Coin breakdown

Fifteen of the 120 Stars are simply from collecting 100 or more Coins in each course. Feel free to use this chart to aid in your coin collecting.

  Coins
Course Yellow Red Blue Yellow, from enemies Total
Bob-omb Battlefield 102 8 1 23 146
Whomp's Fortress 70 8 7 20 141
Jolly Roger Bay 55 8 6 3 104
Cool, Cool Mountain 105 8 3 18 154
Big Boo's Haunt 21 8 21 9 151
Hazy Maze Cave 41 8 9 37 139
Lethal Lava Land 97 8 2 10 133
Shifting Sand Land 65 8 7 20 136
Dire, Dire Docks 60 8 6 0 106
Snowman's Land 41 8 0 69 126
Wet-Dry World 94 8 6 12 152
Tall, Tall Mountain 85 8 3 21 137
Tiny-Huge Island 73 8 15 27 191
Tick Tock Clock 75 8 7 2 128
Rainbow Ride 77 8 6 23 146
Totals: 1061 120 99 294 2090

Notes:

  • Course 1: Bob-omb Battlefield - The Blue Coin comes from the Koopa Troopa that appears in Stars 3-6.
  • Course 2: Whomp's Fortress - Three Blue Coins come from defeating Piranha Plants.

Course 1: Bob-omb Battlefield

Location: Starting in the main floor of the castle, go up the staircase along the left wall and through the door with the blank star on it. Jump into the painting of Bob-ombs inside the next room.

Star 1: Big Bob-omb on the Summit
Go to the mountaintop and talk to Big Bob-omb. Get behind him, pick him up and throw him onto the mountaintop three times. If you throw him off the mountain, he'll jump back up and scold you.

Star 2: Footrace with Koopa the Quick
Talk to Koopa the Quick at the beginning, and he will challenge you to a race to where the Big Bob-omb was. Even though he takes a shortcut that Mario cannot, he will reach the top in a little over 1'30"00. Mario can run the race in about a minute, or use the flowerbed and cave warp zones for a 46-second finishing time. If you use a cannon, Koopa the Quick will say you cheated and won't give you the Star.

Star 3: Shoot to the Island in the Sky
If you haven't already opened the cannons, do it now by talking to the pink Bob-omb Buddy near the start. Head across the first bridge to the cannon in the gray stone half-pyramid. Line up the crosshairs with the corner of the floating island that is sticking out towards you, aim as high as you can, and fire! The Star is in the Yellow [!] Box on the island.

Star 4: Find the 8 Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins. Don't forget the one on the floating island.

Star 5: Mario Wings to the Sky
You need the Wing Cap to get this Star. First, get on the floating island, and get the Wing Cap from the Red {!} Box. Then, jump into the cannon and aim for the coin in the middle of the circle of coins. When you shoot out of the cannon, don't steer Mario at all; a wind gust will push Mario into all five "special" coins.

Star 6: Behind Chain Chomp's Gate
You'll need Chain Chomp's help for this one. Butt-stomp his wooden post three times to set him free. Before he hops away, he'll break open the cage containing the Star.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: Cross the first bridge and jump over the fence to the right. The warp is in the center of the yellow flowers.
Warp 1b: When you cross the bridge that tilts, climb up the stairs, and keep going straight and to the left of the Bob-ombs. The warp is in the center of the yellow flowers near the Red [!] Box.
Warp 2a and 2b: The tall mountain has two holes where big black balls roll out of. Stand in the back-center of a hole to warp to the other.

Course 2: Whomp's Fortress

Location: In the main floor of the castle, behind the 1-Star door in the lower-right. Jump into the painting of a castle tower.

Star 1: Chip off Whomp's Block
Climb to the top of the fortress to find the Whomp King. Stand in front of him and he'll try to fall on you. When he's flat on his face, butt-stomp his back. Three stomps will beat him, but try to stay on the top! If you go down too far off the edge, you'll have to start the battle over.

Star 2: To the Top of the Fortress
A tower has appeared where the Whomp King was. Make your way up the tower to find the Star.

