Editing ? Block

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{{split|? Block|Long ? Block}}
{{item-infobox
{{about|the recurring object throughout the Super Mario franchise|the glider in Mario Kart Tour|[[? Block (glider)]]}}
|title = Question Block
{{redirect|Item Block|VS Item Block|[[! Block#Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS|! Block § Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS]]}}
|image = [[File:Question Block NSMB.png|200px]]
{{distinguish|[[Coin Box|? Box]] or [[! Block]]}}
|description = A yellow block with a white question mark.
{{item infobox
|first_appearance = ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[1985]])
|title=? Block
|latest_appearance = ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' ([[2012]])
|image=[[File:Question Block - Nintendo JP website.png|200x200px]]<br>General promotional artwork
|effect = Releases an item or coins when hit.
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1985|1985]])
}}
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario & Luigi: Brothership]]'' ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
The '''Question Block''' (shortened as '''? Block''', also known as the '''Mystery Block''' in ''[[Super Mario Land]]'' and the '''Prize Block''' in ''[[Super Mario World]]'') is one of the many [[block]]s found in the ''[[Mario (series)|Mario]]'' universe, and one of the most common. Question Blocks are usually seen floating in midair, often containing [[Gold Coin]]s, [[Super Mushroom]]s, or [[Fire Flower]]s. In some games (for example ''[[Paper Mario]]'' and ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', as well as several classic platformers) there are some invisible Item Blocks. Beginning in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', there are different ways to hit the block other than simply punching it from below. One example is when Mario or [[Luigi]] use the [[Super Leaf]], [[Tanooki Suit]] or [[Cape Feather]], they can use their tails or cape to whack the Question Block. Another example is using the [[Koopa Shell]]; [[Mario]] or [[Luigi]] can kick the Koopa Shell at the Item Block. In ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' and ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'', a [[Ground Pound]] may also be used to activate it.
|effect=Releases an item or [[coin]] when hit (can release enemies in the ''Super Mario Maker'' series)
 
|related=[[Coin Block]]<br>[[Brick Block]]<br>[[Empty Block]]<br>[[Hidden Block]]
Much mystery enshrouds the Question Blocks, and little detail has been given about their origin. ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', however, gave the explanation that [[Bowser]], using the [[Koopa Troop|Koopa Clan]]'s famous dark magic, had cursed the [[Mushroom Kingdom]], turning its citizens (presumably the [[Toad (species)|Toads]]) into a variety of objects, including [[brick]]s (which the Item Blocks could alternately be thought of as). The game's manual later talked about how [[Mario]] could "come across Mushroom People who had been turned into bricks" and receive items from them. Although this is the only official history origin of the Item Blocks, it would appear to have been long retconned out of Mario games, with Question Blocks now seemingly being a natural feature of the Mushroom Kingdom. Item Blocks are not to be confused with [[Exclamation Mark Block]]s, which are similarly floating blocks.
|variants=[[Flying ? Block]]<br>[[Mega ? Block]]<br>[[Spiked ? Block]]}}
A '''? Block''' (alternatively '''Question Mark Block'''),<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario Bros.'' Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console digital instruction manual|page=10 and 13}}</ref> also called a '''Question Block''',<ref>In-game in the Minigame Match mode of ''[[Mario Party: The Top 100]]''</ref> a '''Mystery Block''',<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario Land'' instruction booklet|page=8|date=1989|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> a '''Prize Block''',<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario World'' instruction booklet|page=22|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|date=1991}}</ref> a brown '''Question Mark Box''',<ref>{{cite|author=Prima Bath|title=''Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide|page=105|date=April 7, 1999|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|language=en-us|isbn=0-7615-2103-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Prima Bath|title=''Ultimate Nintendo 64 Pocket Power Guide, 1999 Edition'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide|page=79|isbn=0-7615-2083-X|date=April 21, 1999|language=en-us|publisher=Prima Games}}</ref> or simply a '''?''',<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario Bros.'' instruction manual|page=7|date=1985|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> is a type of [[block]] found in midair, often containing [[coin]]s, [[Super Mushroom]]s, [[Fire Flower]]s, or [[Super Star]]s, and may also be [[Hidden Block|invisible]]. ? Blocks first appear in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', though beginning with ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', there are different ways to hit the ? Blocks other than simply [[jump]]ing into them from below, such as using a tail whip with a [[Super Leaf]] or [[Tanooki Suit]] or a cape spin with a [[Cape Feather]] to hit the blocks, or kicking a shell at them. As of ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' and its sequels, a [[Ground Pound]] may also be used to activate them. Hitting a ? Block turns it into an [[Empty Block]]; if the ? Block contains multiple items, it remains as a ? Block until all of its items have been released.


==History==
==History==
===''Super Mario'' series===
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros.''====
====''Super Mario Bros.''====
[[File:SMB Qblock.png|frame|left]]
[[File:SMB Qblock.svg|frame|left]]
? Blocks are very common blocks that appear in many [[level]]s in ''Super Mario Bros.'', first appearing in [[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-1]]. They appear to be flashing and give coins or items that can help [[Mario]]. They are sometimes needed to complete a level or provide extra help for Mario. A select few release a [[vine|beanstalk]] that Mario can climb to reach the [[Coin Heaven|Bonus Stage]].
''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' is the Question Block's debut appearance in the ''Mario'' series, along with a handful of other items. They appear to be flashing and they give Mario either coins or items that can help [[Mario]]. They are very common, since they are sometimes needed to complete a level or help Mario in a tough situation. Some blocks are hidden and can be only seen when Mario happens to hit them. Some blocks also release [[Beanstalk]]s into the air, making it available of climbing.
 
The instruction booklet for ''Super Mario Bros.'' states that [[Bowser]], using the [[Bowser's Minions|Turtle Tribe]]'s famous dark magic, had cursed the [[Mushroom Kingdom]], turning the [[Toad (species)|Mushroom People]] into a variety of objects, including [[Brick Block|brick]]s. [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]], being the only person who could reverse the spell on her people, was kidnapped by Bowser.<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario Bros.'' instruction booklet|page=2|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=1985|language=en-us}}</ref> Later, it is mentioned that [[Mario]] can receive a Magic Mushroom, Fire Flower, or Starman from these cursed bricks.<ref>{{cite|quote=If you come across mushrooms who have been turned into bricks or made invisible, they reward you by giving you a power boost.|title=''Super Mario Bros.'' instruction booklet|page=8|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=1985}}</ref> This would appear to be the origin of the ? Blocks since the English version also uses the term "brick" to refer to blocks in general,<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario Bros.'' instruction booklet|page=9|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=1985}}</ref> although the Japanese version properly uses the term "block."<ref>{{cite|title=スーパーマリオブラザーズ (''Sūpā Mario Burazāzu'') instruction booklet|page=9|date=1985|publisher=Nintendo|language=Japanese}}</ref>


====''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels''====
====''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels''====
These blocks reappear in ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'' with the same appearance and function. No changes have been made to these blocks, but certain ? Blocks can contain a new anti-power-up, the [[Poison Mushroom]], which was also introduced in ''The Lost Levels''.
These blocks reappear in the sequel ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'' with the exact same appearance and function. Because of that, no changes has been made to these blocks, however, certain Question Blocks can contain the new tricky non-Power-up, the evil [[Poison Mushroom]]s, which was introduced in ''The Lost Levels'' as well. So the game used certain Question Block as traps by the [[Koopa Troop]].


