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{{about|a general overview of keys|the specific keys in ''[[Mario's Time Machine (PC)|Mario's Time Machine]]''|[[Key (Mainz)]] and [[Key (Philadelphia)]]|the coins simply known as keys in [[Super Nintendo World]]|[[Key Coin]]}}
{{item infobox
|image=[[File:Key CTTT.png|200px]]<br>Artwork from ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]''
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1982|1982]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition]]'' ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|effect=Unlocks a door or sealed barrier
|variants=[[Cursed Key]]
}}
'''Keys''' in the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] are items and objects typically used for opening [[Key Door|locked doors]] or unlocking secret paths, and they have taken on a variety of designs throughout their appearances.

==History==
===''Donkey Kong'' series===
====''Donkey Kong Jr.''====
Keys in ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' are used to unlock [[Donkey Kong]]'s cage in the [[Chain Scene]]. In the [[Donkey Kong Jr. (New Wide Screen)|Game & Watch version]], obtaining four keys is necessary to free Donkey Kong.

====''Donkey Kong'' (Game Boy)====
[[File:Mario_Throwing_a_Key.jpg|thumb|x150px|left|Artwork of Mario throwing up a key, from the Game Boy version of ''Donkey Kong'']]
Keys in the [[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Game Boy version]] of ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' appear in every stage from [[Stage 1-1]] onward. A key can be picked up by [[Mario]] standing on it, then he has to take it to the correct locked door to open it. Mario lifts the key above his head, and he often has to throw it upwards since he cannot hold the key while climbing a ladder. Keys can be thrown at enemies to defeat them.

===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros. 2''====
[[File:Key SMA artwork.jpg|thumb|100px|A Key, as depicted for ''Super Mario Advance'']]
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' are objects corresponding to locked doors, with both objects debuting in [[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 1-2]]. Each key is guarded by a [[Phanto]],<ref>{{cite|quote=He is normally at rest and waits by keys.|title=''Super Mario Bros. 2'' instruction booklet|page=24|format=PDF|url=www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/en/pdf/CLV-P-NAADE.pdf}}</ref> which chases the player character when they carry it.<ref>{{cite|quote=If you take a key, he will pursue you.|title=''Super Mario Bros. 2'' instruction booklet|page=24}}</ref> Keys are amongst the few objects that do not have to be uprooted from the ground. A key is dropped by the [[Birdo]] of [[World 7-2 (Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 7-2]] when defeated,<ref>{{cite|author=[[User:VideoGamePhenomHD|VideoGamePhenom]]|date=September 6, 2019|timestamp=04:33|url=youtu.be/qCHsG8ImoC8?feature=shared&t=273|title=''Super Mario Bros. 2'' - World 7-2|publisher=YouTube|language=en}}</ref> whilst others drop a [[Crystal Ball]].
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====''Super Mario World''====
[[File:SMW Key Sprite.png|frame|left]]
Keys and [[keyhole]]s in ''[[Super Mario World]]'' appear in various [[level]]s. A key can be carried over a keyhole to unlock its [[secret exit]].<ref>{{cite|author=VideoGamePhenom|date=September 24, 2019|title=''Super Mario World'' - Donut Plains 1 (Key Way)|publisher=YouTube|language=en|url=youtu.be/uEnf51Nlruo?feature=shared&t=140|timestamp=02:20}}</ref><ref>{{cite|quote=If Mario takes a key and moves over the keyhole, he can [[Secret exit|exit the course to another area]]|date=1991|url=www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/common/pdf/CLV-P-SAAAE.pdf|title=''Super Mario World'' instruction booklet|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|format=PDF|page=21}}</ref><ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power Advance'' Volume 4|date=Winter 2002|author=Tsuboike, Yoshio, et al.|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|page=13|quote=Keys and keyholes open up paths to secret stages and worlds.}}</ref> A key can also be carried by [[Yoshi]] in his mouth.<ref>{{cite|quote=If Mario is on Yoshi when he finds the key, they can move over the keyhole with Yoshi holding the key in its mouth.|title=''Super Mario World'' instruction booklet|page=21}}</ref>