Star 3: Shoot into the Wild Blue
Launch yourself out of the cannon to the platform underneath the tall pole. Climb down the short pole to the Star.

Star 4: Red Coins on the Floating Isle
Collect all eight Red Coins. You can knock down the wood plank on top of the tower to reach the floating islands.

Star 5: Fall onto the Caged Island
Jump in the tree next to the starting point to find Hoot the Owl. Grab on and steer him up and to the right by the floating islands. You'll see a small, caged floating platform containing the Star. Release your grip on Hoot and fall into the platform. (You can also use the cannon to launch yourself into the caged platform.)

Star 6: Blast Away the Wall
In the cannon, aim to the right, and you'll see a wall, some coins, and another wall. Launch yourself into the top-right corner of the second wall to break it and reveal the Star. Depending on the angle of your shot, you may have to go back up to get the Star.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: In the corner next to the only Green [!] Box on the level.
Warp 1b: In the corner of the platform with the top of a pole sticking out.

Course 3: Jolly Roger Bay

Location: Starting in the main floor of the castle, go up the staircase on the right side and into the 3-Star door. Jump into the painting of a sunken ship.

Star 1: Plunder in the Sunken Ship
Wait until the giant eel swims out of the ship, then swim into the window where he was. The four chests inside have to be opened in a specific order to get the Star. Starting with the chest in the back, open them in clockwise order.

Star 2: Can the Eel Come out to Play?
The giant eel has moved into a hole in the wall underwater near the jet stream. Swim near the eel and he'll swim out; the Star is on his tail.

Star 3: Treasure of the Ocean Cave
Swim through the tunnel near the ship. You will surface in a cave. Open the four chests in the correct order: 1) chest in the back, 2) chest on the left, 3) chest on the right, 4) chest in the front.

Star 4: Red Coins on the Ship Afloat
Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 5: Blast to the Stone Pillar
Launch yourself out of the cannon onto the leftmost spike that extends out of the water. You have to hit the top of the spike, or Mario will slide down. Climb to the top of the spike and jump onto the ledge with the Star.

Star 6: Through the Jet Stream
Get the Metal Cap by the purple [!] switch and jump into the water. Quickly run to the Star underwater in the jet stream.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Course 4: Cool, Cool Mountain

Location: In the main floor of the castle, behind the 3-Star door in the lower-left. Jump into the painting of snowmen in the middle.

Star 1: Slip Slidin' Away
Climb onto the house at the beginning and go down the chimney. Make it to the bottom of the slide and go out the door to get the Star. There is a shortcut on the right wall when it curves upward—just follow the line of coins into the wall.

Star 2: Li'l Penguin Lost
Pick up the baby penguin at the summit and carry it all the way down to the mama penguin. She will give you a Star for your effort.

Star 3: Big Penguin Race
Go down the chimney again, and beat the big penguin down the slide to the end. If you use the shortcut, the penguin will say you cheated, and he won't give you the Star.

Star 4: Frosty Slide for 8 Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins. One of them is down the slope under the broken bridge at the summit...

Star 5: Snowman's Lost His Head
Talk to the snowball at the top of the mountain. Win the race down the mountain and stand next to the snowball head. The rolling snowball will run into the head and create a snowman. Talk to him for the Star.

Star 6: Wall Kicks Will Work
Enter the cannon near the big penguin and launch yourself to the tree across the gap. Follow the path and use the wall kick technique to reach the Star.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: When you start the level, go around to the right. The warp is on the very end of the broken bridge.
Warp 1b: At the bottom of the level from the pool with the mama penguin in it, go right. The warp is at the very edge of the broken bridge.

Course 5: Big Boo's Haunt

Location: In the main floor of the castle, enter either of the two wooden doors with no stars on them. Then, go down the long hall where the big Boo appears and follow him into the door at the end. In the courtyard, kill the big Boo, then jump into the cage he drops. (The Boos won't appear in the courtyard until you have 12 Stars.)

Star 1: Go on a Ghost Hunt
Kill all five Boos to make Big Boo appear in the center of the house. Ground-pound or punch him three times to defeat him.

