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Donut Lifts (also called Donut Blocks or Donut Platforms) are platforms that have appeared throughout the Mario franchise, having first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 3. These blocks are very light and as a result, will fall once someone stands on these for long enough and will eventually reappear. Because of this, Mario or Luigi should limit the time they spend standing on these platforms by constantly Jumping however in some cases, this may be of little help in which case, the plumbers should jump off immediately. Sometimes, dropping Donut Lifts is required for reaching lower platforms which are otherwise unreachable. When stood on, the Donut Lifts can change color (typically red or white). Donut Lifts first appeared in the Mario series but have also appeared in a couple Yoshi games as well. In the 3D games, Donut Lifts have more of an aligned 3D appearance but still retain their traditional behavior.

In the Mario franchise[]

Super Mario series[]

Super Mario Bros. 3[]

Donut Lifts NES

Donut Lifts as seen in World 5-5.

Donut Lifts make their debut in Super Mario Bros. 3. In this game, they are seen in various platforming levels typically in Sky Land and Pipe Land. They look like ordinary platforms but as soon as Mario/Luigi steps on them, they start shaking and if stood on for too long, they will start falling down into the pits below making the platforming slightly more difficult. For this reason, the plumbers should avoid touching the ground by jumping as much as possible when crossing the Donut Lifts. Upon falling, the Donut Lifts will respawn in their original location.

Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS[]

Donut Lift Skies

Mario on the Donut Lifts.

Donut Lift Rainbow Skies

Luigi hops across the Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts are seen again in Super Mario 64 as well as Super Mario 64 DS. In these games, they slightly resemble how they looked previously however, they now appear to be made of wood and appear as a long 3D platform. Donut Lifts are found exclusively on Rainbow Ride along the Rainbow Tracks and on the course's south where the swinging pendulums are located. Whenever Mario, Yoshi, or the others stand on one of the Donut Lifts, they will start to slowly descend so he must hop off quickly to another nearby platform. Upon falling, the Donut Lift will descend a few feet before dissapearing. Fallen Donut Lifts will respawn when one leaves the area and returns.

In Super Mario 64 DS, Donut Lifts return with the same appearance and function as before however their wooden aesthetic now sticks out more.

Super Princess Peach[]

Peach Donut Lift House

Peach hops across the Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts are seen again in Super Princess Peach. In this game, they are rather common and are found in several levels throughout the game. Whenever Peach stands on one, it will shake and fall quite rapidly if Peach stands on it for too long however they respawn when Peach leaves the area. While their descent is fast, the Donut Lifts themselves take longer before they start their descent in this game. Blue Donut Lifts also appear in this game, these Donut Lifts will descend the moment they're stood on and at a very fast speed so Peach will need to use some fast movements to cross these.

New Super Mario Bros.[]

Donut Lift DS

Luigi in the high Donut Lift Skies.

Donut Lifts are seen again in New Super Mario Bros.. In this game, they are commonly found in a few levels of World 3, World 4, World 5, and all throughout World 7. In this game, they function similarly to how they did in previous games, when Mario/Luigi stands on a Donut Lift, it will turn red, start shaking before descending. Unlike most other games, Donut Lifts never respawn upon falling. Donut Lifts are sometimes used to reach lower platforms to get collectibles below. If Mini Mario is to stand on a Donut Lift, nothing will happen.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii[]

Donut Lift Plateau

The Mario Crew around some Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts return in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In this game, they function similarly to how they did previously this time, commonly being found in Castles and various levels of World 7. Just as before, if the plumbers are to stand on a Donut Lift, it will turn red, start shaking, then descend however this time, the Donut Lifts will respawn a few seconds after falling. A similar type of platform called the Donut Ledges also appear in this game, these platforms function similarly to Donut Lifts but can be held onto similar to Cliff Ledges.

Super Mario 3D Land[]

Donut Lifts 3D

Mario jumps at some Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts are seen again in Super Mario 3D Land. In this game, they appear in various sky-themed levels such as World 3-3 and Special 5-1. In this game, they return to their 3D aligned appearance from Super Mario 64/Super Mario 64 DS but have a rubbery appearance rather than wooden. Donut Lifts are commonly seen very close together and will descend shortly after they're stood on requiring Mario/Luigi to run across them immediately. The Donut Lifts will descend to the bottom of the level. After this, they will respawn in their original location.

New Super Mario Bros. 2[]

Gold Donut Lift Caves

Mario traverses the Golden Caves near some Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts return in New Super Mario Bros. 2. In this game, they can be found in several levels and retain their functions from previous game, they will turn red upon being stood on and if Mario/Luigi remain put, the Donut Lift will descend. This game also introduces a new variety of Donut Lift which is longer, despite being larger, these Donut Lifts function almost identically to their smaller counterparts. Icy Donut Lifts are also found in various levels of World 4, these Donut Lifts are more slippery than regular Donut Lifts.