====''Super Mario 64'' / ''Super Mario 64 DS''====
[[File:Key 64.png|thumb|Mario obtaining the Boss Key of Bowser in the Fire Sea in ''Super Mario 64'']]
Keys in ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' appear only as two '''Big Keys''',<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Nintendo Power]]'' Volume 91|author=Tilden, Gail, et al.|page=63|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=December 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite|date=February 24, 1998|archive=web.archive.org/web/20000303135944/http://www.nintendo.com/n64/super_mario64/items.html|title=Items {{!}} ''Nintendo: Super Mario 64 Strategy''|publisher=Nintendo.com|language=en-us|accessdate=February 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Prima Bath|title=''Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide|date=April 7, 1999|page=84 and 86|isbn=0-7615-2103-8|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Prima Bath|title=''Ultimate Nintendo 64 Pocket Power Guide, 1999 Edition'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide|date=April 21, 1999|page=56 and 57|publisher=Prima Games|language=en-us|isbn=0-7615-2083-X}}</ref> located in [[Bowser in the Dark World]] and [[Bowser in the Fire Sea]] respectively. Each Big Key can be obtained by [[Mario]] after defeating Bowser. The first Big Key unlocks the opens the door to the basement of the [[Peach's Castle|Mushroom Castle]], while the second key opens the door to the upper floors of the Mushroom Castle. The player cannot use the basement key to unlock the doors to the upper floors.<ref>{{cite|author=Dialog box|date=1996|quote=This key doesn't fit! Maybe it's for the basement...|title=''Super Mario 64''|location=[[Peach's Castle|Mushroom Castle]]|publisher=Nintendo|language=en}}</ref>

Keys in the [[Super Mario 64 DS|Nintendo DS version]] appear in more varieties. The first key has to be obtained by [[Yoshi]] from a [[rabbit]] to unlock the doors to the Mushroom Castle.<ref>{{cite|author=Dialog box|quote=You've retrieved the key to the castle from the rabbit! Now you're ready to go inside the castle.|date=2004|title=''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]''|publisher=Nintendo|language=en}}</ref> More rabbits hold keys that are used to unlock [[Minigame|mini-games]].<ref>{{cite|quote=You retrieved a key to the drawer of [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]]'s [[Rec Room (Super Mario 64 DS)|Rec Room]]! Now you can play new mini-games.|author=Dialog box|title=''Super Mario 64 DS''|publisher=Nintendo|date=2004|language=en}}</ref> The [[Switching room|empty room]] can be unlocked with a key that is obtained after catching all eight [[glowing rabbit]]s.<ref>{{cite|timestamp=30:56|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U2drdOFO3k|title=''Super Mario 64 DS'' 100% Walkthrough Part 15 - Catching Rabbits & Opening the White Door|author=YTSunny|date=April 12, 2018|publisher=YouTube|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite|quote=You got the key to the empty room!|author=Dialog box|date=2004|title=''Super Mario 64 DS''|publisher=Nintendo|language=en}}</ref> In addition, [[Goomboss]], [[King Boo]], and [[Chief Chilly]] have the [[Mario's Key]], the [[Luigi Key]], and the [[Wario Key]], respectively, and must be defeated to unlock Mario, Luigi, and Wario from their switching room, respectively.
{{multiple image
|align=center
|direction=horizontal
|footer=[[Mario's Key]], [[Luigi Key]], and [[Wario Key]]
|width=100
|image1=Mario Key.png|110px
|alt1=Mario Key
|image2=Luigi Key.png|110px
|alt2=Luigi Key
|image3=Wario Key.png|110px
|alt3=Wario Key
}}
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====''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3''====
A Key in ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' appears only in the [[World-e]] level, [[Doors o' Plenty]]. It is used the same way as in ''Super Mario World'',<ref>{{cite|author=VideoGamePhenom|date=October 27, 2019|url=youtu.be/UHVGrFadF_A?feature=shared&t=23|timestamp=0:23|title=''Super Mario Advance 4'' - World-e - Doors o' Plenty|publisher=YouTube|language=en}}</ref> except it has to open a nearby door,<ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/UHVGrFadF_A?feature=shared&t=37|title=''Super Mario Advance 4'' - World-e - Doors o' Plenty|timestamp=0:37|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> not a keyhole.

====''New Super Mario Bros.'' subseries====
[[File:NSMB Key.png|frame|left|Mario wins a key in World 3.]]
[[File:NSMBW Key Screenshot.png|thumb|200px|Mario sees a key after defeating [[Roy|Roy Koopa]] in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''.]]
Keys in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' are rewarded for defeating every boss from [[World 2 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 2]] to [[World 7 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 7]].