Star 2: Ride Big Boo's Merry-Go-Round
In the Merry-Go-Round, kill the Boos until Big Boo appears. Hit him three times to get a Star.

Star 3: Secret of the Haunted Books
Upstairs, in the room where the small books fly out at you, there are three books sticking out of the dead end. Hit them in this order: top, right, left. A secret passage will open, leading to the Star.

Star 4: Seek the 8 Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 5: Big Boo's Balcony
Upstairs in the room on the far right, there is a platform up high that you need to jump to. Wall kick up to it, then go in the door. In the next room, go through the double doors near the Blue Coin Box on the ground, and beat the Big Boo outside. The Star will appear on the roof. To get the Star, you can jump to either of the flat side ledges, then jump to the center platform with the Star. It's not easy.

Star 6: Eye to Eye in the Secret Room
Go back to the room upstairs on the far right, then walk around to the other side and enter the door. Get the Vanish Cap, then quickly go back in and wall jump to the high platform just like for Star 5. In the Blue Coin Box room, walk through the Boo picture on the wall and defeat Big Mr. I. for the Star.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Course 6: Hazy Maze Cave

Location: In the castle basement, follow the wall to the right of the fire painting (Course 7) and go through the door with the blank star on it. In the next room, drop into the pool of liquid metal.

Star 1: Swimming Beast in the Cavern
When you enter the course, take the left path to the "Black Hole" area. Enter the door behind the rolling rocks and take the elevator down to the underground lake. The Star is on the middle of the island near Dorrie the sea dragon. Ground-pound his back to make him lower his head. When you're on his head, you can steer him by moving the Control Stick.

Star 2: Elevate for 8 Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins. All eight are located in the Work Elevator room.

Star 3: Metal-Head Mario Can Move!
Take the elevator down to the underground lake. Get the Metal Cap, then quickly run underwater. Follow the path to the purple [!] switch and jump on it. The switch will open the red bars blocking the door in front of you. Enter the door and make it to the end for the Star.

Star 4: Navigating the Toxic Maze
Just before you drop down into the Hazy Maze, you'll see a map on the wall. The up arrow is where you will start; the down arrow is an exit. The three blue circles are ledges that you can double jump to reach. For this Star, find the ledge marked by the blue circle at the top of the map. The door there will take you to an elevator that leads to a Star.

Star 5: A-Maze-Ing Emergency Exit
Go back to the Hazy Maze and find the ledge marked by the blue circle on the left side of the map. Go in the door and use the elevator. In the next room, you can double jump up and grab onto the wire mesh to get the Star, or you can long jump over to it.

Star 6: Watch for Rolling Rocks
Get behind the rolling rocks, then face the door and look up; the Star is on the ledge to the right. You can use the wall kick technique to get up there.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Course 7: Lethal Lava Land

Location: In the castle basement, follow the curved green hallway into the next room. It's the fire painting along the back wall.

Star 1: Boil the Big Bully
Knock the Big Bully into the lava. The best way to do this is to stand on the edge and let him run towards you. When he gets close, jump and do a ground pound. He will run under you and get pushed off the platform.

Star 2: Bully the Bullies
There is a platform at the back of the level with three Bullies on it. Knock them all into the lava, and a Big Bully will appear. Knock him into the lava for the Star.

Star 3: 8-Coin Puzzle with 15 Pieces
Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 4: Red-Hot Log Rolling
In one corner of the level, there is a wire fence. Make your way over to it and use the spinning log to get on the island inside the fence. The Star is there.

Star 5: Hot-Foot-It into the Volcano
Jump into the volcano in the center of the level. Use the platforms along the wall to climb to the top and get the Star.

Star 6: Elevator Tour in the Volcano
Jump into the volcano in the center of the level. Once inside, turn around and get on the moving platform. Ride it to another moving platform, which takes you to a pole. Climb up to find more platforms that lead to the Star.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: At the start of the level, there is a platform behind you across the lava that has a Red [!] Box. The warp is in the center of that platform.
Warp 1b: There is a Mr. I. near the start of the level. Underneath him is a hole in the grating. The warp is in the hole.

