Basic Moves
Jump
Press 
(or 
) to jump into the air. Whether you’re bounding between platforms or attacking vulnerable enemies, jumping is one of the most important skills you can master. The longer you hold the Jump button, the longer you’ll stay in the air. Tap the button for a quick hop, and hold the button for a significant leap.
Dash
Hold 
(or 
) while moving to break into a run. Aside from the obvious time-saving benefits, dashing greatly increases the height and distance of your jumps.
Crouch
When your height prevents you from entering a narrow passage or avoiding an incoming hazard, press 
(or 
) to crouch down. Crouching greatly reduces your movement speed, but it allows you to reach many of the game’s secret areas.
Advanced Moves
Long Jump
While running, tap 
(or 
) quickly then 
(or 
) just before you jump to perform a long jump. This move adds a little extra distance to Mario’s leaps!
Rolling Long Jump
When a low ceiling prevents you from leaping across a large gap, the rolling long jump might just do the trick! During a somersault, tap 
(or 
), then quickly press 
(or 
) to dive forward. This allows Mario to minimize the height of his jump without sacrificing distance.
Ground-Pound
Jump into the air, then press 
(or 
) to slam down with impressive force. Use a ground pound to smash Blocks, enemies, cardboard cutouts, and a variety of other objects.
Wall-Jump
Jump toward a wall and hold the Circle Pad in the direction of the wall as you make contact. When you start to slide down, hit 
(or 
) to push off of the wall. Wall jumps allow you to reach much greater heights than would otherwise be possible. If you position yourself between two suitably located surfaces, you can usually perform a series of wall jumps to reach otherwise-inaccessible areas.
Somersault
Crouch down and hold the Circle Pad in your intended direction, then press 
(or 
) to perform a somersault. Use this handy move to smash through Blocks and speed through narrow passages.
Backflip
The backflip takes a moment to charge up, but the extra height is well worth the wait. Hold 
(or 
) to crouch down until you start to emit a faint glow, then press 
(or 
) to launch into a vertical backflip. If you’re attempting to reach a ledge or platform, it’s best to face away from your target as you crouch down.
Side-Flip
To perform a side flip, dash in one direction, then simultaneously reverse direction and press 
(or 
). This move shifts your momentum, allowing you to change directions without skidding to a stop. Use side flips to spring away from unexpected dangers.
Special Techniques
Climbing
Some levels contain poles or trees that you can climb. Jump onto a climbable object to latch on, then use the Circle Pad to move in any direction. To stop climbing, simply jump away from the object. If you climb to the very top of a tree, Mario pops out of the leaves to perform a handstand. Press $ (or 
) from this position to handspring up to floating objects or high ledges.
Swimming
When you head into the water, walking just doesn’t cut it; tap $ (or 
) to swim. Swimming increases your speed, but it also propels you upward. Each tap of the button results in a single stroke. Adjust your timing to sink and swim as needed.
Bouncing
Bouncing requires precision timing and a suitable target. You can bounce off of tightropes, Note Blocks, rubber platforms, and a variety of enemies. Jump onto your target and hit $ (or 
) just as you make contact. If you time it right, you’ll spring high into the air.