====''Super Mario Bros. 3''====
====''Super Mario Bros. 3''====
[[File:SMB3 QBlock.png|frame]]
[[File:SMB3 QBlock.png|frame]]
Although absent in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', ? Blocks, also named '''Item Blocks'''<ref>{{cite|title=''NES Game Atlas'' Nintendo Player's Guide|date=1991|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|page=31, 35}}</ref> or '''Power-Up blocks''',<ref>{{cite|title=''NES Game Atlas'' Nintendo Player's Guide|date=1991|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|page=36}}</ref> return in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', though their design is slightly different: they do not flash; instead, the ? marks on the blocks scroll sideways. While they work as they did in ''Super Mario Bros.'', the item's direction depends on the side the block was hit on; hitting a block's right side causes a Super or 1-Up Mushroom to move left instead. On one occasion, ? Blocks were distinctly named depending on their contents; those with a Super Mushroom were named '''Mushroom Blocks''', those with a 1-Up Mushroom were named '''1-Up Blocks''', and those with a [[Beanstalk|Vine]] were named '''Vine Blocks'''.<ref>{{cite|title=''NES Game Atlas'' Nintendo Player's Guide|date=1991|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|page=29-30, 32, 34}}</ref>
Although absent in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', Question blocks have a slightly different design change; they are no longer flashing and the ? marks on the blocks seem to be moving in the game, ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''. They still cough up coins and other items that can help Mario when hit upon.


[[Mega ? Block]]s also debut in this game; they appear in [[Giant Land|World 4]] (where they contain the usual contents) and in bonus rooms (where they give 3 1-Up Mushrooms or one of the game's [[Frog Suit|three]] [[Tanooki Suit|suit]] [[Hammer Suit|power-ups]]). The above item pathway properties also apply to these blocks.
====''Super Mario World''====
[[File:FlyingBlockSMW.gif|frame]]
The Prize Blocks of ''[[Super Mario World]]'' have eyes and seem to be re-animations of that game's [[Rotating Block]]s. They also are given Rotating Block-like angry eyes when hit; these expressions-when-hit are often seen even in non-eyed Question Blocks today, making the Prize Block a possible relative of the Rotating Block. Otherwise, no function-related changes has been made. There are also flying variants called [[Flying Question Block]]s (or '''Flying ? Blocks'''), which fly left to right while moving up and down, but some of them fly always at a same direction. A red Question Block only found in the dark area of [[Bowser's Castle]] activates a spotlight.


====''Super Mario Land''====
====''Super Mario Land''====
[[File:SML Question Mark Block Sprite.png|24px|right]]
Question Blocks can be found once again in ''[[Super Mario Land]]''. Here, they serve the exact same purpose and function as the previous games they appeared in.
Mystery Blocks, also named Item Blocks,<ref>{{cite|title=Nintendo ''Game Boy'' Player's Guide|page=7|date=1991|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> appear in ''[[Super Mario Land]]'', although they are much smaller due to the gameplay resolution.
 
====''Super Mario World''====
{{multiframe
|[[File:FlyingBlockSMW.gif]][[File:Red Question Mark Block.png]]
|align=right
}}
The ? Blocks of ''[[Super Mario World]]'' have eyes identical to those of the game's [[Rotating Block]]s under their question marks. Otherwise, no function-related changes has been made. There are also winged variants called [[Flying ? Block]]s, which fly left to right while moving up and down. A red ? Block, only found in the dark final hallway of [[Bowser's Castle]], activates a spotlight.
 
====''Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins''====
? Blocks again have the same purpose in ''[[Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins]]'', more closely matching the usual appearance.


====''Super Mario 64 DS''====
====''Super Mario 64 DS''====
[[File:RedBlockSM64DS.png|thumb]]
In ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', red Question Blocks replace the red, blue, and green [[Exclamation Mark Block|! Blocks]] from ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. They are initially transparent, and had to be activated by hitting the [[? Switch]] in [[Tower of the Wing Cap|a secret level named after the switch]]. They contain either [[Power Flower]]s, [[Cape Feather|Feather]]s or [[Bob-omb]]s, depending on character and hat status. [[File:SM64DS FloatingPower.jpg|thumb|Mario using his Power Flower ability, with a red Question Block in the background]]
{{main|Cap Block}}
In ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', the red, green, and blue [[! Block]]s from ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' are reduced to a single type of red ? Block. They are initially transparent, and have to be activated by hitting the corresponding [[? Switch#Super Mario 64 DS|? Switch]] in a [[Tower of the Wing Cap|secret course]].


====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
[[File:Blue QBlockNSMB.png|frame|left]]
[[File:Blue QBlockNSMB.png|frame|left]]
In ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', ? Blocks return, used as they were in previous 2D ''Super Mario'' games. Red Flying ? Blocks similar to the ones from ''Super Mario World'' fly around the world map, moving to different levels every time [[Mario]] or [[Luigi]] lose a life, complete a level, enter a [[Toad House]], etc. Five items can be inside: a [[Fire Flower]], [[1-Up Mushroom]], [[Mini Mushroom]], [[Mega Mushroom]], or a [[Blue Shell]]. Normal Flying ? Blocks from ''Super Mario World'' also appear, but while some of them fly left to right, others only move up and down. In two [[Ghost House]]s, ? Blocks that contain [[Boo]]s appear. The game also features rare [[Spiked ? Block]]s in [[World 6-3 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 6-3]], which only appear in this game. Mario must be careful to hit the block only on a spikeless side.
In ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', red Flying Question Blocks similar to the ones from ''Super Mario World'' fly around the world map, moving to different levels every time [[Mario]] or [[Luigi]] lose a life, complete a level, enter a [[Toad House]], etc. Five items can be inside: a [[Fire Flower]], [[1-Up Mushroom]], [[Mini Mushroom]], [[Mega Mushroom]], or a [[Blue Shell]]. Normal Flying Question Blocks from ''Super Mario World'' also appear, but all of them fly left to right, and some ones don't move from place, but still move up and down. Also, in two [[Ghost House]]s, Question Blocks that contain [[Boo]]s appear. The original yellow Question Blocks also appear and the Beanstalk sprouting blocks make an appearance again. The game also features rare [[Spiky Question Block]]s in [[World 6 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 6]], which only appear in the game. Mario must be careful to hit the block only on a spikeless side. If the player hits the question block fast enough, a mushroom will come out.


Unlike in prior games, where ? Blocks can only be hit from below, by using power-ups, or by throwing something at them, ? Blocks in this game can also be [[Ground Pound|ground pounded]].
Unlike in the other games, where the player can only hit Question Blocks from below or throw something at them to release an object, Question Blocks in this game can also be [[Ground Pound|ground pounded]].
 
? Blocks vary in color depending on the theme of the level, with this trend recurring in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' and ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]''.


====''Super Mario Galaxy''====
====''Super Mario Galaxy''====
[[File:Galaxy_QuestionBlock.jpg|thumb|left|A ? Block in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''.]]
[[File:Galaxy_QuestionBlock.jpg|thumb|left|A Question Block in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''.]]
In ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', ? Blocks, making their 3D ''Super Mario'' debut, contain [[Star Bit]]s and coins, and can usually be hit multiple times before vanishing. Most ? Blocks with Star Bits release a multitude of Star Bits when hit, rather than acting like [[Coin Block]]s. Unlike in ''New Super Mario Bros.'', ? Blocks in this game cannot be ground pounded, the holes in the sides have nails in them, and the "?" flashes (like the block itself did in ''Super Mario Bros.''), rather than scrolling sideways.
In ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', Question Blocks contain [[Star Bit]]s and coins, and can usually be hit multiple times before vanishing. If the player manages to hit a Question Block with Star Bits, it would release a multitude of Star Bits before disappearing. Unlike in ''New Super Mario Bros.'', Question Blocks in this game cannot be ground pounded.