Course 8: Shifting Sand Land

Location: In the castle basement, follow the wall to the left of the fire painting (Course 7) and take another left down the hall until you reach a dead end. Jump into the wall at the dead end.

Star 1: In the Talons of the Big Bird
Punch or jump-kick Klepto the Condor to get him to drop the Star.

Star 2: Shining Atop the Pyramid
The Star is tucked away in an opening in the pyramid's peak. You can use the Wing Cap to fly to it, or carefully walk around the side platforms of the pyramid to the top.

Star 3: Inside the Ancient Pyramid
Enter the opening at the base of the pyramid. The Star is inside, all the way up at the top.

Star 4: Stand Tall on the Four Pillars
You have to stand on the top of all four pillars outside the pyramid. You can simply walk up the sides of them, but you'll have to use the Wing Cap or the nearby whirlwind to get on top of the one surrounded by quicksand. After you climb all four, the top of the pyramid will break apart. Fly or climb to the top and enter the opening. An elevator will bring you down to the red building in the center of the pyramid. Climb in and get ready to battle Eyerok! To defeat him, punch his eyes when they are open. Each hand takes three hits to defeat.

Star 5: Free Flying for 8 Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 6: Pyramid Puzzle
Get the five special yellow coins inside the pyramid. Two of them are on the moving sand bridge; the other three are in the center of small square platforms up above the sand bridge.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: There is a palm tree next to a small pool of water near where Klepto the Condor flies around. The warp is in the tree's shadow.
Warp 1b: In the corner where the cannon is, the ground is divided up into large squares. The warp is in the center of the fourth square down from the cannon.
Warp 2a: Inside the pyramid, in the corner of the second floor, there are some Goombas around a pole that goes up to the third floor. After you climb the pole, the warp is in the corner on your right. This takes you above the grating on the second floor where you can get a 1-Up. (This is a one-way warp.)

Course 9: Dire, Dire Docks

Location: When you enter the castle basement, go left and enter the large star door (requires 30 Stars). Go into the big wall of water.

Star 1: Board Bowser's Sub
Swim through the tunnel into the next area. Step on the purple [!] switch by the wall to the right of the submarine. Use the blocks that appear to get on top of the sub. The Star is at the other end.

Star 2: Chests in the Current
Swim straight down to the four chests. Open them in this order: 1) chest by the clam shell, 2) chest with three Coins around it, 3) chest farthest from the tunnel, 4) chest closest to the whirlpool.

Star 3: Pole-Jumping for Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 4: Through the Jet Stream
Rings of water rise up from the jet stream in the room with the submarine. Swim down through five in a row. The Star will appear on the ground inside the jet stream. Put on the Metal Cap to get the Star.

Star 5: The Manta Ray's Reward
The manta ray will leave rings of water behind him as he swims around. Swim through five in a row.

Star 6: Collect the Caps...
The Star is inside the red cage underwater. Get the Vanish Cap, then get the Metal Cap. Jump down in the water and walk through the cage to get the Star.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Course 10: Snowman's Land

Location: Go to the castle's second floor and enter the blank star door to the right of the Skeeter painting. On the left side you will see a picture in the mirror that is not on the wall. Jump into the wall where the picture should be.

Star 1: Snowman's Big Head
Make your way to the other end of the level (ignore the Chill Bully for now) and eventually you'll find a pond and ice blocks endlessly sliding down a pathway. Jump over the ice blocks and then do a double or triple jump to reach the platform behind the ice block shooter. Keep going up and the snowman will talk to you when you reach the bridge. To get across without getting blown off, walk alongside the large penguin so that he blocks the snowman's breath, or jump on top of the penguin's head and ride across. The Star is at the top.

Star 2: Chill with the Bully
Knock the Chill Bully off the platform for a Star.

Star 3: In the Deep Freeze
Get the Star in the ice block maze near your starting point.

Star 4: Whirl from the Freezing Pond
Go back to the ice block shooter and look for a brown wall nearby. Jump off of a Spindrift in the water and spin over the wall. You'll find two Yellow [!] Boxes. The box on the left box has the Star; the box on the right contains a turtle shell...

