Mini-Turbos

Mini-Turbos are techniques used in every Mario Kart title after Super Mario Kart. It can only be done while drifting. The method varies slightly for each game, but the result in all cases is a useful boost of speed.

In Mario Kart 64, a Mini-Turbo is performed by executing a drift and turning the kart in the opposite direction it is drifting, then back again. (If drifting to the left, tilt the Control Stick right, then left again, while holding the drift.) If done correctly, the trail of smoke behind the kart will turn yellow. Repeat the previous step to turn the smoke red, then exit the drift.

In Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mini-Turbos were notoriously awkward to perform. They required that the player drift in a 90 degree motion and drive straight for a bit to get a boost.

In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, the method is roughly the same as it was in Mario Kart 64. In this case, there are sparks instead of smoke, the color order is different (rather than gray-yellow-red, it's yellow-red-blue), and it can be done much faster due to the lack of hopping. When performing a Mini-Turbo in Double Dash!! in midair, the boost can still be obtained upon landing if done correctly. This is not possible in Mario Kart Wii, as Mini-Turbos in that game are entirely based on the length of a successful drift.

In Mario Kart DS, the method is the same as it was in Double Dash!!. However, due to the introduction of kart stats, each kart has a different degree of effectiveness.

In Mario Kart Wii, the method is made much simpler: drift until blue sparks appear, then stop drifting. In this game, only karts can perform the longer Super Mini-Turbo by drifting until the sparks turn orange/red. A pseudo-Mini-Turbo can be performed if the racer has stopped by holding both the accelerate and brake buttons until blue sparks appear. Mini-Turbos cannot be performed if drifting is set to "Automatic".

With the exceptions of Super Circuit and Wii, Mini-Turbos allowed a now-outlawed technique known as snaking.