====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
[[File:Q Block.png|frame]]
[[File:Q Block.png|frame]]
The ? Blocks make a return in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''. Here, they have the exact function and appearance as in ''New Super Mario Bros.'' but some behave differently from the average stationary ? Block. In some levels, for example, some blocks tend to sway left and right along with other objects such as Brick Blocks and coins. Also, in multiplayer mode, power-up-holding ? Blocks spew out their contents upon being hit (depending of the number of active players and their forms). Mega ? Blocks lay in the water in some levels, where it is easier to ground pound them. Flying ? Blocks also appear, acting the same way as in the previous game, but the red ones on the map screen do not return. There is also a [[Ghost Block|haunted version]] that launches itself towards the player if they get near. In single player mode, a [[Toad (species)|Toad]] can be found trapped in a ? Block in certain levels; if Mario brings the Toad to the end of the level, he is awarded with a [[Toad House]], with the variation depending on the timer.
The Question blocks make a return in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''. Here, they have the exact function and appearance as in ''New Super Mario Bros.'' but some behave differently from the average Item block. In some levels, for example, some blocks tend to sway left and right along with other objects such as brick blocks and coins. Others lay in the water in some levels, where it is easier to ground pound them. Flying Question Blocks also appear, acting the same way as in the previous game, but the red ones that appear in the map didn't reappear.


====''Super Mario Galaxy 2''====
====''Super Mario Galaxy 2''====
[[File:SMG2 Flying Block.png|thumb|A Flying ? Block from ''Super Mario Galaxy 2''.]]
[[File:Flying Block.PNG|thumb|A Flying Question Block from ''Super Mario Galaxy 2''.]]
? Blocks reappear in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', looking and acting as they did in the first ''Super Mario Galaxy''. In this game, ? Blocks that release a bunch of [[Star Bit]]s when hit and Coin Blocks reappear. ? Blocks that release one Star Bit at a time when hit repeatedly do not return.
Question Blocks from ''Super Mario Galaxy'' re-appear in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]''. In this game, they once again release a bunch of [[Star Bit]]s when hit. [[Coin Block]]s that resemble Question Blocks also appear. Like in ''Super Mario Galaxy'', coins can be released one at a time from Coin Blocks. Question Blocks that release one Star Bit at a time when hit repeatedly do not return. The Flying Question Blocks from ''Super Mario World'' also appear, and they act the same; however, they don't move up and down while flying, and they vanish when they are hit, the same as normal Question Blocks in this game. They make chirping noises while they fly (like a bird).
 
Flying ? Blocks from ''Super Mario World'' also appear, and they act the same; however, they do not move up and down while flying, and they act just like normal ? Blocks otherwise. They make chirping noises while flying, like birds.


====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
[[File:Question Block 3D.png|thumb|left|The artwork of a ? Block from ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''.]]
[[File:Question Block 3D.png|thumb|left|The artwork of a Question Block from ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''.]]
? Blocks reappear in ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'', looking and acting as they do in the 2D ''Super Mario'' games, though they are not animated. A rare wearable version called the [[Coin Box|? Box]] is introduced, which gives infinite coins to the player as they move or jump. Like the [[Propeller Box]], if the player finishes a level with a ? Box, they are awarded an extra life and the box is removed. '''Long ? Blocks''' are also introduced, which give the player three coins (two if they contain items) in one hit. [[Blokkablok]]s, which also debut in this game, have some of their body segments as spiked ? Blocks; these blocks break when hit, unlike normal ? Blocks.
Question Blocks appear in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] game, ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''. Unlike past 3D ''Super Mario'' games, they can be activated with a [[Ground Pound]] and transformed into [[Used Block]]s. Like past ''Super Mario'' games, they can produce items, such as the [[Super Leaf]]. A rare wearable version called the ''[[Question Box]]'' is introduced, which continuously provides coins to the player as he moves or jumps. Like the [[Propeller Block|Propeller Box]], if the player finishes a level with a Question Box, he is awarded an extra life and the box is removed. Rectangular Question Blocks are also introduced, which have the same effect as a normal block; however, they give the player three coins in one hit.
<br clear=left>


====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
The ? Blocks reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]''. Long ? Blocks from ''Super Mario 3D Land'' also reappear, with the same function as before; they are also used as the platforms [[Reznor]]s stand on.
The Question Blocks reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]''. Rectangular Question Blocks from ''Super Mario 3D Land'' also reappear, with the same function as before. [[Reznor]]s also stand on them.


====''New Super Mario Bros. U''====
===''Paper Mario'' series===
The ? Blocks also reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', acting as in the previous games. [[Mega ? Block]]s and [[Ghost Block]]s also return in this game.
[[File:Block TTYD.png|thumb|50px]]
 
In the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]], Red Question Blocks contain [[badge]]s and yellow ones contain coins or items. Question Blocks are sometimes invisible at first. They are turned visible by jumping into them (or using [[Watt]] in ''Paper Mario''). Once they are visible, they can also be used as stepping stones.
====''Super Mario 3D World'' / ''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''====
Both regular ? Blocks and Long ? Blocks reappear in ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' and ''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]'' with a metallic design, working as they did in ''Super Mario 3D Land''. In multiplayer, power-up-holding ? Blocks work like they do in the ''New Super Mario Bros.'' games, but rather than spewing items out, they act like normal Coin Blocks (depending on the number of active players; this applies only for power-ups in the case of Long ? Blocks). The [[Coin Box]]es from ''Super Mario 3D Land'' also appear; however, they work more like the [[Gold Block]]s of ''New Super Mario Bros. 2'', and are also shinier than a regular ? Block.
 
Occasionally, hitting a ? Block would make an 8-bit sprite of [[Luigi]] pop out of the block.
 
====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Super Mario Maker 2''====
? Blocks reappear in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'', ''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]'', and ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'' as objects that can be placed into levels. Power-ups, [[Trampoline]]s, [[P Switch]]es, [[Vine]]s, [[Yoshi's Egg]]s, [[Goomba's Shoe]]s, and enemies can be placed in these blocks.
 
====''Super Mario Run''====
? Blocks serve the same function in ''[[Super Mario Run]]'' as in previous games. However, when they are hit and produce anything other than a singular coin (including multiple coins at once), the contents of the ? Block are thrown forward. The faster the player is moving, the faster and farther the items will go. Sometimes [[Color coin]]s can be found in ? Blocks. Some ? Blocks flash in rainbow colors, this indicates a block that contains something more impactful than just a single coin.
 
In [[Airship Plunder]] and certain [[Super Mario Run#Remix 10|Secret Course]]s, ? Blocks are linked to [[crate]]s. When enough crates are broken, the ? Block starts giving off yellow sparkles, and hitting such a block will dispense a [[Super Star]] instead of any other item(s). Breaking a crate in such an instance causes a red number to appear, much like with [[Red Coin]]s. This number shows the number of crates that must be broken to cause the change, and 0 is represented by a star icon.
 