Star 5: Shell Shreddin' for Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 6: Into the Igloo
Get the turtle shell from the Yellow [!] Box next to Star 4. Follow the coins up the ramp on the left side of the pond, then crawl into the igloo. Get the Vanish Cap and walk through the walls to get the Star in the maze.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: In the shadow of the tree in the corner to the right of the starting point.
Warp 1b: In the shadow of the tree just before the pond with the ice block shooter.

Course 11: Wet-Dry World

Location: When you enter the second floor of the castle via the spiral staircase, you'll see the painting of a Skeeter (water spider) right in front of you. The starting height of the water is affected by how high you jump into the painting.

Star 1: Shocking Arrow Lifts!
In the Yellow [!] Box near the Arrow Lifts, which are up high near the stone tower that has two giant yellow arrows on it.

Star 2: Top o' the Town
It's in a Yellow [!] Box on the highest platform. There's a wooden plank by the Chuckya that leads right to it.

Star 3: Secrets in the Shallows & Sky
Find all five secret spots. One is behind the pushable block at the very bottom of the level; one is in the Yellow [!] Box next to the pushable block at the very bottom of the level; one is behind the block that you can push into a wall near the lowest Heave-Ho; one is in the Yellow [!] Box above Star 4; and one is in the Yellow [!] Box above the raised platform that has an Amp spinning around it.

Star 4: Express Elevator--Hurry Up!
It's in the cage up high. First, you need to lower the water level to the ground. Break the block at the bottom of the cage, then go up the level and get on top of the cage with the Star. Stand on the left half of the wooden platform and it will take you down to the bottom. Jump off, run through the hole where you broke the block, then jump on the wooden platform inside the cage before it goes up, and it will take you up to the Star.

Star 5: Go to Town for Red Coins
Use the cannon to launch yourself into the grate in the opposite corner of the level. Swim down into the other section of this stage, where you can find all eight Red Coins.

Star 6: Quick Race Through Downtown!
Use the cannon to launch yourself into the grate in the corner of the level, then swim to the other section of this stage. First, lower the water level with the diamond in the corner right by the entrance. Next, use the Vanish Cap to get behind the grate in the corner of this section. Finally, wall kick your way to the Star at the top.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: The water level must be all the way down in order to use this warp. On the ground there is a white structure made up of three steps. On the second step, there is an Amp (spinning ball that will shock you). On the third step there is a diamond that will raise the water level. The warp is on the ground (you will be standing in the water) in the corner of the smallest step and the largest step.
Warp 1b: In the corner on the platform with the cannon. If you are standing on the ramp up to the cannon facing the cannon, the warp is in the farthest corner on the left.

Course 12: Tall, Tall Mountain

Location: Enter the second floor of the castle and go to the back wall behind the staircase. It's the small painting of mushroom platforms.

Star 1: Scale the Mountain
At the very top of the mountain.

Star 2: Mystery of the Monkey Cage
Catch Ukkiki the Monkey at the very top of the mountain (where Star 1 was). Let him go, and follow him. He'll open the cage with the Star.

Star 3: Scary 'Shrooms, Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 4: Mysterious Mountainside
Near the top of the mountain, just past the Fwoosh, you'll see a square panel on the mountainside with five coins in front of it. Walk up to the wall and it will wiggle like one of the castle paintings. Jump into the wall to find another slide. Survive the ride all the way to the end for a Star.

Star 5: Breathtaking View from Bridge
Step on the purple [!] switch near the top of the mountain. This will make a block appear in front of you, and another block will appear in front of the waterfall. Go to the waterfall and jump on the block to get the Star behind the water.

Star 6: Blast to the Lonely Mushroom
Use the cannon to shoot yourself into the Star that is sitting on top of the mushroom platform. The cannon is on a thin ledge beneath all the Monty Moles (or take Warp 1a). The Bob-omb Buddy is on a small ledge after the thin bridge just past the Chuckya.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: In the chasm with the mushroom platforms with the red coins on them, there are two very small platforms with no coin on them next to each other. The warp is on the small platform closest to the center of the chasm.
Warp 1b: At the other end of the path with the cannon, there is a square area with a signpost. The warp is in the corner against the two mountain walls.

