Mario Kart 7 (3DS) Guide Items
Equipable Items
Most of these items can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes. Learn the specifics of each equipable item to find an edge in almost any situation!
Banana
When a kart runs over a Banana, it spins out. Hold 
or 
to equip a Banana, then release 
or 
to drop it. To throw a Banana ahead of you, press and hold up on the Circle Pad before you release 
or 
. Bananas are most effective when you place them along narrow paths.
Triple Bananas
Triple Bananas are among the most versatile items in the game. Press 
or 
to drag three Bananas behind your kart. Press 
or 
to drop one of your Bananas behind you. Press and hold up on the Circle Pad, then press 
or 
to throw it ahead of you.
Since you don’t have to hold 
or 
to keep Triple Bananas equipped, this item is one of your most convenient defensive options. Swerve in front of encroaching enemies to keep them at bay, or simply use them as you would a single Banana.
Green Shell
Green Shells knock over the first kart they hit. These projectiles travel in a straight line, but they’ll change direction if they bounce off a suitable object. Hold 
or 
to equip a Green Shell, then release 
or 
to throw it ahead of you. To throw it behind you, press and hold down on the Circle Pad before you release 
or 
. This is an excellent option when you find yourself drifting through a narrow passage. As the Shell bounces off the walls, it makes a formidable obstacle for trailing racers.
Triple Green Shells
To equip Triple Green Shells, press 
or 
. As the shells circle your cart, press 
or 
to use one. As with a standard Green Shell, you can use the Circle Pad to aim the throw behind you.
While equipped, Triple Green Shells provide exceptional protection from incoming attacks. Veer into nearby racers to knock them over, or throw your shells to attack from a distance. Don’t act without considering your options; each time you use (or lose) a Shell, you become more vulnerable to attacks.
Red Shell
Red Shells lock onto the closest kart in front of you. Press 
or 
to equip a Red Shell, then release 
or 
to throw it. These speedy projectiles are extremely hard to dodge, but they’re easily thwarted by equipped items. On a successful hit, however, a Red Shell flips its target over.
To aim a Red Shell behind you, press and hold down on the Circle Pad before you throw it. Keep in mind that when you do this, the Red Shell loses its homing ability!
Triple Red Shells
Tap 
or 
to equip the shells, then press 
or 
each time you wish to use one. This item offers all of the tactical options of Triple Green Shells, with the added benefit of the Red Shell’s homing ability!
Bob-omb
This powerful explosive means big trouble for any kart unfortunate enough get caught in the blast. Hold 
or 
to equip a Bob-omb, then release 
or 
to throw it. To drop the Bob-omb behind you, press and hold down on the Circle Pad before you throw it.
Lucky 7
When equipped, the Lucky 7 surrounds your kart with seven items! Press 
or 
to equip it, then press 
or 
again to use one of the items. To select a specific item, press 
or 
as it moves in front of you. Each Lucky 7 contains the following items:
Banana
Green Shell
Red Shell
Bob-omb
Super Star
Mushroom
Blooper
If you’re flipped over while the Lucky 7 is equipped, you’ll lose all of your remaining items—beware of incoming attacks!