In the Toad Rally mode, during a [[Coin Rush (Super Mario Run)|Coin Rush]], or in [[Super Mario Run#Remix 10|Remix 10]] while the player is [[Invincible Mario|invincible]], all ? Blocks are flashing. When these are hit, their contents are modified compared to how they are outside of either state. If it contained any number of coins, then the ? Block will produce a large number of coins. If it contained any power-up, then it will produce three power-ups. The trajectories of the power-ups are slightly modified so they land next to each other but do not overlap.
 
A special type of ? Block also appears in the Bonus Game that follows each run of Remix 10, which grants the player a random [[List of Kingdom Builder items in Super Mario Run|building or decoration]] that can be used in Kingdom Builder. Much of the time, this ? Block does not release an item when hit. Instead it releases a coin, grows larger and allows the the player to hit it again. The rarity of the reward the player receives from the ? Block is determined by how many times they are given the chance to hit it before it releases an item, which is random. If the player hits the ? Block once and it becomes [[Empty Block|empty]], they receive a 1★ reward. Two hits results in a 2★ reward, and so on. The maximum number of hits the ? Block can take is five, in which case the player receives a 5★ reward, the highest possible star rating for the Bonus Game. If the ? Block emanates sparkles, then the player is guaranteed to be able to hit it at least three times and so receive at minimum a 3★ reward.
 
The list below are the 1★ and 2★ rewards obtained from a ? Block. The rewards that are 3★ or higher are shown [[Bonus ? Block#List of rewards|here]].
{|class=wikitable width=75%
|-
!1★
!2★
|-
|
*Blue Hill
*Green Hill
*Red Hill
*Purple Hill
*Yellow Hill
*Blue Hill Pair
*Green Hill Pair
*Red Hill Pair
*Purple Hill Pair
*Yellow Hill Pair
*Blue Flower Patch
*Green Flower Patch
*Red Flower Patch
*Purple Flower Patch
*Yellow Flower Patch
*White Flower Patch
*Blue Mushroom
*Green Mushroom
*Red Mushroom
*Purple Mushroom
*Yellow Mushroom
*Little Blue Mushrooms
*Little Green Mushrooms
*Little Red Mushrooms
*Little Purple Mushrooms
*Little Yellow Mushrooms
*Round Tree Pair
*Round Tree Trio
*Fruit Bush
*Red Flowering Bush
*Acorn Tree
*Palm Tree
*Grass Clump
*Fir Tree
*Poinsettia
*Dandelion
*Banana Statue
*Blue Toad House
*Green Toad House
*Red Toad House
*Purple Toad House
*Yellow Toad House
|
*Blue Pipe A
*Green Pipe A
*Red Pipe A
*Purple Pipe A
*Yellow Pipe A
*Blue Pipe B
*Green Pipe B
*Red Pipe B
*Purple Pipe B
*Yellow Pipe B
*Blue Pipe C
*Green Pipe C
*Red Pipe C
*Purple Pipe C
*Yellow Pipe C
*Posh Blue Toad House
*Posh Green Toad House
*Posh Red Toad House
*Posh Purple Toad House
*Posh Yellow Toad House
*Block A
*Block B
*Block C
*Block D
*Block E
*Mario Goal Pole
*Luigi Goal Pole
*Peach Goal Pole
*Yoshi Goal Pole
*Toad Goal Pole
*Toadette Goal Pole
|}
A Super Bonus Game holding a [[Bonus ? Block]], however, also appears, which not only guarantees a reward of 3★ rarity or higher, but also has a possibility of yielding a rare 6★ reward.
 
====''Super Mario Odyssey''====
[[File:SMO Question Block Metro Kingdom.jpg|thumb|200px|A crosswalk sign ? Block in the Metro Kingdom]]
Standard ? Blocks appear in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', giving coins, [[Heart (item)|Hearts]], or [[Life-Up Heart]]s when hit by Mario or [[Cappy]]. If the player uses the [[Cap Throw|Cap Throw & Hold]] on a block with multiple coins in it, Cappy will stop next to the ? Block and hit it repeatedly. This is identical to a Ground Pound. Once the block is empty, Cappy's movement resumes. In the [[Metro Kingdom]], several yellow crosswalk signs can be seen, illuminated with the same question mark. When hit, these signs act the same as any other ? Block and the light turns off.


====''Super Mario Bros. Wonder''====
In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' during [[Bowser]]'s event, [[Meat]] will come out of the Question blocks. If the player obtains four of these Meats, Bowser will grow huge, allowing him to smash through objects.
? Blocks and their long variants return in ''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]'', and mostly function the same as previous entries. Some ? Blocks can be found directly under a ceilings, and when hit, they always drop their contents downwards as though they were ground pounded. Some ? Blocks will, rather than dispense an item, rocket themselves upwards when struck from below or to the side. When ground pounded, they instead shoot downwards. These shooting ? Blocks can trigger other ? Blocks, collect coins, and defeat enemies.


During a [[Wonder Effect]], some ? Blocks become purple in color, and will only drop [[flower coin]]s. When the Wonder Effect ends, these blocks return to normal.
Question Blocks will also appear in ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]].


===''Wario Land'' series===
====''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3''====
[[File:RiceBeachCourse1FaceBlock.png|thumb|Face Blocks in ''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3'']]
? Blocks, known here as '''Face Blocks''',<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 88|date=September 1996|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|page=[https://imgur.com/a/5m2Mlbg 77]}}</ref> have been redesigned for ''[[Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3]]'', now having faces rather than its distinctive question mark, but still serving the same function. Its expression is initially cheerful, but when used, it changes into a grumpy one. [[Wario]] can hit one of these blocks by jumping from the bottom or [[Dash Attack|Body Slam]]ming from the side; upon doing so, a 1 Gold Coin, [[Heart (Wario Land series)|heart]], or [[Power Up Pot]] may appear. These power-ups can be one of the following: [[Garlic bottle|Garlic]], [[Viking helmet|Bull]], [[Dragon Pot|Dragon]], or [[Jet Pot|Jet]]. The player can also reveal the contents by heating it with [[Dragon Wario (Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3)|Dragon Wario]]'s flames.
====''Virtual Boy Wario Land''====
In ''[[Virtual Boy Wario Land]]'', ? Blocks start out with their usual design, but used ones have the same unhappy face as in ''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3''.
{{br}}
===''Donkey Kong'' (Game Boy)===
[[File:1-1 DK GB.png|thumb|left|160px|Ending of ''Donkey Kong'']]
? Blocks appear during the ending of ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'', to show that the main cast fell into what seems to be the Mushroom Kingdom.
{{br|left}}
===''Mario Kart'' series===
===''Mario Kart'' series===
In the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]], as of ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', similar item blocks, called [[Item Box]]es are found on every track, replacing the [[? Panel]]s of ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''. They are usually semi-transparent and reappear when they get hit. While most of them are set on the ground, some float in midair, like ? Blocks.
In the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]], from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and onwards, similar item blocks, called [[Item Box]]es are found on every track. However, they are usually not flying up in the air but they are floating on the ground and they are usually semi-transparent and reappear when they get hit.  
 
In ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', on the track [[Wii Coconut Mall|Coconut Mall]], there is a shop that is selling ? Blocks along with other classic ''Super Mario'' items. In the track [[Wii Grumble Volcano|Grumble Volcano]], there are Mega ? Blocks on some of the sinking mountains, along with regular Brick Blocks.
 
In ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'', on the track [[Cloudtop Cruise]], after a gliding section, drivers land on a giant stone ? Block which has a beanstalk growing out of the side of it. They, along with the Brick Blocks, also return in {{classic|Wii|Grumble Volcano}} once more and also appear in {{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 3}}. ? Block engravings also appear on the vehicles [[Tri-Speeder]], [[Flame Rider]], and [[Standard Bike]], with a ? Block sticker on the [[Inkstriker]] (unless used by an Inkling). {{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}} has an [[Eiffel Tower]]-like structure with four ? Blocks, and {{classic-link|GBA|Ribbon Road}} has ? Blocks serving as the boxes for the Koopa Clown Car jack-in-the-boxes.
 
In ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', a row of two ? Blocks and three Empty Blocks appears in [[3DS Mario Circuit|3DS Mario Circuit T]] above the main track right before the finish line. It can be driven on after a [[Glider|glide]] and holds three [[coin]]s on top. The same row of blocks also appears in many Goomba Takedown bonus challenges carrying [[Goomba Tower]]s. ? Blocks and Empty Blocks also appear in large amounts in [[RMX Mario Circuit 1]], where they appear as platforms, and like in 3DS Mario Circuit T, driving off them allows the player to perform a [[Jump Boost]]. A ? Block surrounded by two [[Brick Block]]s is seen on the [[? Block (glider)|? Block]] [[glider]]. The [[Mii|? Block Mii Racing Suit]] resembles a ? Block, with a ? Block serving as the helmet and the suit being decorated with question marks that have the same shape as those on ? Blocks.


===''Yoshi's Story''===
In ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', on the track [[Coconut Mall]], there is shop that is selling Question Blocks along with other classic Mario items. In the track [[Grumble Volcano]], there are giant Question Blocks on some of the sinking mountains, along with regular Brick Blocks.  
[[File:YS Artwork --Block.jpg|thumb|100px|Artwork of a ? Block in ''Yoshi's Story'']]
In ''[[Yoshi's Story]]'', ? Blocks appear brown instead of yellow. Hitting them from below either spawns [[Coin (hopping)|coin]]s (acting either like a [[Coin Block]] with a [[melon]] as the eleventh hit or like coins that can be collected for a melon) or initiates one of two events: the [[Melon Race]] or [[Broad Jump]]. A ? Block is somewhat similar to a [[? Bubble]], which is a floating [[bubble]] that must be popped using an [[Egg Throw]] rather than hit from below. There is also a similar-looking object known as a [[Mystery Crate]], which is on the ground and must be [[Ground Pound|ground-pound]]ed to open.
 
===''Mario Party'' series===
[[File:CoinBlockBlitz.png|thumb|left|? Blocks in the Coin Block Blitz minigame of ''Mario Party'']]
? Blocks appear in some [[minigame]]s in the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]]. In ''[[Mario Party]]'', ? Blocks appear in [[Coin Block Blitz]], each containing one to twelve Coins, and when a ? Block disappears, it means it has been depleted. In ''[[Mario Party 7]]'', ? Blocks appear in the background of [[StratosFEAR!]], and are styled after the ones from the ''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'' version of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]''. In ''[[Super Mario Party]]'', nasal tissue dispensers shaped like a ? Block appear in the background of [[Sizzling Stakes]], and the object of [[Strike It Rich]] is is jump to ? Blocks in rhythm.
 
? Blocks also appear in some boards in the ''Mario Party'' series. In ''[[Mario Party: Island Tour]]'', ''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]'', and ''[[Mario Party: The Top 100]]'', ? Blocks appear as a board space in Party mode, Toad Scramble mode and Minigame Match mode, respectively. Landing on one of these spaces gives the player a random item. In ''[[Mario Party 10]]'', ? Blocks appear in the [[Normal Board]] and [[Mario Board]] in amiibo party, containing [[coin]]s or other items.
 
In the Bowser Kaboom Squad mode of ''[[Super Mario Party Jamboree]]'', a Toad delivers items in a ? Block in-between rounds. 
{{br|left}}
 
===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
Whilst ? Blocks do not appear in ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'', they are replaced by [[Treasure chest|treasure boxes]] with question marks on them, which have the same functionality.
 
===''Paper Mario'' series===
[[File:PM Badge Block Render.png|frame|left]]
[[File:PMTTYD Question Mark Block Sprite.png|thumb|50px]]
In the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]], '''Red ? Blocks''' contain [[badge]]s and yellow ones contain coins or items. ? Blocks are sometimes [[Hidden Block|invisible]] at first. They are turned visible by jumping into them (or using [[Watt]] in ''Paper Mario'' and [[Tippi]] in ''Super Paper Mario''). Once they are visible, they can also be used as stepping stones.
[[File:PMTTYD Red Block Shhwonk Fortress.png|thumb|left|[[Shhwonk Fortress]] Red ? Block.]]
[[File:PMTTYD Star Piece PetalMeadowsBackground.png|thumb|[[Petal Meadows]] Yellow ? Block.]]
In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', ? Blocks (parsed as '''? blocks''' in the original GameCube version) have the same function from the previous game.
 
In ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', some ? Blocks may hold [[Zombie Shroom]]s (and later, [[Ghoul Shroom]]s) within them. They can also sometimes be found on the ground. In [[Chapter 2-3]] there is a ? Block in the room on the second floor (the floor above the ground floor) which gives a [[Mushroom]] for 10 [[Rubee]]s. It returns to a normal ? Block after the hero eats the Mushroom and thus can be used indefinitely, as long as the hero has enough Rubees. After the Chapter is cleared, the ? Block can be used without payment.
 
In ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'', ? Blocks have their sides peeled off upon being hit. However, if Mario attempts to jump on a (albeit docile) [[Piranha Plant]] under a ? Block, Mario will only take damage, forcing him to defeat the plant before getting the block's contents.
 
Additionally, Mario can use [[Kersti]]'s [[Paperize|Paperizing]] power to create these blocks from small sized stickers from his album. All the player needs to find is a small Paperization zone with red dotted outlines. From there Mario can stick any small sticker, except Thing stickers, to it. Most of the time, when Mario hits the newly-created ? Block, the sticker he used to create it will come out differently; usually, the sticker will either be upgraded (e.g. from a Hammer Sticker to a Shiny Hammer Sticker) or it will turn into a different sticker type (e.g. from a Hammer Sticker into a Jump Sticker). Rarely, when one sticker is used to create a ? Block, three stickers will come out of it.
 
''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'' has ? Blocks return, this time with a flip-open top and a side-scrolling "?" mark (as in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''). They often give [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Battle Card]]s or coins, the former getting stronger in later levels or being more relevant to a level's boss fight, if any. Additionally, a new kind of block, the [[Unfurl Block]], looks similar, except it's red and has a "!?" symbol on it instead. [[Mega ? Block]]s also return in [[Mondo Woods]], having been enlarged by [[Kamek]].
 
In ''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]'', ? Blocks look similar to their appearance in ''Color Splash'', albeit the flip-open top has been replaced by a lid that floats for a brief moment when being hit, except for the ones at [[Origami Castle]] which boast a shinier appearance and often need to be pulled into shape first to be opened. Once opened a block will not revert to its previous state, much like in the first two games. Additionally, the [[Musée Champignon#Trophies|? Block Head Trophy]] is earned for hitting [[List of ? Blocks in Paper Mario: The Origami King|all ? Blocks]] in every location in the game.