Course 13: Tiny-Huge Island

Location: Go to the castle's second floor and enter the blank star door to the left of the Skeeter painting. The next room has two Goomba paintings on either side. If you enter the painting on the left, you will be big and the course will be small. If you enter the painting on the right, you will be small and the course will be big. Inside the Course, going down a pipe will change you from big to small, and vice-versa.

Star 1: Pluck the Piranha Flower
At the green pipe near the purple [!] switch, five giant Piranha Plants will appear if you are small Mario. Defeat all five for the Star.

Star 2: The Tip Top of the Huge Island
Near the top of the mountain, small Mario will find a Yellow [!] Box that has the Star.

Star 3: Rematch with Koopa the Quick
As small Mario, go past the source of the rolling balls and you'll soon find Koopa the Quick, ready for a rematch. Talk to him, win the race, and claim your Star.

Star 4: Five Itty Bitty Secrets
To find all five secret spots, you have to be Big Mario. One is on the cannon; one is the hole where the balls roll out of; one is the other side of the hole in the wall where you start the level; one is the hole in the mountain above the sand slope; and one is at the very top of the mountain.

Star 5: Wiggler's Red Coins
As small Mario, launch yourself from the cannon at the tree. (To find the Bob-omb Buddy, you need to be big Mario and go to the cannon area.) When you catch the tree, climb down and walk across the wooden bridge and into the hole. Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 6: Make Wiggler Squirm
As big Mario, climb up to the pool at the very top of the mountain and ground-pound the center. This will create a small hole. Go back down and turn into small Mario, then climb back up and go down the hole to battle Wigger. Jump on her head three times to defeat her.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: When you are big Mario, there is a purple [!] switch on the ground that will make a temporary bridge appear that leads to a floating platform with a coin in the corner. The warp is where the coin is. (This is a one-way warp.)

Course 14: Tick Tock Clock

Location: Enter the second floor and take the staircase on the right. Go in the large star door (requires 50 Stars). In the next room, jump into the face of the clock.

*Note: The speed of the moving parts inside depends on the clock's minute hand position when you enter. If the minute hand is on the right, the parts move slowly. If the minute hand is on the left, the parts move quickly. Enter at half-past an hour (minute hand on the "6") to make the parts move randomly. If you enter at any hour exactly on the hour (1 o'clock, 4 o'clock, 12 o'clock, etc.), all the parts will be stopped. You can't get all the Stars with the clock stopped, however.

Star 1: Roll into the Cage
Keep climbing the platforms and eventually you'll see the Star in a "cage" next to a yellow conveyer belt. The clock may be stopped or moving for this Star (easier when stopped).

Star 2: The Pit and the Pendulums
Go back to Star 1, but get on top of its cage and continue going up the clock. After you climb a pole guarded by an Amp, stay on that platform and go past the Heave-Ho under two Yellow [!] Boxes. Use the yellow triangular platform to get across the next gap, and you should see the Star behind two pendulums. The clock may be stopped or moving for this Star (easier when stopped).

Star 3: Get a Hand
When you reach the fire-shooting ball, jump on the clock hand platform and let it take you over the pit. It will bring you right to the Star in the wall. The clock must be moving for this Star.

Star 4: Stomp on the Thwomp
Climb up the pole guarded by an Amp and take the platforms above the pole to go even higher. Eventually you'll find another clock hand platform by a fire-shooting ball. Jump on the clock hand and let it take you to a yellow conveyer belt. At the end of the conveyer belt, jump onto the Thwomp to reach the Star. The clock must be moving for this Star.

Star 5: Timed Jumps on Moving Bars
Climb up higher than Star 1, but not as high as Star 4. You will see the Star in a cage. You need to use the platforms that pop out of the wall to get the Star.

Star 6: Stop Time for Red Coins
Collect all eight Red Coins. The clock may be stopped or moving for this Star (easier when stopped).

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Course 15: Rainbow Ride

Location: Third floor of castle, in the room with the clock (Course 14). The side walls have square-shaped openings that you can jump into. The right side takes you to Course 15. The left side has a secret level called "Wing Mario over the Rainbow."