Keys in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' and ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' are items that appear only after defeating one of the [[Koopalings]] at their castles, and the player has to grab the key to both complete and exit the level. Keys in the [[Coin Battle]] mode of ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' grant five coins to whichever player had collected it.
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====''Super Mario Galaxy''====
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' can be collected to automatically open locked doors or [[cage]]s. A Key in the [[Gateway Galaxy]] and the [[Ghostly Galaxy]] is held by a [[Big Goomba|Grand Goomba]] and a [[Boo]], respectively, both releasing the Key after the enemies have been defeated.
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====''Super Mario Galaxy 2''====
[[File:SMG2 Key.png|thumb|x100px|left|A Key on the [[Battle Belt Galaxy#Jack O' Goomba Planet|Jack O' Goomba Planet]] in the [[Battle Belt Galaxy]] in ''Super Mario Galaxy 2'']]
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'' are functionally identical to their appearance in ''Super Mario Galaxy'', and appear in galaxies such as the [[Haunty Halls Galaxy]], the [[Battle Belt Galaxy]], and also briefly in the [[Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy]].

====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS''====
[[File:SMM-SMB-Key.png|frame]]
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' can be added to levels ever since the update released on March 9, 2016. Keys can be placed in blocks, or in an enemy, making them obtainable after Mario defeats it. Additionally, another new item included in the update, the [[Pink Coin (Super Mario Maker)|Pink Coin]], reveals a key once Mario collects every single one in the level. Keys cannot be carried by Mario, since they now follow him automatically, not unlike the keys of the [[Yoshi's Island (series)|''Yoshi's Island'' series]]. Up to eight keys can be obtained at one time.

====''Super Mario Run''====
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Run]]'' are used to unlock Key Doors. They take on their design from the ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' style in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]''. Keys can be found inside of [[Boo]]s and [[? Block]]s inside of [[Ghost House]]s, and are a requirement to beating level 5-3: [[Boohind Lock and Key]].

====''Super Mario Odyssey''====
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' received a slight redesign, and are used for opening [[Keyhole Pedestal]]s, which contain [[Power Moon]]s when collected.

====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
[[File:SMM2-SM3DW-Key.png|thumb|left]]
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'' retain their function and purpose from ''Super Mario Maker'', and additionally appear in the added fifth game style, ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', where they resemble the key symbols seen on [[Key Coin]]s in the original game. In multiplayer, a player can stomp on another player who is holding a Key to grab the Key for themselves. If the player holding the Key is defeated, the Key enters a [[bubble]], allowing other players to grab it.

Keys in the version 3.0.0 update were given a variation exclusively in the ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' game style, [[Cursed Key]]s, which spawn a [[Phanto]] when picked up, just like keys do in ''Super Mario Bros. 2''.
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====''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''====
Keys with cat ears appear in the ''[[Bowser's Fury]]'' campaign of ''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]'', specifically when a Key is needed to open a cage containing a [[Cat Shine]]. Unlike in previous games, the key must be carried all the way back to the lock, rather than simply touching it. They also disappear if they are on the ground other than their initial spawn point for too long, or if they get thrown into water, the black [[goop]], or [[lava]]. In these cases, the key will respawn back at its original location.

====''Super Mario Bros. Wonder''====
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]'' function similarly to how they functioned in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' and its [[Super Mario Maker 2|sequel]]. They come in two colors and unlock the doors corresponding to their color. They are used in the level [[Color-Switch Dungeon]].

===''Super Mario World'' animated series===
[[File:This Key.jpg|thumb|King Koopa holding a key in the ''Super Mario World'' episode "Mama Luigi".]]
Keys in the ''[[Super Mario World (television series)|Super Mario World]]'' cartoon have a purpose in two episodes, "[[Ghosts 'R' Us]]" and "[[Mama Luigi]]". A Key in "Ghosts 'R' Us" is spawned by [[Oogtar]] from a [[? Block]] after [[Wizenheimer]] is defeated, and uses it for the door. This key plays the same sound effect as a [[Cape Feather]]. A Key in "Mama Luigi" is shown off by [[Bowser|King Koopa]], who gloats that the Mario Bros. will never be able to find [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]] without it. However, [[Yoshi]] then eats it, and after Koopa retreats, Yoshi spits out the key to open the cell the Princess was being held in.
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===''Wario Land'' series===
====''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3''====
[[File:WL1 Key.png|left|thumb|Wario carrying a key to a skull door in ''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3''.]]
Keys in ''[[Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3]]'' are hidden throughout many stages of the game, and are required to open the skull door<ref name=WL>{{cite|title=''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3'' instruction booklet|language=en-us|date=1994|publisher=Nintendo of America|location=Redmond, WA|page=15}}</ref> (also called Skeleton Door<ref name=WL/><ref>{{cite|author=Hamm & Rudolf GmbH, Frankfurt|title=''Super Game Boy'' Player's Guide|page=28|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=1994}}</ref> or Treasure Room Door<ref>{{cite|author=Tilden, Gail, et al.|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 88|date=September 1996|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|page=[https://imgur.com/a/5m2Mlbg 77]}}</ref>) to a Treasure Room.<ref name=WL/> A key can sometimes be found inside of a [[? Block#Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3|Face Block]]. The keyhole in which the key fits is always found in the same stage as the key and the key can not be taken out of the stage, so it has to be recollected after leaving the level. Inside the Treasure Rooms, [[Wario]] can find one of the collectible [[treasure (Wario franchise)|treasure]]s. However, he cannot be [[Tiny Wario|Small Wario]] as he needs to [[Dash Attack|Body Slam]] the [[treasure chest]] to open it (although [[Dragon Wario (Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3)|breathing fire]] also works).

