Mario coins do not have one purpose across the series. Depending on the game and the coin type, they can earn extra lives, unlock routes, buy shop items, or improve racing speed. For example, regular coins earn an extra life in New Super Mario Bros. 2, while Star Coins in that game open map routes.
Mario coin types and uses at a glance
| Game | Coin type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| New Super Mario Bros. 2 | Regular coins | Collect 100 to earn an extra life. Nintendo electronic manual |
| New Super Mario Bros. 2 | Star Coins | Collect them to open new routes on the map. Nintendo electronic manual |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Flower Coins | Spend them at Poplin Shops for standees and, in a documented case, Wonder Seeds. Nintendo tips; Nintendo developer interview |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Gold coins | Buy some shop goods with regular coins. Nintendo UK game page |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Regional Coins | Buy certain goods in the kingdom where those coins are found. Nintendo UK game page |
| Super Mario Kart | Racing coins | Increase top speed per coin, up to the tenth coin; collisions, spins, and falls can make a racer lose coins. Nintendo manual |
What do regular coins do in platform games?
Extra lives in New Super Mario Bros. 2
In New Super Mario Bros. 2, collecting 100 regular coins grants an extra life. This is a rule for that game, not a guarantee that 100 coins grant a life in every Mario title. Nintendo’s manual also distinguishes those coins from Star Coins, which have a map-progression role.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong™ - US Version | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - US Version | $52.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Course completion and tracking in Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Flower Coins are a special collectible in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, rather than ordinary coins with a universal series-wide function. Nintendo says most courses include three 10-flower coins, as well as at least one Wonder Seed and a flagpole. The course overview on the world map helps track which items you have found. Nintendo’s course tips
What are Flower Coins used for in Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
Purchases at Poplin Shops
You can spend Flower Coins at Poplin Shops to buy standees. Nintendo’s developer interview also describes buying Wonder Seeds with Flower Coins as an alternative if you cannot complete a course. The developer explains: “You can obtain Wonder Seeds upon reaching the end of each course, but even if you can’t complete a course, you can still buy them at the Poplin Shop by collecting flower coins.” Nintendo developer interview; Nintendo multiplayer tips
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Jump and climb your way through over 130 puzzling levels as Mario to retrieve the Mini-Marios stolen by Donkey Kong
- Overcome obstacles like spikes, lava, and falling bricks to make it to the end of each level
- Revisit the original challenge in Classic Style, or try Casual Style for a more relaxed experience
- Play through two new worlds, featuring new environments, enemies, and game mechanics
- Join the action as Toad and work together in the newly-added co-op mode
Coins during a course
Not every coin use happens at a shop. Nintendo notes that Wow Buds can yield coins or open pathways, making them part of course exploration as well as a source of collectibles. Nintendo tips
How are coins used in Super Mario Odyssey?
Super Mario Odyssey has two distinct currencies: ordinary gold coins and kingdom-specific Regional Coins. Some shop goods accept regular coins; other goods require Regional Coins found in the kingdom where they can be spent. Nintendo lists shop goods such as outfits and souvenirs, alongside other items including Power Moons and Life-Up Hearts in its kingdom guide. Nintendo UK game page
Nintendo describes the distinction this way: “Power Moons are the energy source the Odyssey relies on in order to fly, while regional coins can be spent in the Kingdoms they’re found in.” The Power Moons in that sentence are not coins; the sentence explains the Odyssey’s fuel and where Regional Coins can be spent.
Rank #2
- A variety of playable characters are available, some with unique attributes that affect gameplay and platforming physics.
- Younger and less-experienced players will love playing as Toadette, who is brand new to both games, and Nabbit, who was formerly only playable in New Super Luigi U. Both characters offer extra assistance during play.
- Multiplayer sessions are even more fun, frantic, and exciting thanks to entertaining character interactions. Need a boost? Try jumping off a teammate’s head or getting a teammate to throw you.
- Features a wealth of help features, like a Hints gallery, reference videos, and a Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U that can complete levels for you if they’re giving you trouble.
- Three additional modes—Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle—mix up gameplay and add replayability, while also upping the difficulty for players who want to try something harder. Players can use their Mii characters in these modes.
Do coins make you faster in Mario Kart?
In Super Mario Kart, yes: during Mario Kart GP and Match Race, each coin collected increases a racer’s top speed, up to the tenth coin. A racer can lose coins by spinning, colliding with another kart, or falling off the track. This performance effect belongs to that game’s racing rules; it should not be assumed to describe coins in another Mario Kart game. Nintendo’s manual
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Can special coins unlock paths?
Yes, in some platformers. In New Super Mario Bros. 2, Star Coins open new routes on the map. In the original New Super Mario Bros., signs marked with Star Coins can be paid to remove them, opening paths and allowing progress to be saved. The required payment is the number shown on the sign, so the cost varies by sign. Nintendo electronic manual
Quick Recap
How to find a coin’s purpose in another Mario game
- Check the coin’s label. A name such as Star Coin, Flower Coin, or Regional Coin signals that it may have a different role from ordinary coins.
- Look at the in-game shop or map. Shops explain what currency they accept; course or world maps can show whether collectibles contribute to unlocking routes or tracking completion.
- Consult that game’s instructions. Coin rules vary by title, so use the manual or in-game help for the specific game you are playing rather than transferring a rule from another one.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
