Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, and Toad each have different strengths and weaknesses in jumping, running, and picking things up.

Overview

Each character has different jump heights and different jump speeds. Princess Toadstool has the unique ability to briefly float during a jump. Everyone runs at the same speed unless carrying an item, but different characters have different run speeds when holding an item. Also, some characters pick up items more quickly.

Which to Choose?

You can read the full details of each character farther down the page, but here are some basic recommendations:

• If you need to jump far, try Luigi
• If you need extra help with jumps, try Princess Toadstool
• If you want more chances for extra lives at the end of a level, try Toad
• If you want a good all-around choice, try Mario

Mario

Jumping

Mario is the second best at jumping. If he's holding an item, his jump height decreases slightly.

Running

Everyone runs at the same speed unless carrying an item. Mario is the second fastest when carrying an item.

Picking Up Items

Mario is the second fastest at picking up items (such as veggies, POW blocks, etc.)

Luigi

Jumping

Luigi jumps the highest and farthest, but his jumps are slow. If he's holding an item, his jump height decreases more than Mario's does.

Running

Everyone runs at the same speed unless carrying an item. Luigi is the third fastest when carrying an item.

Picking Up Items

Luigi is the third fastest at picking up items (such as veggies, POW blocks, etc.)

Princess Toadstool

Jumping

Princess Toadstool is the third best at jumping. In addition, she can hold the jump button to briefly float in mid-air. When carrying an item, her jump height decreases the most of any character.

Running

Everyone runs at the same speed unless carrying an item. Princess Toadstool is the slowest character when carrying an item.

Picking Up Items

Princess Toadstool is the slowest at picking up items (such as veggies, POW blocks, etc.)

Toad

Jumping

Toad comes in last place for jump height, but when carrying an item, his jump height is unaffected.

Running

Everyone runs at the same speed unless carrying an item, but Toad's speed decreases the least of any character.

Picking Up Items

Toad is the fastest at picking up items (such as veggies, POW blocks, etc.)