New Super Mario Bros. U/New Super Luigi U/New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe[]

Donut Lift Sky Beach

The Mario Crew near some Donut Lifts at the Beach Skies.

Donut Lifts return in New Super Mario Bros. U as well as New Super Luigi U and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. In these games, they retain their functions from the previous games (turning red upon being stood on and then descending after some time only to respawn shortly after). Kamek also uses them in his battle (in the levels Slide Lift Tower and Stone Crush Tower). When Kamek's magic projectiles hit the solid floor, they may turn into Donut Lifts. Donut Lifts are also found in sky-themed levels such as Above the Cheep Cheep Sea. For the first time in the series, Mini Mario can also cause the Donut Lifts to descend by standing on them.

Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury[]

Donut Lift 3D New

The heroes run across the Donut Lifts in hot pursuit.

Donut Lifts are seen again in Super Mario 3D World as well as Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury retaining their appearance and function from Super Mario 3D Land. They are commonly found in sky-themed levels such as The Great Goal Pole along with various other levels. Just as before, the Donut Lifts will descend the moment they're stood on however this time, they will also turn red upon being stood on to signify that they're falling. Once a Donut Lift descends to the bottom, it will disappear and respawn back in it's original location. The heroes will need to either run across the Donut Lifts or jump around them to survive. Several sections in Bowser's Fury is composed mostly of Donut Lifts requiring Mario and Bowser Jr. to run quickly to make it through.

Super Mario Maker / Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS / Super Mario Maker 2[]

Donut Lift Classic

Mario using the Donut Lifts to reach the lower paths.

Donut Lifts appear in Super Mario Maker as well as it's two sequels as placeable objects. Donut Lifts can be placed in any theme and any style. Like in most games, Donut Lifts will turn red upon being stood on and the fall if Mario remains on them. For the first time in the series, Thwomps and Super Thwomps can also trigger Donut Lifts to fall as well.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars[]

Donut Lift Hop

Mario hops the Donut Blocks in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, they are named Donut Blocks and have a 3D isometric appearance. In this game, Donut Lifts can be found during various platforming sections, whenever Mario stands on one, it will descend downward, requiring the heroic plumber to be quick about his movements, they appear less commonly towards the end of the game however.

Mario & Luigi series[]

Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga[]

Guffawha Ruins Donut Lifts

Luigi hops across the Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts appear in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. In this game, they are only found in Guffawha Ruins, when Luigi hits the ! Block. Upon hitting the block, the Donut Lifts will rise up to the staircase's level allowing Luigi to hop across the Donut Lifts. The Donut Lifts will fall as Luigi steps on them requiring him to be quick when hopping across, if Luigi slips up and falls, he will have to hit the ! Block again to make another attempt. In the remake, the Donut Lifts are replaced with Guffawha Lifts which function similarly.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story / Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey[]

Donut Lifts Flab Zone

Donut Lifts in the Flab Zone.

Donut Lifts Flab Zone DX

Donut Lifts in the Flab Zone in the remake.

Donut Lifts make a brief appearance in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story as well as Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey. In these games, they are only seen in one section the Flab Zone inside Bowser's Body. When Mario and Luigi are chasing Alpha Kretin (who has kidnapped Princess Peach), Luigi accidentally stands on the Donut Lifts and falls into a pit of Mucus only to be pulled out by Princess Lipid who returns Luigi to Mario and also gives them some Badges to use in battle against foes.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team[]

Dreamy Donut Lifts

Mario and Dreamy Luigi below Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts are seen again in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team appearing in several sections of Dreamy Neo Bowser Castle. In this game, they are much slower than they are in most games as they shake and descend much slower than usually. Like most 3D games, Donut Lifts will fall shortly after being stood on. They are commonly used for climbing across platforms and reaching higher ledges, in this game, all Donut Lifts resemble the longer ones found in New Super Mario Bros. 2.

In the Donkey Kong franchise[]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong series[]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong[]

Donut Lift Hut

Donut Lifts around the Goal.

Donut Lifts appear in Mario vs. Donkey Kong commonly appearing in levels of Mystic Forest. Just like most games, whenever Mario stands on a Donut Lift, it will start shaking and then descend. Mario will commonly have to limit the time he spends standing on one. Donut Lifts are commonly seen in between platforms often times serving as extra ground for Mario to traverse with, they can also be used to reach lower platforms by lowering the Donut Lifts to reach said platforms.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis[]

Donut Lift Toys

Donut Lifts around the room.

