5-Castle (Super Mario 3D Land)}}; they are actually a Goomba and [[Magikoopa]], respectively, disguised with Super Leaves.

====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
[[File:3DS NewMario2 1 scrn01 E3.png|thumb|Raccoon Mario and Fox Luigi in World 1-3 from ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'']]
Raccoon Mario returns in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', but Luigi's Raccoon form is now Kitsune-themed (like his Tanooki form in ''Super Mario 3D Land'') and called Fox Luigi. Mario's Raccoon ears also have the same shape and color changes as those of his Tanooki form. The mechanics are somewhat different from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''; the player can now simply hold the jump button instead of repeatedly pressing it for Mario to ascend and slowly descend, much like with [[Cape Mario|Caped Mario]]. The tail whip is also quicker, usable underwater, and able to hit more enemies, like Dry Bones (which are immobilized but not killed as they were with Caped Mario). After being charged, the P-Meter now visibly decreases to show the amount of remaining flight time, but once Mario lands on the ground, it will be refilled. However, if he enters a [[Warp Cannon]] stage, he can fly almost indefinitely (if he repeatedly lands on platforms before the P-Meter runs out), much like when using a P-Wing.

Also, [[White Raccoon Mario]] (the counterpart of [[White Tanooki Mario]] from ''Super Mario 3D Land'') debuts in this game. In addition to this form's abilities, it gives Mario invincibility for the stage, lets him walk on water (like his [[Mini Mario (form)|Mini form]]), and makes the P-Meter charge much faster than normal. Unlike the White Tanooki form, however, the White Raccoon form can be regained by losing five lives in a level, even after the level or final boss is beaten.

In this game, the Raccoon form adds a woodblock beat to the music, and when Mario touches the regular Goal Pole, he says, "Whoo! Mario number one!"

====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS''====
Raccoon Mario returns in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]'', where it is exclusive to the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' style, functioning just as it did in that game. Additionally, knocking on a [[Warp Door]] in the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' style may cause [[Weird Mushroom (item)|Weird Mario]] to appear in this form.

====''Super Mario Odyssey''====
Although the form does not appear in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', it is referenced in [[Pauline]]'s quiz. For her question "Which of these things did I actually do a long time ago?", one of the possible answers is "Wore raccoon suit," which is incorrect.

====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
Raccoon Mario returns in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'', functioning just as it did in its predecessor. Additionally, Luigi, [[Toad]] and [[Toadette]] are capable of obtaining this form, with the latter using this form for the first time.

===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''====
[[File:TailPMSS.png|thumb|The Tail sticker from ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'']]
A form of Raccoon Mario appears in ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'', in that by using a [[Tail]] [[sticker]], Mario is given a raccoon tail to deflect enemy attacks for one turn. However, using the sticker only overlays it behind Mario, instead of turning him into Raccoon Mario. [[Bowser Jr.]] is particularly vulnerable to it in his third and final battle. A [[Shiny Tail|shiny]] variant of this sticker also exists, giving Mario a rainbow-colored tail and a stronger counterattack.

====''Paper Mario: Color Splash''====
[[File:TailCard.png|75px|thumb|left|The Tail card from ''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'']]
In ''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'', using a [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)#Tail|Tail card]] fully transforms Mario into Raccoon Mario, unlike in the previous game; he still deflects enemy attacks with his tail. It lasts until Mario takes damage or wins the fight. At least a few of these cards are required at the beginning of the boss fight with [[Ludwig von Koopa|Ludwig]] in order to counter the cannonballs fired from the Ludship.

====''Paper Mario: The Origami King''====
The Tail returns as an item that can be used in battle in ''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]'', where it fully transforms Mario into Raccoon Mario, like in ''Paper Mario: Color Splash''. The Shiny variant also returns, but now retains its original coloration as opposed to the sticker's bright color scheme. As Raccoon Mario, he directly attacks enemies in the same 2x2 area a [[Hammer]] attack reaches, rather than counterattacking foes, and a very brief time period (more than other items or weapons) allows the player to input an [[Action Command]] to deal more damage using the tail whip. Once the attack concludes, Mario reverts to normal.

