The goal of this is to provide a non-exhaustive breakdown of the different shell jump / shell tricks in kaizo mario games. This page will be updated as I encounter new shell tricks in games. Supplemental YouTube videos will accompany the gifs– added over time. This is intended to be a resource for kaizo beginners.

Some games have modified shell physics which enable additional shell tricks to be performed. Those shell tricks will not be featured here, this is for vanilla-possible tricks only.

Normal Shell Jump

Normal Shell Jump Gif

This shell jump will seem difficult at first, but serves as the basis of most shell jumps you will encounter. After enough practise this will feel very easy. You need to stand approximately two tiles from the wall. Jump, and release the shell into the wall at the peak of mario’s jump. A visual cue you can use is Mario’s hat will lift up slightly when mario is at the peak of his jump. Regrab the x/y button, and never let go of jump (a/b) throughout this whole process. Some common mistakes and how to correct them:

  • If the shell passes through mario you either released the shell too close to the wall or too early
  • If the shell kills mario you threw the shell too late

Double Shell Jump

Double Shell Jump Gif

This will be very hard the first time you attempt this. The difficulty is primarily focused in throwing up the shell and giving yourself enough time to get the first shell jump off. I assure you, after some practice it will feel very easy. I have a few tips / steps that help me ensure the highest success rate:

  1. Get as much of a run up to the shell as possible
  2. Grab the shell and jump straight up
  3. Kill your momentum so that you are two tiles away from the wall, facing it
  4. At the peak of your jump throw the shell up (if you killed your momentum well enough it should go straight up, not at an angle)
  5. Release your jump button to fast fall to the shell at the bottom
  6. Do your first shell jump normally
  7. The second shell should fall in your hands, release it at the peak of your first shell jump height

Neutral Shell Jump

Neutral Shell Jump Gif

This shell jump is probably the easiest of all listed here. You need to land on the side of the shell not facing the wall without holding x/y. Mario will kick instead of grabbing the shell into the wall. You then very quickly want to grab x/y, holding the dpad direction towards the wall.

Shell Surf

Back Shot