Introduction to the "items":
When you drive over the question block, you can immediately select an item, by pressing the item button. A good tactic, if you need to get an item quickly in a tight situation. Also, when you have a valuable item, such as a red shell. Use it wisely. Don't use it straight away. See if you can pass your opponents, to a certain extent where you cannot reach an opponent in front, then use your red shell

Coins:
Coins can be picked up around the track. They increase your speed gradually depending upon how many coins you have. If you don't have any coins if you are contacted by an opponent you'll immediately spin out of control. Bummer!

Banana (Skin):
Oooh... Banana. Can I have a bite. Nope. Cause it's only the skin. Pesky ape DK Jr. must have got to it before you. Anyhoo, you can drop these behind you. Useful, to stop people trying to get past you. Or throw it in front of you. Just press Up and A.

Mushroom:
No you can't eat the mushroom. No it won't turn you big. This red mushroom gives you a burst of boost. Handy, if you're at the back! Use it wisely in areas where you don't have to turn. Straight roads to be precise.

Green Shell:
Get this pesky green shell, and shoot it directly in front of you to an opponent. Cool. It goes right up their ass! Or you can deviously drop it (Down and A), so anyone who goes into it spins out of control. Pity Mario can't pick it up then throw it at someone! Don't shoot this at the wall in front, else it'll rebound and hit you back.

Red Shell:
This homes in on the opponent in front, so use this wisely. Not as easy to get as the green one.

Red Feather:
You don't fly with this! You just jump and spin around at the same time. Great for dodging shells that are aimed at you, or to jump over a banana you didn't see. Also can be used to access shortcuts.

Lightning:
Hee hee! Get this and turn everyone miniature except yourself. Use wisely! Use it when no-one has a star and when your near the last lap, so that you can easily catch up. Drive over opponents to slow 'em down more!

Star:
Just like in the Super Mario Bros. Series this makes you invincible! INVINCIBLE! So, if you see some geezer in front of you, go straight through them to send them spinning out of control!

Special Items:
The computer players have their own special items:

• Mario - Star
• Luigi - Star
• Yoshi - Egg
• Princess Toadstool - Shrinking Mushroom
• Koopa Troopa - Green Shell
• Toad - Shrinking Mushroom
• Donkey Kong Jr. - Banana Peel
• Bowser - Fireball

Human players are unable to get the special items, except the stars as Mario and Luigi. These special items are given as a special ability to the computer players.