===''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''===
[[File:RaccoonsCartoon.jpg|thumb|Raccoon Mario and Raccoon Luigi in ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'']]
In ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', [[Toad]] and [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]] also transformed into Raccoon Toad and Raccoon Toadstool using Super Leaves, and in one instance, P-Wings. In the episode "[[Super Koopa (episode)|Super Koopa]]", [[Bowser]] uses the [[Power Pendant]] to become Raccoon Koopa. On several occasions, the form is referred to as '''Raccoon Power'''.

===''Nintendo Comics System''===
Mario briefly transforms into Raccoon Mario once in the ''[[Nintendo Comics System]]'', in the story "[[It's Always Fair Weather]]" (which takes place before the events of ''Super Mario Bros. 3''). Mario gains the ability by using a piece of a plant labeled as "Magic Leaf Raccoonias" for a toothpick and then uses his new-found ability to save some hot-air balloonists trapped in a cyclone that Bowser creates.

===''Club Nintendo'' comics===
In the ''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' comic "[[Marios Rückkehr]]," Mario somehow turns into Raccoon Mario after jumping on two trampolines consecutively. He is flying over the Mushroom Kingdom when he finds two Nintendo Gamer's Guides on a cloud, accidentally hitting a [[Koopa Paratroopa]] and falling to the ground.

===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
Raccoon Mario has appeared in the form of collectible items throughout the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', there is a [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophy]] of Raccoon Mario that can be obtained from the [[smashwiki:Lottery|Lottery]] randomly after collecting 250 trophies. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', there is a [[Sticker (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)|sticker]] of Raccoon Mario that can be applied to any fighter in [[smashwiki:Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary|The Subspace Emissary]] to boost their flinch resistance by 112 points. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Fox Luigi in particular is an Ace-class [[smashwiki:Support spirit|support spirit]] that grants the fighter easier dodging when used, and for the [[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)|spirit]]'s battle, the player faces Luigi in Raccoon form on the [[Mushroom Kingdom U]] stage.

[[File:Raccoon Luigi SSB4.png|thumb|left|Tail Luigi in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'']]
Any fighter can take on the Raccoon form by using the [[Super Leaf]] item in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. While in Raccoon form, a fighter can briefly float by holding the jump button in midair. Like with most other equipable items, the player can lose this form if they are hit enough times or with a strong enough attack; it will also disappear after enough time has passed. This form's tail whip was considered during development of ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U'', but it was later dropped.<ref>{{cite|author=SakuraiMasahiroA|date=April 30, 2014|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20171017180513/https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAABnUYnveENoEg|title=''Pic of the day. With the Super Leaf, any fighter can have ears and a tail. You can also float in the air by pressing the jump button. We're still figuring out whether you'll be able to attack with the tail...''|publisher=Miiverse|accessdate=July 11, 2018}}</ref>
{{br|left}}
===Unused appearances===
====''Super Mario World''====
Raccoon Mario was [[List of Super Mario World pre-release and unused content|going to appear]] in ''[[Super Mario World]]'', but the idea had later been dropped. In the SNES Test Program, Mario's graphics show him with the standard Raccoon tail and ears, which were also seen in preview images for ''Super Mario World''. The transformation was ultimately cut and seems to have been replaced with [[Cape Mario|Caped Mario]], a transformation that functions similarly to Raccoon Mario, in the final game.

==Profiles and statistics==
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
====''Super Smash Bros. Melee''====
{{SSBM trophy
|name=Raccoon Mario
|image=[[File:Trophy201.png|100px]]
|game=''Super Mario Bros. 3''<br>2/90
|unlock=Randomly obtainable from the [[smashwiki:Lottery|Lottery]] after obtaining 250 [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophies]]
|desc=In Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Leafs caused Mario to grow raccoon ears and a tail. By sprinting and rapidly wagging the tail, Mario gained the ability to fly for short periods. Like the Cape in Super Mario World, the tail also reduced the speed at which he fell, making midair moves easier. Needless to say, real raccoons were jealous.
}}

====''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''====
{{SSBB sticker
|name=Raccoon Mario
|image=[[File:Raccoon Mario Sticker.png|100px]]
|game=''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
|effect=Flinch Resistance +112
}}

====''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''====
{{Spirit
|no=25
|name=Fox Luigi
|image=[[File:Raccoon Luigi - New Super Mario Bros 2.png|x100px]]
|series=''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' Series
|type=Support
|slots=1
|class=Ace
|effects=Easier Dodging
|obtain=[[smashwiki:Spirit Board]]; Purchase from [[smashwiki:Vault Shop|Vault Shop]] for 6000G
|opponents=Tail [[Luigi]]
|conditions='''Hazard:''' Heavy Wind
*Dangerously high winds are in effect
|stage=[[Mushroom Kingdom U]]
|song=Ground Theme - Super Mario Bros. 3
}}

