Mario
The primary hero, who travels through Dinosaur Land to rescue Princess Peach and the imprisoned Yoshis.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Control Pad | Move Mario or Luigi |
|---|---|
A | Jump; while holding an object, release or throw it |
B | Run when held; pick up or release objects |
Y | Run when held; spin-dash as Cape Mario |
X | Run when held; spin-dash as Cape Mario |
L | Scroll the camera left |
R | Scroll the camera right |
Start | Pause the game |
Select | Use the reserve item from the item box |
Combos and sequences
DownA | Perform a spin jump Useful for breaking certain blocks and defeating some enemies. |
|---|
Control notes
Controls are for the original SNES version.
Button functions can vary slightly between Mario and Yoshi situations.
How it plays
How does Super Mario World play?
Players guide Mario or Luigi through side-scrolling stages, avoiding hazards and enemies while reaching the goal. Running, jumping, carrying objects, swimming, and power-ups are central actions; Yoshi adds riding, tongue attacks, and enemy-eating abilities.
Dinosaur Land contains numbered stages, fortresses, ghost houses, switch palaces, and secret routes. Completing stages opens paths on the world map, while alternate exits reveal shortcuts and hidden areas. Mario can store one reserve power-up and gains extra lives by collecting coins or meeting score conditions.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Super Mario World?
Explore before rushing to the goal. Look for suspicious walls, keyholes, vines, and alternate routes, because secret exits can open large shortcuts through the map.
Keep a reserve item in the item box and learn when to dismount Yoshi. Cape Mario can slow a fall and fly from a long runway, while shell colors give Yoshi different powers. In difficult stages, prioritize safe landings over speed and use the world map to revisit easier levels for power-ups and lives.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Luigi
Mario’s brother and an additional playable character in the game’s two-player alternating mode.
Princess Peach
The kidnapped ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom whom Mario and Luigi seek to rescue.
Yoshi
A friendly dinosaur who can be ridden, swallow enemies, and provide special abilities depending on shell color.
Bowser
The main antagonist, who kidnaps Peach and commands the Koopalings.
Koopalings
Bowser’s seven children, each guarding a castle at the end of a region.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockFinding secret exits in stages opens hidden routes, Star Roads, and special stages.
Documented unlockCollecting Dragon Coins and exploring hidden areas improves completion progress and map coverage.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use the Cape Feather’s flight practice area to learn takeoff, braking, and controlled descent.
- 2
A completed Yellow Switch Palace permanently fills yellow blocks in many stages.
- 3
Search for keyholes and giant keys when a level seems to end without revealing all of its route.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A landmark SNES platformer with excellent controls, memorable secrets, and unusually generous exploration.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0