Rainbow Mario is invincible for a short while, and can instantly defeat any enemy he touches. Rainbow Mario's run speed will increase if he continuously runs. Rainbow Mario returns to normal Mario once the Rainbow Star wears off.
Ice Mario can walk and skate on water. Ice Mario returns to normal Mario once the Ice Flower wears off.
Fire Mario throws fireballs to attack enemies, light torches or quickly melt snowmen. Fire Mario returns to normal Mario once the Fire Flower wears off.
Spring Mario bounces around instead of running. Spring Mario will automatically wall-jump once he hits a wall. Spring Mario returns to regular Mario if he takes damage, touches water, or touches a Launch Star.
Bee Mario will continue to hover until the Flying Meter reaches zero, then he will begin to fall. The Flying Meter will recharge once Bee Mario touches the ground. Bee Mario can also stick to and walk on honeycomb walls, and walk on clouds and flowers. Bee Mario returns to regular Mario if he takes damage or touches water.
Boo Mario can turn transparent to pass through bars and certain types of walls, and he can float. Boo Mario returns to regular Mario if he takes damage or touches light.
Flying Mario, as the name suggests, can fly for a short time. Flying Mario will return to regular Mario once the Red Star wears off.
Controls
| Transformation | Item | Control | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Mario | Rainbow Star | N/A | N/A |
| Ice Mario | Ice Flower |  (shake) |
Throw ice ball, skate on ice |
 |
Walk (walking on water freezes it) | ||
| Fire Mario | Fire Flower | (shake) |
Throw fireball |
| Spring Mario | Spring Mushroom |  (while landing) |
High jump |
| Bee Mario | Bee Mushroom | |
Hover |
|
Movement | ||
| Boo Mario | Boo Mushroom | (shake) |
Turn transparent |
|
Float | ||
| Flying Mario | Red Star | + (shake) |
Fly |
 |
Stop Flying | ||
|
Direction |