Star 1: Cruiser Crossing the Rainbow
Ride the flying carpets up to the floating ship. The Star is on the end of the ship.

Star 2: The Big House in the Sky
Ride the carpets up as high as you can go (you will pass through the house in the sky twice). The Star is on top of the house in the sky.

Star 3: Coins Amassed in a Maze
Collect all eight Red Coins.

Star 4: Swingin' in the Breeze
From the group of four spinning platforms, take the path to the pole going down. This leads to an area with platforms that swing back and forth. Keep going until you reach a wood slope. Go up the stope and across yet another swinging platform to the Star.

Star 5: Tricky Triangles!
Follow the path to Star 4, but don't go up the wood slope. Instead, keep going forward, and after a few more platforms you should see a purple [!] switch on the ground near some pyramid blocks. Step on the switch and the blocks will temporarily turn upside down so you can jump on them. Climb up and get the Star.

Star 6: Somewhere over the Rainbow
Launch yourself from the cannon through the rainbow ring to grab the pole coming from the floating island. Climb down and grab the Star from the Yellow [!] Box. (The cannon is on the opposite end of the floating ship as Star 1.) If you didn't talk to the Bob-omb Buddy yet, he's in the Red Coin area. At the Spinning Heart and Blue Coin Box, you can wall-kick up the side and that will lead you right to him.

Star 7: Collect 100 Coins.

Warp 1a: Outside on the edge of the platform leading into the house in the sky. (Directly across from the fireplace.)
Warp 1b: In the center on top of the rectangular structure with all the Red Coins.

Bowser Courses

Bowser in the Dark World

Location: Go up the stairs in the main floor of the castle and through the large star door (requires 8 Stars). There's a trap door in the next hallway that takes you to the Bowser course.

Prize: The first key, which opens the locked door to the castle basement and gives you access to Courses 6, 7, and 8.

To defeat Bowser: Run around him, pick him up by the tail, and move the analog stick in circles. The faster you swing him, the farther you will throw him. Throw him into one bomb to defeat him.

Star 1: Collect all eight Red Coins.

Bowser in the Fire Sea

Location: In the castle basement, enter the large star door (requires 30 Stars), then fall into the hole in the ground. (You must first get the "Board Bowser's Sub" Star in Course 9 to move the wall of water blocking it.)

Prize: The second key, which opens the locked door to the upper floor of the castle and gives you access to Courses 10, 11, 12, and 13.

To defeat Bowser: Run around him (easiest after he breathes fire or runs at you), pick him up by the tail, and swing him into one bomb.

Star 1: Collect all eight Red Coins.

Bowser in the Sky

Location: On the third floor in the room with Courses 14 and 15, enter the upper large star door and go up the staircase. If you don't have at least 70 Stars, the stairs will go on forever...

Prize: Rescuing Princess Peach.

To defeat Bowser: Run around him (easiest when he throws fire), pick him up by the tail, and swing him into three bombs.

Star 1: Collect all eight Red Coins.

Switch Courses

Red ! Switch (Wing Cap)

Location: After you get 10 Stars, a light will shine down on the main floor where you first enter the castle. Stand on the carpet in the light and look up (C-Up Button) at the sun to enter the Wing Cap Course. The red ! switch is on the center platform.

Description: Gives Mario the power of flight. Start flying by executing a triple jump or by shooting Mario out of a cannon.

Green ! Switch (Metal Cap)

Location: In Course 6, make your way to the underground lake and climb onto Dorrie's head. Steer her over to the platform with the double steel doors. Jump off onto the red grating and go through the doors. In the next room, drop into the pool of metallic liquid to enter the Metal Cap Switch Course. Turn left at the signpost to find the green ! switch.

Description: Lets Mario walk underwater, but he won't be able to swim. Also, he won't be affected by water or toxic gas.

Blue ! Switch (Vanish Cap)

Location: Go to the castle basement and take the curved green hallway towards Courses 6-8. Enter the wooden door and turn right. Take the next right, and another, and you should see another wooden door by a blue flame on the wall. Go in and take a swim to the end of the room. There should be two small platforms in the water that you can jump on. Ground pound both of them to drain the moat. Next, go in the steel door on the ground behind the pillars and head towards the waterfall outside the castle. You'll find a hole nearby that takes you to the Vanish Cap Switch Course.