===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Block#? Blocks}}
Question Blocks make an appearance as objects in the latter two games in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', Question Blocks appeared on the [[Mushroom Kingdom (stage)|Mushroom Kingdom]] stage and can contain items if attacked or simply smashed from below. They also appear in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' in the [[Mushroomy Kingdom]] stage, with the same purpose.
? Blocks make an appearance as objects in most [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'']] games. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', ? Blocks appeared on the [[Mushroom Kingdom (Super Smash Bros. Melee)|Mushroom Kingdom]] stage, which break and release items if hit or simply jumped into from below. They also appear in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''{{'}}s [[Mushroomy Kingdom]] stage (where they look more realistic and withered, with cracks and a metal border), as well as in [[3D Land]] (where they can give [[Super Leaf|Super Leaves]] more often) in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', and possibly in [[Super Mario Maker (stage)|Super Mario Maker]] (where they can give ''Super Mario'' items more often) in both 3DS and [[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]] versions with the same purpose, though they turn into [[Empty Block]]s after ''Melee''.


===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
{{multiframe
Question Blocks are one of many types of block to appear in the [[Mario & Luigi (series)|''Mario & Luigi'' series]]. They can give Mario and Luigi coins or items that can help them, similar to the series the blocks normally appear in. One hit on, they turn brown and they won't offer any more items. If Mario and Luigi happen to have 99 of the item found in the block, the item will remain in the block. This also applies if the player has 9999 coins.
|[[File:Block Superstar Saga.png]] [[File:Question Block ML-PIT.png]] [[File:Mario Luigi Bowser Story Block.png]] [[File:Question Block ML-DT.png]] [[File:Bowser'sMinionsBlock.png]]
|align=right
}}
? Blocks are one of many types of block to appear in the [[Mario & Luigi (series)|''Mario & Luigi'' series]]. They can give Mario and Luigi coins or items that can help them, similar to the series the blocks normally appear in. One hit on, they turn brown and they will not offer any more items. If Mario and Luigi happen to have 99 of the item found in the block (or 10 if playing ''[[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]]'' in [[Hard Mode]]), the item will remain in the block.


In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', there is a room in the [[Woohoo Hooniversity]] which is designed to study different kinds of ? Blocks. The blocks found in this room are from ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''Super Mario World'', and ''Paper Mario'', as well as the yellow [[! Block]] from ''Super Mario 64''. The ''Paper Mario'' block is said to appear to be made of soft materials but is quite hard,<ref>{{cite|quote=Appears to be made of soft materials but is actually quite hard. For professionals only.|title=''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''|date=2003|language=en}}</ref> the ''Super Mario 64'' block is said to be analyzed for its vanishing technology,<ref>{{cite|quote=Currently analyzing the new technology that makes it vanish when struck...|title=''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''|date=2003|language=en}}</ref> the ''Super Mario Bros.'' block is said to be made of secret materials with a metallic look,<ref>{{cite|quote=Made of secret materials from the Mushroom Kingdom. Metallic appearance is quite popular.|title=''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''|date=2003|language=en}}</ref> and the ''Super Mario World'' block is said to be made of light, shiny materials that are somewhat shock absorbent.<ref>{{cite|quote=Made of light, shiny materials. Somewhat shock absorbent.|title=''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''|date=2003|language=en}}</ref>
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', there is a room in the [[Woohoo Hooniversity]] which is designed to study different kinds of Question Blocks. The blocks found in this room are from ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''Super Mario World'', ''Paper Mario'' and ''Super Mario 64''.


In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', sometimes [[Tanoomba]]s and [[Tashrooba]]s can disguise as ? blocks with a leaf on top. When the Mario Bros. get close, it turns back into a Tanoomba or Tashrooba.
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'', Question Blocks look more like those in ''New Super Mario Bros.''. This game also featured a character named [[Broque Monsieur]], who appears to be made from Question Blocks. Some other characters such as [[Broggy]] and [[Broque Madame]] also appeared to be made from blocks.


In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'', ? Blocks in the Mushroom Kingdom look as they do in ''New Super Mario Bros.'' This game also introduces the [[Brock]]s, beings made of ? Blocks. [[Broque Monsieur]], [[Broggy]], and [[Broque Madame]] are the only Brocks in the game.
==Gallery==
 
<center><gallery>
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]]'', ? Blocks continue to appear. Two [[Shelltop]]s mention that they excavated two ? Blocks while they were working in [[Dozing Sands]].<ref>{{cite|quote=We excavated those blocks earlier today, but you can have 'em.|title=''Mario & Luigi: Dream Team''|date=2013|language=en}}</ref>  in the [[Dream World]], some blocks are oriented sideways or upside down. Blocks only respond to being struck from below, meaning Mario has to use certain [[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team#Luiginary Works|Luiginary Works]] ([[Luiginary Antigravity]], [[Luiginary Propeller]], and [[Luiginary Gravity]]) to orient himself to allow a jump to affect these blocks. More Brocks are introduced, such as [[Brickle]] and [[Britta]]. In addition, evil ? Blocks, known as [[Dark Block]]s, appear as enemies in the second visit to [[Dream's Deep]].
File:SMB Question Block.gif|''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''
 
File:SMASBlock.png|''Super Mario Bros.'' and ''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels'' (''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'')
''[[Mario & Luigi: Brothership]]'' retains the ? Block, which may hold items, but there is a variant with a backwards question mark that may have to be hit in one section of the Soli-Tree where [[Reclusa]] captures [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] in a dream.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1kxLySRoHs</ref>
File:Ani smb3qblock.gif|''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
 
File:Question Block.gif|''Super Mario Bros. 3'' (''Super Mario All-Stars'')
===''Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix''===
File:Super Mario Land Block.PNG|''[[Super Mario Land ]]
? Blocks appear in the background of [[Underground Mozart]] and [[Pipe Pop]] in ''[[Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix]]'', where Shy Guys can be seen dancing on top of them. They also appear in the credits sequence.
File:Block Super Mario World.png|''[[Super Mario World]]''
 
File:Super Mario Land 2 Block.PNG|''[[Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins]]
===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis''===
File:YS Artwork --Block.jpg|''[[Yoshi's Story]]''
[[File:MvDK2 -Block.png|frame]]
File:Paper_Block.png|''[[Paper Mario]]
? Blocks also appear in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]''. When hit from below, a ? Block produces a single [[Fire Flower]], which can be collected by a Mini to temporarily transform it into its [[Fire Mario|fire form]]. When a Mini hits a ? Block, the sound effect of hitting a ? Block from ''Super Mario Bros.'' is played. However, the "[[Ground Theme (Super Mario Bros.)|Ground Theme]]" can be faintly heard within this sound effect, implying that the sound was not properly isolated, and was instead recorded indirectly from gameplay of ''Super Mario Bros.''
File:Block Superstar Saga.png|''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''  
 
File:MALSS SMB Qblock.gif|''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'' (retro block)
===''Mario & Sonic'' series===
File:MALSS SMW Qblock.gif|''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'' (retro block)
? Blocks make a few minor appearances in the [[Mario & Sonic (series)|''Mario & Sonic'' series]]. In the [[Wii]] version of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii)|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'', several ? Blocks appear as props in the first segment of the Mario World routine in [[Dream Figure Skating]]. In ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'', characters can collect coins from ? Blocks during [[Mario's Figure Skating Spectacular]]. In the [[Nintendo 3DS]] version of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]'', ? Blocks appear in [[Golf Plus]], where the player can hit them with the ball to obtain a number of [[Star Coin]]s; however, the ? Blocks do not let balls pass through them, and once a block has been hit once it will turn into an Empty Block and produce no more Star Coins.
File:Mario Luigi Style Paper Mario Block.png|''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'' (retro block)
 
