Spin

Not to be confused with Spin Jump.

“Jump! Spin! Make 'em flip!”

—Star Bunny, Super Mario Galaxy 2

Mario using his spin move.

Spinning is a move that Mario (or Luigi) can perform in Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. It is done when the player shakes the Wii Remote or Nunchuk. The move is slightly similar to a Spin Jump, except that it can also be done on the ground. It can be used to deflect certain projectiles flying at Mario, stun enemies, activate switches, break Item Crystals, swim faster, and even pick up certain nearby items. Mario also ascends very slightly whenever he does a spin. Mario is able to do a spin because of a white Luma given to Mario by Rosalina. Whenever Mario does a spin, Luma pops out of his hat for a second. Mario can only perform a spin one time in the air. He must touch solid ground before he can use the ability again. Even on the ground there is a slight recharge time for this move. When Luigi uses this move, a slightly longer recharge time is required. However, wall jumping will instantly recharge the spin on either character.

An extremely useful application of the spin is the ability to stun, freeze, or make enemies dizzy by spinning into them. This gives Mario a chance to escape or attack the enemies if the player is fast enough. Spinning is needed to defeat some bosses. One of the major applications of this move is the ability to use it to skate on icy surfaces. Mario just has to spin while moving on an icy surface for this to work. Mario can also chain a spin into a Double Kick. Also, if Mario crouches and spins, he kicks instead of holdind his arms out. Occasionally, the spin move is also used as a means by which to activate or use several power-ups, including the Fire Flower, the Red Star, the Cloud Flower, the Rock Mushroom, and obviously, the Spin Drill. Although not necessary for it to work, spinning while the Ice Flower is in effect will cause Mario to skate across any open body of water quickly as opposed to walking, and spinning while the Boo Mushroom is in effect will cause Boo Mario to become intangible for a short time. However, spinning cannot be performed as Spring Mario.

Aside from these uses for the move, one of the most important uses for it involves using it to activate Launch Stars and Sling Stars, both of which shoot Mario through space to other planets and areas. In this regard, completing the games would not be possible without the presence of the spin move. In addition, if Mario spins in midair and immediately ground pounds, he will spin and then home in on nearby objects or enemies. Additionally, if he is crouching and then spins, he will do a pirouette similar to a dance move. The player can spin near a Yoshi to ride it without having to jump on it, and when riding Yoshi, the spin becomes a Head Shake. It also appears that after his first defeat in Super Mario Galaxy, Bowser used the power of a Grand Star to attack Mario with a move similar to Mario's spin. He also attacked Mario with a move similar to Mario's Side Somersault. Mario also uses his spin move in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games as his Special Skill, which makes him move faster.

In Super Mario Galaxy, Mario can collect coin, Star Bits, and shells with the spin move. Mario can only attract coins and Star Bits when he uses it underwater or when he uses it as Flying Mario, while he can attract shells in any kind of condition. The ability to attract coins and Star Bits by spinning wasn't left in the game deliberately, as it was actually a beta element that the developers accidentally left in the game. This feature was completely removed in Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Mario can no longer spin to collect coins or Star Bits, even underwater. However, he can still use it to collect shells.