New Super Mario Bros./Controls

Default controls
Controls are semi-customizable, with the (somewhat limited) choice of which buttons are used to dash and jump. However, default controls are:

Controls in a course

 * – Move left, enter pipe to the left of Mario or Luigi.
 * – Move right, enter pipe to the right of Mario or Luigi.
 * – Enter pipe above Mario or Luigi or enter door behind Mario or Luigi.
 * – Crouch, Ground Pound (In the air), enter pipe below Mario or Luigi.
 * – Jump, confirm menu selection.
 * – Jump, exit menu.
 * / – Dash (Hold), launch fireball (Fire Mario and Fire Luigi only).
 * – Scrolls camera to the left. (Camera resets with any movement.)
 * – Scrolls camera to the right. (Camera resets with any movement.)
 * – Enter start menu.
 * – Uses item. (Tap item to use)

Controls on world map

 * – Move left, bring up menu for sign to the left of Mario or Luigi.
 * – Move right, bring up menu for sign to the right of Mario or Luigi.
 * – Move up, bring up menu for sign above Mario or Luigi.
 * – Move down, bring up menu for sign below Mario or Luigi.
 * – Enter course, Warp Pipe or Toad House, use cannon, confirm menu selection.
 * – Exit menu.
 * – Scrolls camera to the left. (Camera resets with any movement.)
 * – Scrolls camera to the right. (Camera resets with any movement.)
 * – Enter start menu.
 * – Travel to different world.

Basic Moves

 * Wall Jump:
 * Allows Mario or Luigi to jump off a wall, allowing him to climb up narrow shafts and reach places unreachable without this often needed move.
 * To perform:
 * Jump towards a wall. When touching the wall, hold the D-pad in the direction of the wall and press jump. If done correctly, Mario or Luigi will bounce off the wall, gaining height traveling a considerable distance (If he doesn't hit another wall). By repeating this over and over, Mario can quickly ascend narrow, vertical shafts..


 * Ground Pound:
 * Allows Mario or Luigi to bash blocks from above. Mini Mario and Mini Luigi can use this to hurt some enemies instead of bouncing from them.
 * To perform: In midair, press down on the D-pad. If you continue to hold the D-pad down, then Mario or Luigi will break multiple rows of blocks if possible. Release the D-pad before hitting the last row of blocks that you want to break, otherwise Mario might fall through!


 * Crouch 'n' Slide
 * Allows Mario's or Luigi's larger forms to slide under 1 block high gaps.
 * To perform:
 * Move a fair bit away from the gap you are trying to get through. Dash towards the gap and, just before you hit the gap, crouch. If performed correctly, Mario will slide under straight the gap. If you don't make it to the end of the gap, keep crouching, hold the D-pad in the direction you want to go and mash the jump button. You will emerge out the other side after bumping your head several times.


 * Swimming:
 * Basic movement under water.
 * To perform:
 * Press jump to rise up. You will automatically sink slowly. Take note that there is no way to accelerate your descent, nor is there a way to attack blocks below you. There is no way to defend yourself underwater (Other than launching fireballs or a Starman), so you will normally have to avoid enemies rather than killing them.


 * Swinging:
 * Allows Mario or Luigi to swing from vines and ropes.
 * To perform:
 * Jump towards the rope/vine. Mario will automatically grab it. When on the rope/vine, D-pad left and D-pad right will swing Mario or Luigi from side to side. Up and down move Mario or Luigi up and down on the rope/vine. Pressing jump will make Mario or Luigi let go of the vine, flinging him in the direction he was swinging.
 * Note that you will not be able to grab a vine if you are holding an object (see below).


 * Hold
 * Allows Mario to grab and throw Koopa shells and springs.
 * To perform:
 * Hold down dash and run into the object. Mario or Luigi will grab it. When you let go of dash, Mario or Luigi will either: A - Put the object down (if Mario or Luigi is standing still) or B - throw the object away (if Mario or Luigi is moving).


 * Spin Slam:
 * Allows Mario or Luigi to break a great sum of blocks in a row.
 * To perform:
 * In some courses there will be spinning springs in the air. when you jump on one, you will be launched in the air. Tornadoes will also send you into the air. While in the air, press D-pad down and you will spin to the ground.