===''New Super Mario Bros. 2''===
*'''Instruction manual description:''' ''Press {{button|3ds|Y}}/{{button|3ds|X}} to swing your tail. Hold {{button|3ds|B}}/{{button|3ds|A}} in midair to gently float down.''
**''Dash to fill up the [[P-Meter]]. When [[P-Wing]] is lit up, press and hold {{button|3ds|B}}/{{button|3ds|A}} to fly for a short time.''

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery|Raccoon Mario}}
<gallery>
RaccoonMario Demonstration SMB3.png|''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
Mario racoonMario.gif|''Super Mario Bros. 3''
MarioSuperMarioBros3TVCartoon.png|''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
Two Raccoons Artwork - New Super Mario Bros 2.png|''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]''
SMM-SMB-WeirdMario-Door-6.png|''[[Super Mario Maker]]''
PMCS Raccoon Mario.png|''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]''
</gallery>

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=しっぽマリオ
|JapR=Shippo Mario
|JapM=Tail Mario
|ChiS=尾巴马力欧
|ChiSR=Wěibā Mǎlì'ōu
|ChiSM=Tail Mario
|ChiT=尾巴瑪利歐
|ChiTR=Wěibā Mǎlì'ōu
|ChiTM=Tail Mario
|Dut=Wasbeer-Mario
|DutM=Raccoon Mario
|Fre=Mario raton-laveur
|Fre2=Mario raton laveur
|FreM=Raccoon Mario
|Fre2M=Raccoon Mario
|Ger=Waschbär-Mario
|GerM=Raccoon Mario
|Ita=Raccoon Mario<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' Italian manual|page=7}}</ref>
|Ita2=Mario il Procione<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'' Italian manual|page=24}}</ref>
|Ita3=Mario procione
|Ita2M=Mario the Racoon
|Ita3M=Raccoon Mario
|Kor=꼬리마리오
|KorR=Kkori Mario
|KorM=Tail Mario
|PorE=Mario Mapache
|PorEM=Raccoon Mario
|Rom=Putere raton <small>(''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'',<br>general)</small>
|Rom2=Ratonul Luigi <small>(''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'',<br>episode "[[Mind Your Mummy Mommy, Mario]]")</small>
|RomM=Raccoon power
|Rom2M=Luigi the raccoon
|Rus=Марио-енот
|RusR=Mario-yenot
|RusM=Raccoon Mario
|SpaA=Mario mapache
|SpaA2=Luigi zorro
|SpaAM=Raccoon Mario
|SpaA2M=Fox Luigi
|SpaE=Mario Mapache
|SpaE2=Luigi Zorro
|SpaEM=Raccoon Mario
|SpaE2M=Fox Luigi
}}

==See also==
*[[Super Leaf]]
*[[Tanooki Mario]]
*[[Cape Mario]]

==Trivia==
*Although Luigi's Raccoon and Tanooki forms are Kitsune-themed (as of ''Super Mario 3D Land''), he is seen in Raccoon form in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series to match the other characters.
*The sound effect for transforming into Raccoon Mario (and to a lesser extent, Tanooki Mario) was taken from ''[[nwiki:The Mysterious Murasame Castle|The Mysterious Murasame Castle]]''.<ref>{{cite|author=World of Longplays|date=August 12, 2011|url=youtu.be/xx0Ij2BTZSY?t=122|timestamp=02:02|title=NES Longplay <nowiki>[117]</nowiki> ''Nazo No Murasamejou''|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 24, 2024}}</ref>

==References==
<references/>

{{Mario forms}}
{{SMB3}}
{{NSMB2}}
{{P&DSMBE}}
{{PMCS}}
{{PMTOK}}
[[Category:Carnivorans]]
[[Category:Mario forms]]
[[Category:Amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits]]
[[Category:Club Nintendo]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. 2 forms]]
[[Category:Nintendo Comics System]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: Color Splash]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Origami King]]
[[Category:Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition leaders and helpers]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. 3 forms]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker forms]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker 2 forms]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Melee trophies]]
[[Category:The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]
[[de:Waschbär-Verwandlung]]
[[it:Mario Procione]]