====''Virtual Boy Wario Land''====
Gate Keys in ''[[Virtual Boy Wario Land]]'' are a requirement for unlocking the elevator at the end of each stage.

====''Wario Land 3''====
{{multiple image
|align=right
|image1=WL3 Gray Key.png
|width1=16
|image2=WL3 Red Key.png
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|image3=WL3 Green Key.png
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|image4=WL3 Blue Key.png
|width4=16
|footer=The keys as they appear in the levels of ''Wario Land 3''
}}
While being absent in ''[[Wario Land II]]'', keys reappear in ''[[Wario Land 3]]''. Four differently colored keys are hidden throughout the level: a '''Gray Key'''<ref>{{cite|author=Tsuboike, Yoshio, et al.|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133|page=60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65|date=June 2000|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> (or '''Silver Key'''<ref>{{cite|archive=web.archive.org/web/20010429172737/http://www.warioland3.com/strategy/body.asp?key_id=N5_SILVER&land_id=N5|title=Official American ''Wario Land 3'' website|publisher=Nintendo.com|language=en-us|deadlink=y}}</ref>), '''Red Key''',<ref>{{cite|author=Tsuboike, et al.|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133|page=60, 62, 63, 64, 66}}</ref> '''Green Key''',<ref>{{cite|author=Tsuboike, et al.|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133|page=61, 62, 64, 65, 66}}</ref> and '''Blue Key'''.<ref>{{cite|author=Tsuboike, et al.|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133|page=65}}</ref> Wario can only clear a level if he finds one of the keys and manages to take them to their respective treasure chest. By doing so, he earns himself a new treasure that helps the player to proceed and find new levels. Usually, not all keys in a level are available from the start. The player has to obtain new abilities and meet certain requirements to find them all. After a key is taken to a treasure chest, the chest gets replaced by a [[Goal door (Wario Land series)|goal door]]. After acquiring all treasures in every level and beating the final boss, starting the game will result in Time Attack, in which the objective of every level is to instead collect all four colored keys and exit through one of the goal doors. The fastest possible time will be recorded based on how fast this objective is achieved. Every key can be obtained in a level no matter if it is day or night, so the player will not be locked out of completion in any condition.

====''Wario Land 4''====
[[File:WL4-keyanim.gif|frame|left]]
[[Keyzer]] is the only type of key to appear in ''[[Wario Land 4]]''. Keys were [[List of Wario Land 4 pre-release and unused content|originally required]] to unlock the four boxes (much like ''[[Wario Land 3]]'') to obtain the four Jewel Pieces.
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===''Yoshi'' franchise===
Keys in ''[[Yoshi (game)|Yoshi]]'' appear after the player clears levels 22 through 24 of the B-Type game, rewarding the player with 1,000 points.

Keys in ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'' (and [[Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3|its reissue]]), ''[[Yoshi's Story]]'', ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]'', ''[[Yoshi's New Island]]'', ''[[Yoshi's Woolly World]]'', ''[[Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World]]'', and ''[[Yoshi's Crafted World]]'' can be collected and carried like [[Yoshi's Egg|Yoshi Egg]]s, taking up one space of the player's maximum number of eggs. They can be used to unlock [[Mini Battle]] houses, locked doors in castles, and [[Cork]]s that block pipes. Additionally, during the cutscene following the defeat of a castle boss, a large key appears and unlocks a keyhole.