File:Block TTYD.png|''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''
===''Mario Tennis Open''===
File:Mario Luigi Bowser Story Block.png|''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]''
In ''[[Mario Tennis Open]]'', tennis gear with designs based on the ? Block are available for use by [[Mii]]s.
File:Question Block NSMB.png|''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]''
 
File:QuestionMarkBlockNSMB.png|''New Super Mario Bros.'' (sprite)
===''Nintendo Land''===
File:Galaxy_QuestionBlock.jpg|''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''
In ''[[Nintendo Land]]'', presents resembling ? Blocks can be won from the {{wp|pachinko}} minigame found in the central tower of the main plaza. For every stage completed in the minigame, a ? Block will fly out of the tower. After locating the ? Blocks on the plaza grounds, the player can tap them open to reveal different prizes based on objects found in the 12 attractions of the game. Mini ? Blocks also appear on the Jukebox prize and when tapped, will unlock a song the Player can play in the main plaza.
File:Q Block.png|''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''
 
File:PM3DS Qblock.png|''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''  
===''Mario Golf: World Tour''===
File:Question_Block_3D.png|''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''
Large ? Blocks appear in the courses of ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''. If the player hits the ball through one, they can earn a usable item. A ? Block appears in the animation of something being unlocked. The Mario Open trophy has a model of a ? Block.
</gallery></center>
 
===''Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker''===
? Blocks reappear in ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'' and its Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS [[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Switch / Nintendo 3DS)|ports]]. They can be activated by having [[turnip]]s thrown at them, luring [[Flaptor]]s to dive onto them, or by touching them on the GamePad. One such appearance is in [[Turnip Cannon Jungle]] at the top of the course only accessible by a [[Turnip Cannon]]. However, [[Pluck Patch]]es replace them in most cases.
 
===''Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition''===
{{main|List of ? Block items in Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition}}
[[File:PDSMBE-BlockIcon.png|thumb]]
? Blocks appear in ''[[Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition]]''. The player may come across one in a course, which can hold coins, 1-Up Mushrooms, Transformation Items, or Skill Items. Opening them requires the player to clear a certain amount of Orbs, make a certain amount of combos, and/or to arrange Orbs horizontally or vertically - the more objectives there are, the greater the rewards, with coins often being rewarded for the easiest challenges. ? Blocks will open only if the player successfully satisfies any and all conditions.
 
Depending on the world the course is in, the amount of coins the player is rewarded from a ? Block varies as follows:
*World 1-2: 10 coins
*World 3-4: 25 coins
*World 5-8: 50 coins (100 coins if cleared with two objectives; [[World 7-6 (Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition)|World 7-6]] and [[World 8-3 (Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition)|World 8-3]] only)
*★World 1-4: 75 coins
*★World 5-8: 100 coins (250 coins if cleared with three objectives; [[World 7-6 (Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition)#★World 7-6|★World 7-6]] and [[World 8-3 (Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition)#★World 8-3|★World 8-3]] only)
A minigame at [[Toad House]]s, Lucky ? Blocks, lets the player try their luck at winning items for 100 coins each attempt. Prizes include 1-Up Mushrooms, Transformation Items and Skill Items.
 
===''Mario + Rabbids'' series===
In ''[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]'', giant ? Blocks appear in the background of various areas. [[Beep-0]] states these ? Blocks are empty and wouldn't even give a sarcastic player hint. Additionally, the Block Blaster weapon is designed after a ? Block, while the Burning Question weapon uses ? Blocks with their original ''Super Mario Bros.'' sprite in its design. In the game's sequel, ''[[Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope]]'', several ? Blocks only appear in the background of the industrial area in [[Barrendale Mesa]].
 
===''Yoshi's Crafted World''===
[[File:YCW Question Block cameo.jpg|thumb|left|The ? Block seen on the "HANDLE WITH CARE" sticker in ''Yoshi's Crafted World'']]
In ''[[Yoshi's Crafted World]]'', a ? Block icon appears on a "HANDLE WITH CARE" sticker on the bridge in the flip side of [[Rail-Yard Run]]; the sticker's design is reused from the ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' loading screen. In the same level, another ? Block appears as a brand of chocolate on a box labeled "Caramel Blocks".
 
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
A Question Block<ref>''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'' subtitles</ref><ref>{{file link|TSMBM Monopoly Board.jpg|Monopoly ''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'' Edition board}}</ref> appears on the {{file link|Mario Movie Teaser Poster.jpg|first teaser poster}} for ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]''. At the beginning of the film, after [[Bowser]] destroys the [[penguin]]s' castle, he breaks open a Question Block that contains the [[Super Star]]. Later in the film, the [[Training Course]] is constructed from a giant Question Block that emerges from water, while normal Question Blocks are scattered throughout the course itself. Question Blocks also appear in the [[Great Ring of Kong]], where Mario hits one and transforms into [[Cat Mario]], causing [[Donkey Kong]] to laugh and exclaim that he got "the cat box". Additionally, upon the film's release, exclusive popcorn tins designed to resemble the Question Block's look in the movie were available to be purchased at participating theaters.
 
===Other appearances===
[[File:Mariocameo9LEGOCU.png|thumb|A ? Block in ''{{wp|LEGO City Undercover}}'']]
In the ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing (series)|Animal Crossing]]'' series, ? Blocks appear as furniture items. They originally use their ''Super Mario Bros.'' appearance, though their modern appearance is used in ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]'' and ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Horizons|Animal Crossing: New Horizons]]''. The [[nookipedia:Item:? Block (New Horizons)|? Block]] in ''New Horizons'' was added as part of the [[Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary|''Super Mario Bros.'' 35th Anniversary]].
 
In both versions of ''[[Nintendo Monopoly]]'', the ? Block cards replace the traditional Chance Cards.
 
In ''[[Monopoly Gamer]]'', ? Block spaces replace two of the traditional Railroad Spaces on the game board. Landing on one allows a player to roll the game's numbered die and collect that many coins from the Bank.
 
In ''[[nwiki:LEGO City Undercover|LEGO City Undercover]]'', five hidden ? Blocks are hidden in various parts of LEGO City. Hitting all of them unlocks a playable character. They only appear in the original and Nintendo Switch versions of the game.
 
In the Super Mario Mash-up in ''[[Minecraft]]'', Crafting Tables are replaced by ? Blocks.
 
? Blocks appear in the background of J. P. Spamley's office in ''{{wp|Ralph Breaks the Internet}}''; they appear to be based on the appearance in the original ''Super Mario Bros.'', rather than using their current design.
 