Donut Lifts reappear in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis. In this game, they are commonly seen in levels of Magnet Mania and Spooky Attic. When a Mini Mario stands on a Donut Lift, it will turn red and then descend. Often times, Donut Lifts are used as platforms which the Minis need to walk across however sometimes, standing on Donut Lifts is required for reaching lower platforms. Upon being used, the Donut Lifts will continue to fall until they hit the groudn at which point they will respawn in the original location. During the battle with Donkey Kong in Magnet Mania, there are Donut Lifts on the platforms above, the Mini Marios need to be shot up to the platforms and drop the Donut Lifts so they land on DK's head. Donut Lifts can be placed in the Construction Zone as well in the Magnet Mania and Spooky Attic Kits. They can also be placed in Special Kit 2 and Special Kit 3.

In the Yoshi franchise[]

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island / Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3[]

Donut Lifts High

Yoshi on the Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts appear in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island as well as Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3. In these games, they are semi-common platforms commonly appearing in auto-scrolling levels such as Hop! Hop! Donut Lifts. They are also found in various other levels as well. When Yoshi stands on a Donut Lift, it will glow white and if he remains on it for too long, it will start shaking before descending into the pits below. Unlike most games, Donut Lifts never respawn once they've fallen.

Yoshi's Island DS[]

Donut Lift Moves

Yoshi above the Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts are back in Yoshi's Island DS. In this game, they are uncommon platforms commonly found in sky-themed levels such as Donuts and Eggs and Goonie Heights. Just as before, Donut Lifts will glow white when stood on and if Yoshi stands idly on a Donut Lift for too long, it will shake and then descend. Just as before, the Donut Lifts don't respawn upon falling. Donut Lifts are commonly used as extra platforms but in some cases, they are the sole platforms requring Yoshi to make smart movements.

Yoshi's New Island[]

Donut Lift Falls

Yoshi hops to the Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts also appear in Yoshi's New Island. In this game, they are now rare platforms only found in several levels. In this game, the Donut Lifts are now yellow rather than brown and also never glow white when stood on but rather just merely shake and turn red as they descend. Just as before, they will fall if stood on for too long and never respawn. Donut Lifts appear in levels such as Bouncy Beanstalk Walk and can also be used to obtain collectiables. Large Donut Lifts also appear in this game. Hence their name, they are larger types of Donut Lifts.

Yoshi's Woolly World / Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World[]

Lava Plume Smoke

Dount Lifts around the Volcanic Area.

Donut Lifts return in Yoshi's Woolly World as well as Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World. In these games, they can be found in several levels mostly being common in World 2. In these games, they appear to be made of sand as they are seen disintergating as they're falling (upon being stepped on). Like most of the other Yoshi games, they don't turn red upon being stood on.

In the Super Smash Bros. series[]

SSB4 3D Land Stage

Donut Lifts in the 3D Land Stage.

Donut Lifts appear in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. 4, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In these games, they function as they commonly do in the main series, whenever fighters stand on them for too long, they will fall. Donut Lifts can be found in Rainbow Cruise and 3D Land. The series also has a new kind of platform similar to the Donut Lifts called Drop Lifts.

In Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker[]

Toad's Donut Lift Run

Captain Toad has to run across the Donut Lifts.

Donut Lifts appear again in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. In this game, they can be found in several levels, typically those that take place in the sky. Their appearance and function is the same as it is in Super Mario 3D World, when Captain Toad or Toadette stands on a Donut Lift, it will turn red and then start to descend. Due to the Toads inability to Jump, they will have to keep running until they can find safe ground.

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie[]

Princess Peach Donut Lift Slide Movie

Princess Peach sliding along the Donut Lifts with swift agility.

Mario Donut Lift Fall

Mario celebrates too early and falls from a Donut Lift.

Donut Lifts make a return once again in The Super Mario Bros. Movie where they can be seen as one of the many different types of platforms found on the Training Course. Here, they can be seen as one of the last obstacles/platforms found on the course. When Princess Peach makes a demonstration on the course to show Mario how it's done, she eventually reaches a mass of Donut Lifts and manages to run across them without an issue as they fall. Mario eventually tries it out for himself, he initially doesn't have much luck at one point getting too cocky after clearing a set of Lifts without realizing he's standing on a Donut Lift as it falls with him standing on it. On another attempt, Mario runs into a Donut Lift from the side after a mistimed jump. Mario eventually gets the hang of it and runs across each of the Donut Lifts without falling thus joining Princess Peach and Toad on the adventure to stop Bowser. In this movie, the Donut Lifts retain their mainstream 3D-aligned appearance used since Super Mario 3D Land but with outer metal layers as well.

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • The Donut Lift's name comes from their appearance (which is shaped strikingly like a Donut).
  • The E-Reader level Bowser's Last Stand from Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 includes a type of platform similar to the Donut Lift called the Spiky Lift. These platforms behave identically to Donut Lifts but are spiked rather than donut-shaped.
  • Donut Lifts appear in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, in the stage Rainbow Cruise. Also, a platform with a triangle pointing down acts just like a Donut Lift. This platform is only used in the Stage Builder.

Navigation[]

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