Keys in ''Yoshi's Story'' are required to open [[Key Door|locked doors]] in the [[Lift Castle]], [[Ghost Castle]], and [[Magma Castle]]. They are obtained by defeating a certain [[ComBat]] in the Lift Castle, popping a certain [[? Bubble]] in the Ghost Castle, and defeating the two [[slug]]s in the Magma Castle. One key in the Ghost Castle is out in the open in an underground section.
<gallery>
YoshiNES-Key-BType.png|''Yoshi'' ([[Nintendo Entertainment System]])
YoshiGB-Key.png|''Yoshi'' ([[Game Boy]])
SMW2 Key art.png|''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]''
SMW2 Key.png|''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''
SMW2YI Boss Key.png|''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''
YIDS Key.jpg|A key in ''Yoshi's Island DS''
Story Key.png|A key in ''Yoshi's Story''
YNI W4-4 Chomp Rock.png|[[Fort Key Calamity]] (''Yoshi's New Island'')
YWW 1-8.jpg|[[Burt the Bashful's Castle]] (''Yoshi's Woolly World'')
YCW Key Behind Yoshi.png|A key in ''Yoshi's Crafted World''
</gallery>

===''Donkey Kong'' franchise===
====''Donkey Kong 64''====
Keys in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' appear only in the form of [[Boss Key]]s, which are rewarded after each boss battle and required to unlock padlocks on [[K. Lumsy]]'s cage.

====''Donkey Kong Country Returns''====
A key in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' known as a [[Map Key]] can be purchased from [[Cranky Kong's Shop]] in each world, for a total of eight keys. Each key costs 20 [[Banana Coin]]s, and when purchased, unlocks an alternate route on the world map that will allow [[Donkey Kong]] and [[Diddy Kong]] to reach additional levels. This totals up to a price of 160 Banana Coins for buying all 8 keys.
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===''Mario Party'' series===
{{main|Skeleton Key}}
Keys in the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]] appear in different varieties. Keys owned by Bowser are called Bowser Keys, and appear usually in [[Minigame|Bowser Minigame]]s, where using them is a requirement to escape from Bowser. Bowser Keys in earlier games of the ''Mario Party'' series are simply keys shaped like Bowser's head, but later installments engrave Bowser Keys  with Bowser's likeness. Keys in ''[[Mario Party 3]]'' appear in the minigame [[Locked Out]], and have key heads shaped like mushrooms, flowers and stars.

===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario''====
[[File:PM Castle Key.png|frame|left|From left to right: [[Tubba Blubba]]'s, [[Bowser]]'s, and [[Hooktail]]'s keys]]
[[File:PM Lock Render.png|frame]]
There are many key designs in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' and its sequel, but each only opens doors in the area they are found. There are Castle Keys for every castle and fortress, and various others keys in different locations. Keys in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' are used in [[Tubba Blubba's Castle]], [[Bowser's Castle]], and [[Peach's Castle]]. [[Tubba Blubba]]'s keys look like three-leaf clovers, while [[Bowser]]'s look like a gold three-leaf clover with a blue ball in the middle. There are about three of Tubba's keys and five of Bowser's keys. [[Princess Peach|Peach's]] Castle Keys are pink versions of Bowser's Castle Keys. Also, a living key called [[Yakkey]] locked the Gusty Gulch Windmill.
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====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====
{{stub|section=y|Many keys are missing: Steeple Keys, Palace Keys / Tower Keys, Shop Key…}}
[[File:Grotto Key TTYD.png|frame|The [[Grotto Key]]]]
Keys in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' appear in two varieties: the four [[Castle Key (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door)|Castle Key]]s, which open the doors in [[Hooktail Castle]], and a [[Grotto Key]], which opens the door to the south area in the [[Pirate's Grotto]].

====''Super Paper Mario''====
Keys in ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'' appear more prominently than in the previous installments. They are used in many levels to unlock doors.

===''Luigi's Mansion'' series===
====''Luigi's Mansion''====
[[File:KeyLM.png|thumb|60px|A key from ''Luigi's Mansion''.]]
Keys in ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'' and its [[Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo 3DS)|Nintendo 3DS version]] are used for unlocking the different rooms of the [[Luigi's Mansion (location)|mansion]]. Keys can usually be obtained from a [[treasure chest]] that appears when clearing a room of every [[Ghost (Luigi's Mansion series)|ghost]]. Keys in certain rooms like the [[Wardrobe Room]] or [[Bathroom (1F)|Bathroom]] spawn on a higher shelf once Luigi hes captured all ghosts in the room. In the [[Fortune-teller's Room]], Luigi must utilize a specific method to acquire the [[Laundry Room (Luigi's Mansion)|Laundry Room]] key, by lighting all four candelabras using the [[element medal|Fire Element Medal]].