In ''[[nwiki:Game Builder Garage|Game Builder Garage]]'', the 25th puzzle in the Extra Checkpoint is named after the ? Block and involves making a fully functional block to hit from below to make an item come out.
{{br}}
{{br}}
===Unused appearances===
[[File:SMW2QuestionBlock.png|frame]]
[[List of Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island pre-release and unused content|Unused graphics]] indicate that ? Blocks were considered for ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]''. However, they are absent from gameplay in the final, with their role being taken up by [[Egg Block]]s and [[Winged Cloud]]s.
==Profiles==
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros. 3''====
*'''Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console electronic manual bio:''' ''Hitting these from below will yield coins or items.''
====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
*'''European website bio:''' ''The familiar ? Blocks are now longer than ever! Does this mean they contain more coins?!''
====''Super Mario Run''====
*'''? Block:''' ''A mysterious block that could hold anything inside. Touch it to find out what it contains.''
*'''Long ? Block:''' ''A long ? Block. Touch it and see what is hidden inside!''
===''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''===
{{SSB4 trophy
|name=? Block
|image='''3DS:'''<br>[[File:QuestionBlockTrophy3DS.png|100px]]<br>'''Wii U:'''<br>[[File:SSB4TrophyQuestionBlock.png|100px]]
|category=Series Related
|appears_in='''NES''' Super Mario Bros. (10/1985)<br>'''Wii U''' New Super Mario Bros. U (11/2012)
|trophy_box=7: Super Mario Bros.
|unlock=([[File:3DS Logo.svg|32px|link=Nintendo 3DS]]) Random<br>([[File:Wii U Logo.svg|32px|link=Wii U]]) Purchase at the [[smashwiki:Trophy Shop|Trophy Shop]]
|desc=How many times do you think you and Mario have punched ? Blocks? What if we added up the numbers for the entire world? If you were walking down the street and suddenly found a ? Block just floating there, would you jump up and punch it like Mario?
|desc2=How many times do you think you've made Mario hit a ? Block? How many times do you think everyone in the world's done it...? If you saw one just floating in mid-air while you were walking down the street one day, what would you do? Would you jump up and hit it?
}}


===''Paper Mario: The Origami King''===
==Trivia==
*'''Collectible Treasure No. 76:''' ''These are always fun to find. What will be inside this time? Some coins? An item? An enemy? So exciting!''
*In both versions of [[Nintendo Monopoly]], the Question Block cards replace the traditional Chance Cards.
 
{{BoxTop}}
==Gallery==
{{SM64}}
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
SMB Question Block.gif|''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]''
Block Super Mario World.png|''[[Super Mario World]]''
PMTTYD Question Mark Block Sprite.png|''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''
Question Block NSMB.png|''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]''
Rectangleblock.png|''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''
MarioMoviePopcornBlockTin.jpg|''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' Exclusive Popcorn Tin
</gallery>
 
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=?
|JapR=?
|JapM=?
|JapC=<ref>{{cite|title=スーパーマリオブラザーズ (''Sūpā Mario Burazāzu'') instruction booklet|language=ja|date=1985|publisher=Nintendo|page=7}}</ref>
|Jap2=ハテナブロック
|Jap2R=Hatena Burokku
|Jap2M=Question Mark Block (officially romanized as "Hatena Block")
|Jap2C=<ref>{{cite|author=Sakai, Kazuya (Ambit), kikai, Akinori Sao, Junko Fukuda, Kunio Takayama, and Ko Nakahara (Shogakukan), editors|title=『[[Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia|スーパーマリオブラザーズ百科: 任天堂公式ガイドブック]]』|language=Japanese|location=Tokyo|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|date=2015|page=21, 29, 41, 48, 61, 78, 119, 137, 151, 171, 186, 200, 216, 233}}</ref>
|Jap3=アイテムボックス
|Jap3R=Aitemu Bokkusu
|Jap3M=Item Box
|Jap3C=<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/a2dj/course/super_4/index.html|title=New スーパーマリオブラザーズ|accessdate=May 13, 2024|language=Japanese|publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|ChiS=？砖块
|ChiSR=? Zhuānkuài
|ChiSM=? Block
|ChiSC=<ref>{{cite|url=www.ique.com/3ds/arej/adventure/index.html|language=zh-hans|title=超级马力欧 3D乐园:冒险的舞台|publisher=iQue|accessdate=May 13, 2024}}</ref>
|ChiS2=物品箱
|ChiS2R=Wùpǐn Xiāng
|ChiS2M=Item Box
|ChiS2C=<ref>{{cite|url=www.ique.com/games/Mariobros/demo_9.htm|title=New 超级马力欧兄弟|publisher=iQue|language=zh-hans|accessdate=May 13, 2024}}</ref>
|ChiS3=问号砖块
|ChiS3R=Wènhào Zhuānkuài
|ChiS3M=Question Mark Block
|ChiS3C=<ref>{{cite|url=t.bilibili.com/386948498648693818|title=腾讯NintendoSwitch|publisher=Bilibili|language=zh-hans|accessdate=May 8, 2020}}</ref>
|ChiS3N=''New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe''
|ChiT=？磚塊
|ChiTR=? Zhuānkuài
|ChiTM=? Block
|ChiTC=<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.com.hk/3dland/adventure/index.html|language=zh-hant|title=超級瑪利歐 3D樂園 繁體中文版 - 香港任天堂網站|publisher=Nintendo HK|accessdate=May 13, 2024}}</ref>
|Dut=?-blok
|DutM=? Block
|Fre=Bloc ?
|FreM=? Block
|Fre2=Bloc Surprise
|Fre2M=Surprise Block
|Fre2N=''Super Mario Advance 2'' instruction booklet
|Fre3=Bloc mystérieux
|Fre3M=Mysterious block
|Fre3N=''Super Mario Land'' instruction booklet
|Ger=?-Block
|Ger2=Fragezeichenblock
|Ger2M=Question Mark Block
|Ger2C=<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'' instruction booklet|page=32|date=2003|language=de|publisher=Nintendo of Europe}}</ref>
|Hun=Erőnyerő
|HunM=Power wins
|HunN=''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''
|Ita=?
|ItaC=<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' Italian manual|page=7}}</ref>
|Ita2=Blocco con?{{sic}}
|Ita2M=Blocco with?; either meant as "Block with a question mark" or as "Block with [mystery item]"
|Ita2C=<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' Italian manual|publisher=Nintendo|language=Italian|page=17}}</ref>
|Ita3=Quadro con punto interrogativo
|Ita3M=Square with question mark
|Ita3C=<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Super Mario Land]]'' Italian manual|page=8}}</ref>
|Ita4=Blocco premio
|Ita4M=Prize Block
|Ita4N=SNES ''Super Mario World'' instruction booklet
|Ita5=? Blocco
|Ita5M=? Block
|Ita5C=<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'' Italian manual|page=9}}</ref>
|Ita6=Blocco ?
|Ita6M=? block
|Ita7=Mattoni premio
|Ita7M=Prize Bricks
|Ita7N=GBA ''Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2'' instruction booklet
|Kor=?블록
|KorR=? Beullok
|KorM=? Block
|Por=Bloco ?
|PorM=? Block
|Por2=Bloco de Prêmios
|Por2M=Prizes Block
|Por2N=SNES ''Super Mario World'' instruction booklet
|Rom=Piesă
|RomM=Piece
|RomN=DIC ''Super Mario'' cartoons
|Rom2=Bloc de întrebări 3D
|Rom2M=3D Block of questions
|Rom2N={{file link|HappyMealMcDonaldsRomania.jpg|McDonald's Romania 2017 Happy Meal box, ''Super Mario'' promotion}}
|Rus=Блок «?»
|RusR=Blok «?»
|RusM=? Block
|SpaA=Bloque ?
|SpaAM=? Block
|SpaE=Bloque ?
|SpaEM=? Block
|SpaE2=Bloque de premio<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2'' Spanish instruction booklet|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|date=2002|language=es-es}}</ref>
|SpaE2M=Prize block
}}
 
==References==
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=Block#? Blocks}}
<references/>
 
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[[de:?-Block]]
[[it:Blocco ?]]

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