Ground Pound Life Saver

If you're falling from a tall height, do a ground pound at the last second to save yourself from getting hurt.

To do a ground pound, while in the air press ZL.

Unlimited Lives

Face the front of the castle and go right to the waterfall. Climb up the third tree from the waterfall and hold Up do a handstand on top.

A 1-Up mushroom will appear to give you an extra life.

Each time you enter and exit the castle the 1-Up mushroom will return to the tree and you can grab it again, stocking up as many lives as you want.

Free Money

Anytime you see a short log sticking out of the ground, run around it a few times and five coins will pop out.

Instant Karma Butterflies

If you see a butterfly and punch it, it will either turn into a floating bomb that will chase you down or a 1-Up mushroom.

Butterflies are located outside the castle and in three levels (Whomp's Fortress, Tall, Tall Mountain, and Tiny-Huge Island).

Jump Really, Really Far

The long jump is one of the most powerful moves in the game. It can get you across insane distances and is key if you plan to perform any cheats.

To do a long jump, while running press ZL + B.

You can do a chain of long jumps if you keep holding down ZL and press B as soon as Mario touches the ground.

Water Health Hack

If your health meter is low, just jump into any body of water that's deep enough for you to be fully submerged in.

After swimming underwater for a few seconds, rise to the top and your health meter will replenish fully.

Super Secret Extra Life

In Whomp's Fortress, there's a hidden 1-Up mushroom inside the stone tower at the top of the level.

Walk around to the backside of the tower and punch the middle of the wall. An extra life will be waiting inside.

Extra Life at Final Bowser Battle

Since the third and final Bowser battle can be tricky, the developers hid an extra life near the entrance to the battle to keep you going.

Before entering the battle, head to the left of the battle's warp pipe. Behind a column you'll find a 1-Up mushroom.

Time Control

You can change the mechanics of Tick Tock Clock depending on where the clock hands are pointing when you jump into the level.

The hands are always moving, so wait until they reach certain spots to get different results.

— Minute hand on the 3 = level mechanics will move slowly
— Minute hand on the 6 = level mechanics will move erratically
— Minute hand on the 9 = level mechanics will move quickly
— Minute hand on the 12 = level mechanics will not move at all

Tick Tock Clock is located on the third floor of the castle behind the Big Star Door.

Control the Water Levels

You can change how high the water level is in Wet-Dry World depending on where you jump into the painting.

The higher you jump into the painting, the higher the water in the level will be. The lower you jump in, the lower the water will be.

Wet-Dry World can be found on the second floor of the castle.

Baby Penguin Belly Flop

In Cool Mountain, press B while running to do a dive. If you dive next to the baby penguin near the start, it will mimic you with a belly flop.