Red Shell

Red Shell
Mario Kart Wii artwork
Chronological information
First game	Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Latest game	Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021)
General information
Used by	Red Koopa Troopas (worn) Playable characters (most appearances)
Usage	(Super Mario series) Can be kicked to slide along the ground (Mario Kart and other spinoffs) Homes in on an opponent

Red Shells are a recurring type of Koopa Shell featured in the Mario franchise. They first appear in Super Mario Bros.. Most appearances feature Red Shells as being worn by Red Koopa Troopas, but several also feature Red Shells as items with homing capabilities, starting with and most prominently within the Mario Kart series.

Description

In the Super Mario series, Red Shells act the same as Green Shell in that after the Koopa Troopa wearing either type of shell is stomped, they retreat into their shell, which can then be kicked to slide along the ground. In later games, they can also be held and thrown. In Super Mario Bros. 2, Turtle Shells, as they are named in this appearance, are the only type of shells and are found in grass rather than on Koopa Troopas, which do not make an appearance. During the events of Super Mario World, Yoshi can spit out fire while in possession of the Red Shell.

In the Mario Kart series

In the Mario Kart series, since the first installment Super Mario Kart, Red Shells can home in on the opponent whose rank is one higher than the driver's. Red Shells can be picked up in singles or triples, in which case they circle around the kart until all three are fired. In this state, they can be used as a barrier, useful for blocking contact with other hazards, such as Bananas and other shells. However, they offer no protection against Spiny Shells and Fake Item Boxes. If the character comes in contact with any other driver, then the other driver will be knocked over. The exception to this rule is in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, where the shells are carried rather than circle around a character's kart. Whenever you fire a Red Shell behind you, it will travel in a straight path like a regular Green Shell, so they are more useful to launch in front of you. In Mario Kart DS Wi-Fi mode, Red Shells could not be dragged by holding the item button.

In the Super Smash Bros. series

Red Shells also appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series. They were in both Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Unlike the Green Shell, which went in a straight path until it fell off, the Red Shell will stay on one platform, and bounce back and forth hitting anyone in its path (including the user). They disappear over time, however. Notably, the Red Shell is absent from Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

In the Mario & Luigi series

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

Red Shells are a Bros. Item, and are sold for 80 coins at certain Item Shops. It is essentially a more powerful variation of the Green Shell.

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In the Mario Strikers series

In the Mario Strikers series of soccer games, Red Shells work very similar to the Green Shells, which are also featured as item. Red Shells differ in that instead of moving in one direction, they attack any opposing player. Whenever a Red Shell is collected, it will be collected in a group of three, somewhat like Triple Red Shells from the Mario Kart series. This allows it to home in on three opposing players, however, one will not get hit. These can be used when trying to perform a Mega Strike, or a Skillshot. There is also a very small chance of a Red Shell missing an opposing team member, and start bouncing around the stage like a Green Shell. The giant variety of this shell also appeared in the games.

In Super Mario Galaxy

Red Shells reappear in Super Mario Galaxy as an offensive weapon. Like the Green Shells in the game, Mario can only hold the Red Shell, not ride it. If Mario throws the Red Shells near an enemy, it will target that enemy until it hits something. Underwater, it allows Mario to swim faster and with greater ease. It can also be thrown at underwater creatures and defeat them as well. The other variety of shell that appear in Super Mario Galaxy are Gold Shells, which act like Red Shells when thrown.

Gallery

Super Mario Bros. 2 sprite

Super Mario Kart sprite (item roulette)

Super Mario Kart sprite (on the course)

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time sprite