Also, there are four special keys, with each one having a different card suit: heart, club, diamond, and spade. 
*The key to Area 2, the '''Main Hall Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Luigi's Mansion'' Nintendo Player's Guide|author=Sinfield, George|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=2001|page=29|language=en-us|isbn=1-930206-14-3}}</ref> (obtained from [[Chauncey]]): This heart-shaped key unlocks the door with the heart imprint on the first floor of the [[Foyer (Luigi's Mansion)|Foyer]].
*The key to Area 3, the '''Courtyard Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Luigi's Mansion'' Nintendo Player's Guide|author=Sinfield|page=46}}</ref> (obtained from [[Bogmire]]): This club-shaped key unlocks the door with the club imprint that is near the [[Bathroom (1F)|Bathroom on the first floor]] and the [[Conservatory (Luigi's Mansion)|Conservatory]].
*The key to Area 4, the '''West Wing Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Luigi's Mansion'' Nintendo Player's Guide|page=62|author=Sinfield}}</ref> (obtained from [[Boolossus]]): This diamond-shaped key unlocks the door with the diamond imprint on the west side of the [[Balcony (3F)|Balcony on the third floor]].
*The key to the [[Secret Altar]], the '''Secret Altar Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Luigi's Mansion'' Nintendo Player's Guide|page=75|author=Sinfield}}</ref> (obtained from [[Vincent Van Gore]]): This spade-shaped key unlocks the door with the spade imprint at the end of the hall in the basement that leads to King Boo's Secret Altar. It is the only special key that is not dropped by a boss Portrait Ghost nor leads to a different area.
<gallery>
HeartKeyLM.png|The Main Hall Key
ClubKeyLM.png|The Courtyard Key
DiamondKeyLM.png|The West Wing Key
SpadeKeyLM.png|The Secret Altar Key
</gallery>
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====''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon''====
Keys in ''[[Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]]'' unlock doors like before but have a different design and disintegrate upon being used.<ref>{{cite|timestamp=10:11|url=youtu.be/ia1R9WQazNI?feature=shared&t=611|title=''Luigi's Mansion 2 HD'' (Switch) - Mansion 1: Gloomy Manor - No Damage 100% Walkthrough|author=RetroArchive|date=June 26, 2024|publisher=YouTube|language=en}}</ref>

====''Luigi's Mansion 3''====
Keys in ''[[Luigi's Mansion 3]]'' are functionally identical to their appearances in ''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon'', and their design is complementary to that of the architecture of [[the Last Resort]], where they appear throughout.

===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series===
====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''====
[[File:MvsDK Mario holding Key.jpg|75px|thumb|left|Mario with a Key in ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'']]
Keys in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' have to be collected to progress through the levels, similarly to the Game Boy version of ''Donkey Kong''. Keys need to be carried to locked doors in order to open them and move on to the next area. A Key can be thrown forwards and upwards, like other objects that Mario can pick up, and will also be knocked out of Mario's hand if he is attacked. A unique characteristic that keys have is when they are dropped or put down by Mario, their twelve-second countdown timer is initiated, and will respawn to their original place when the timer is up.

Keys in the Plus Levels are smaller and attached to [[Key Mini Mario|Mini Mario]]s, which they trail behind. These keys cannot be picked up by Mario, and a Key has to be brought to the locked door to complete the stage.

Keys in the [[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|remake]] function similarly to their original counterparts, but if a player character runs past a key, it will rotate in place. In the newly-added [[Easy Mode|Casual]] play style, keys have a fifteen-second timer instead of twelve. Additionally, the remake also features a [[Flying key|flying variant]] of keys, with the gold variant used to unlock a chest with five [[1-Up Mushroom]]s in bonus levels, and a silver variant appearing in multiplayer only, which is mandatory to unchain [[Key Door#Mario vs. Donkey Kong|locked doors]] and [[Toy box (object)|toy boxes]] before using them.

====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!''====
While regular keys do not appear in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!]]'', [[Key Mini Mario]] reappears once again in the various "Key" levels in the game, being required to unlock the [[Goal Door (Mario vs. Donkey Kong series)|Goal Doors]] in them. They also reprise their roles in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!]]'' and in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars]]''.