Description: Lets Mario walk through wire nets and other special walls. He is invincible to flames and enemies.

Castle Secret Stars

  1. Princess's Secret Slide - Finish the race in 21 seconds or longer.
  2. Princess's Secret Slide - Finish the race under 21 seconds.
  3. The Secret Aquarium - Collect all eight Red Coins.
  4. After you have 15 Stars, catch MIPS the Rabbit in the castle basement where Courses 6 through 8 are. He will give you a Star.
  5. After you have 20 Stars, talk to the Toad in the room where you enter Course 6. He will give you a Star.
  6. After you have 30 Stars, in the upper level of the castle where Courses 10 through 13 are, Toad will give you a Star if you talk to him.
  7. After you have 50 Stars, catch MIPS the Rabbit again for another Star.
  8. After you have 50 Stars, in the room with Courses 14 and 15, talk to Toad, and he will give you a Star.
  9. Wing Mario over the Rainbow - Collect all eight Red Coins.
  10. Bowser in the Dark World - Collect all eight Red Coins.
  11. Bowser in the Fire Sea - Collect all 8 Red Coins
  12. Bowser in the Sky - Collect all 8 Red Coins
  13. Tower of the Wing Cap (Red ! Switch course) - Collect all 8 Red Coins
  14. Cavern of the Metal Cap (Green ! Switch course - Collect all 8 Red Coins
  15. Vanish Cap Under the Moat (Blue ! Switch course) - Collect all 8 Red Coins

Frequently asked questions

Where are all 15 Castle Secret Stars?
  1. Finish Princess's Secret Slide in 21 seconds or more
  2. Finish Princess's Secret Slide under 21 seconds
  3. Get all 8 Red Coins in The Secret Aquarium
  4. Catch MIPS the Rabbit after you have 15 Stars
  5. Catch MIPS the Rabbit after you have 50 or more Stars
  6. Talk to Toad by Course 6 entrance
  7. Talk to Toad on the third floor of the castle
  8. Talk to Toad on the second floor of the castle
  9. Get all 8 Red Coins in Tower of the Wing Cap (Red ! Switch course)
  10. Get all 8 Red Coins in Cavern of the Metal Cap (Green ! Switch course
  11. Get all 8 Red Coins in Vanish Cap Under the Moat (Blue ! Switch course)
  12. Get all 8 Red Coins in Bowser in the Dark World
  13. Get all 8 Red Coins in Bowser in the Fire Sea
  14. Get all 8 Red Coins in Bowser in the Sky
  15. Get all 8 Red Coins in Wing Mario Over the Rainbow

I lost Mario's hat! How do I get it back?
Mario takes more damage without his cap, so it's wise to keep it on as much as possible. If you haven't saved your game since you lost your cap, and if you're really desperate, just hit Reset and start again. Otherwise, return to the course you lost your hat in to reclaim it.

  • If you lost it in Course 8: Shifting Sand Land - Klepto the Condor has it. Climb to the top of the pillar closest to the pond and jump-kick Klepto as he flies by. He will drop your cap.
  • If you lost it in Course 10: Snowman's Land - The next time you enter the course, a Mr. Blizzard should pop up near the beginning, wearing your cap. Run a few tight circles around him to defeat him.
  • If you lost it in Course 13: Tall, Tall Mountain - Go up the mountain and find Ukkiki the Monkey. He'll be wearing your cap. Catch him, and he will give you back your cap.

How do I find Yoshi?
After you collect 120 Stars, look for a cannon (that was previously covered with a grate) near the lake outside the castle. Shoot yourself onto the roof of the castle. Yoshi will be walking around up there. If you talk to him, he'll give you 100 lives and an improved Triple Jump. Then he'll then jump off the roof, never to be seen again...

Where's Luigi?
Originally, Luigi was supposed to have been in the game, but was not included due to time constraints.

How do I ride Yoshi?
You can't!