A Shine Sprite is an object that debuted in Super Mario Sunshine, but has since had many appearances in other Nintendo games. Shine Sprites bear a close resemblance to the sun and emit a strong yellow light that is said to act as a power source. They act as the guardians of Isle Delfino.
History
Super Mario Sunshine
Shine Sprites make their first appearance in the 3D game, Super Mario Sunshine. In the game, Shine Sprites power the island of Isle Delfino, and bathe the island in sunlight. After Shadow Mario graffitied the island with his magic paintbrush, all the Shine Sprites left the island. After Mario was blamed for Shadow Mario's crimes, he had to travel all over Isle Delfino to find and retrieve them. The game has a total of 120 Shine Sprites, but only 50 are needed to beat the game, similar to Super Mario Galaxy's Power Stars, though an alternative ending becomes present with the collection of 120 Shine Sprites.
Mario Kart series
Shine Sprites make their first appearance in the Mario Kart series in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. Here, they have their own minigame, Shine Thief, in which up to four racers compete to find and hold onto a Shine Sprite until the timer reaches zero. Players can use weapons to remove the Shine Sprite from the other player's control.
Shine Sprites play a similar role in Mario Kart DS, appearing in a multiplayer minigame. The only difference is that there are multiple Shine Sprites to collect, rather than just one.
Shine Sprites appear again in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the battle mode Shine Runners, however the mode has again been limited to one Shine Sprite.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Shine Sprites play a more minor role in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Shine Sprites are scattered across the game in little boxes, and if Mario collects three, he can get one of his partners to learn a new move. If the player finds the second orb in Hooktail's Castle, they can power up their partner a second time. There are a total of forty-two shine sprites in the game, enough to power Mario's partners up twice.
Official Profiles and Statistics
The revered symbols of Isle Delfino normally gather at the Shine Gate. Their collective power sustains the island.
![]() | ||
---|---|---|
Characters | Protagonists | Mario • F.L.U.D.D. • Princess Peach • Toadsworth |
Antagonists | Bowser • Bowser Jr./Shadow Mario | |
Other Characters | Il Piantissimo • Pianta • Noki • Noki Elder • Noki Elder's Grandson • Toad • Hotel Delfino Manager • Yoshis | |
Locations | Areas | Isle Delfino • Delfino Airstrip • Delfino Plaza • Bianco Hills • Ricco Harbor • Gelato Beach • Pinna Park • Sirena Beach • Noki Bay • Pianta Village • Corona Mountain |
Other Areas | Windmill Village • Hotel Delfino | |
Bosses | Main Bosses | Bowser • Bowser Jr. • Shadow Mario • Petey Piranha • Gooper Blooper • Phantamanta • King Boo • Mecha Bowser • Eely Mouth • Wiggler |
Minor Bosses | Polluted Piranha Plant • Plungelo • Monty Mole | |
Enemies | Enemies | Piranha Plant • Strollin' Stu • Boo/Red Boo • Bullet Bill • Electro Koopa • Snooze-a-Koopa |
Miscellaneous | Items | Shine Sprite • 1-up Mushroom • Water Bottle • Fruit |
Nozzles | Spray Nozzle • Hover Nozzle • Rocket Nozzle • Turbo Nozzle | |
Other | Fluff Festival • Watermelon Festival |