====''Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move''====
[[File:MOTMKey.png|thumb|right]]
Keys appear in ''[[Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move]]'' as occasional level elements in [[Mario's Main Event]] and [[Many Mini Mayhem]]. In levels with keys, the goal tile is locked off and cannot be accessed unless a Mini collects a key and makes it to the goal. In Many Mini Mayhem, some Minis may spawn with a key already in possession - this Mini must reach the goal first before any of the other Minis do to unlock it.

=== ''Super Mario Fushigi no Janjan Land''===
Keys reappear in ''[[Super Mario Fushigi no Janjan Land]]'', where the player needs to collect at least five of them to fight [[Bowser]].

===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''===
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Key}}
Keys in [[smashwiki:Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary|The Subspace Emissary]] mode of ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' are items found near locked gates. A key held by a player as they approach a gate will unlock it, although the key is disposed of in the process. These keys represent the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], and not the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]].

===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story'' / ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey''====
Keys in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'' and [[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey|its Nintendo 3DS remake]] appear in the form of special items, including [[Blue Key (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)|Blue Key]]s, [[Red Key (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)|Red Key]]s, and [[Green Key]]s. They are found on the second floor of [[Peach's Castle]], the last stage in the game, held by [[Fawfulcopter]]s which [[Bowser]] must chase after. The Blue Key is required to proceed the storyline; the other two are optional.

Earlier in the game, the [[Stingler]] and [[Star Panel]]s behave like keys and open the doors in [[Pump Works]] and the [[Energy Hold]], respectively.

====''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam''====
[[File:Key M&LPJ screenshot.png|thumb|Mario holds a key in ''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam'']]
A key in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]'' appears briefly as a teaching tutorial for the [[Trio Grab]], used to unlock a door in [[Twinsy Tropics Dungeon]].

===''Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker''===
Keys in ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'' and its Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS [[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Switch / Nintendo 3DS)|ports]] are items that always open [[Key Door|locked doors]], and can be obtained from [[Pluck Patch]]es. Keys can also be thrown at enemies to defeat them, not unlike ''Super Mario Bros. 2''. Keys are carried by [[Captain Toad]] and [[Toadette]] atop their head, akin to other items. A key can reward one coin if the player clears the stage while that key is outside of its Pluck Patch.
{{br|left}}
===''Dr. Mario World''===
[[File:DrMarioWorldKey.png|thumb|A key in ''Dr. Mario World'']]
Keys in ''[[Dr. Mario World]]'' are stage objects all found inside bubbles, meaning that they will float upwards until they hit an object. The [[bubble]]s containing the keys cannot be removed until it comes into contact with a [[Key Door|door]], after which it will disappear. Like the bubbles in this game, the keys that are currently floating cannot be reacted to, such as when [[Petey Piranha|Dr. Petey Piranha]]'s hits the bottom-most objects in each column (therefore the key is not treated as the bottom-most object while floating), except by pushing it upwards with a capsule. Moreover, the [[Hammer Bro.]] assistant will affect the floating speed of the key when equipped by slowing down the floating. When a capsule match is made next to the keys, the skill meter will be filled with an extra point for each key that it is made next to, even though the key will not be removed. The keys, as stage objects, appear exclusively in stage mode. Keys first appear in [[World 8 (Dr. Mario World)|World 8]].

Keys in versus mode are items that the player can be rewarded by winning versus matches. They are used to unlock battle boxes, of which the player can obtain three out of the nine possible rewards. The default number of keys required to unlock battle boxes is five since version 2.1.0 and seven prior to that, but only three are required on certain weeks. On certain weeks since season 3, specialists have the benefit of winning two keys instead of one if any of them are used to win the match.
{{br}}

===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
In the {{file link|The Super Mario Bros Movie teaser poster.jpg|teaser poster}} for ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', voxelated keys resembling their sprite in ''Super Mario World'' can be seen being sold at the antiques store for two [[coin]]s each.

===''Princess Peach: Showtime!''===
{{multiple image
|footer=
|image1=PPS Spades Key blue The Case of the Missing Mural.png
|width1=39
|caption1=The Spades Key
|image2=PPS Diamonds Key red The Case of the Missing Mural.png
|width2=52
|caption2=The Diamonds Key
|align=right
}}
The stage [[The Case of the Missing Mural]] in ''[[Princess Peach: Showtime!]]'' has two keys, a blue Spades Key and a red Diamonds Key, which are used to open the mummies in the room to the right of the popcorn lobby. The Spades Key is found on the right of the air duct's exit while the Diamonds Key is found to the left of the popcorn kiosk.

Whenever the keys are used on the mummies, the Spades Key opens up to reveal a [[Sparkle Gem]] while the Diamonds Key opens up a [[Theet]] who was trapped inside.

==Profiles==
===''Super Mario Bros. 2''===
*'''Wii Virtual Console manual:''' "''This item opens a locked door.''"

===''Super Mario Advance''===
{{Multilang profile
|type=manual
|EngE=You'll need keys to open locked doors. Carrying them will not slow you down.}}

===''Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3''===
*'''Nintendo 3DS digital manual description:''' "''Take a key to a door with a keyhole in it to open it.''"

===''Luigi's Mansion'' series===
====''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon''====
{{multilang profile
|type=manual
|Eng=Keys open locked doors.}}

====''Luigi's Mansion'' (Nintendo 3DS)====
*'''Instruction manual description (page 7):''' "''Sometimes while exploring a lit room, you will find a key. Pick it up and use it to open doors to locked rooms.''"
*'''Instruction manual description (page 14):''' "''Open locked doors.''"

===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''===
{{SSBB trophy
|name=Key
|image=[[File:BrawlTrophy145.png|100px]]
|appears_in='''Wii''' ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''
|unlock=Random drop
|desc=In The Subspace Emissary, there are often locked doors. This key is the item you need to unlock these doors. You can touch a door while holding the key, or you can even throw the key at a door to unlock it. If you lose the key, it will return to the place you originally found it. This item is vital to your progress, so do your best not to lose it.
}}

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
SMW Artwork Keyhole.png|''[[Super Mario World]]''
SMG Asset Model Key.png|''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''
SMWMAYAL Luigi Key.png|''[[Super Mario World: Mario to Yoshi no Bōken Land]]''
NL 60BCLOS Promotional Image.png|Promotional image for ''[[60-Byō Challenge! Luigi o Sukue!!]]'' from Nintendo Co., Ltd.'s [[LINE]] account
DMW Battle Box Boost.jpg|''[[Dr. Mario World]]''
LEGO SM-71423 Dry Bowser Castle Battle.png|[[LEGO Super Mario|LEGO ''Super Mario'']]
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Keyzer]]
*[[Skeleton Key]]
*[[Yakkey]]

==Naming==
===Internal names===
{{internal names
|game1=''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''
|file1=<tt>ObjectData/KeySwitch.arc</tt>
|name1=KeySwitch
|meaning1=Key Switch
|game2=''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]''
|file2=<tt>ObjectData/KeySwitch.arc</tt>
|name2=KeySwitch
|meaning2=Key Switch
|game3=''Super Mario Galaxy''
|file3=<tt>StageData/ObjNameTable.arc/ObjNameTable.tbl</tt>
|name3=鍵スイッチ (''Kagi Suitchi'')
|meaning3=Key Switch
|game4=''Super Mario Galaxy 2''
|file4=<tt>SystemData/ObjNameTable.arc/ObjNameTable.tbl</tt>
|name4=鍵スイッチ (''Kagi Suitchi'')
|meaning4=Key Switch
|game5=''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]''
|file5=<tt>content/ObjectData/DoorLock.szs</tt>
|name5=DoorLock
|meaning5=Door Key (Japanese ''kagi'' can mean key or lock)
}}

===Names in other languages===
====Key====
{{foreign names
|Jpn=カギ
|JpnR=Kagi
|JpnM=Key
|JpnC=<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, Japan|publisher=Shogakukan|date=October 19, 2015|page=60, 70, 91, 118, 199|isbn=978-4-09-106569-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Sakai, Kazuya, and kikai, editors|date=2018|title=『[[The Art of Super Mario Odyssey|スーバーマリオ オデッセイ 公式設定資料集]]』|language=ja|location=Tokyo|publisher=ambit|isbn=978-4-19-864696-7|page=129}}</ref>
|Jpn2=鍵
|Jpn2R=Kagi
|Jpn2M=^
|Jpn2C=<ref>{{cite|author=---|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, Japan|isbn=978-4-09-106569-8|publisher=Shogakukan|date=October 19, 2015|page=136 and 169}}</ref>
|Alb=Çelësi
|AlbM=Key
|AlbC=<ref>[https://www.cda.pl/video/2224641329 Bota e Super Marios - Episoda 4 | Fantazmat jemi ne (Dublimi Shqip, Çufo)]</ref>
|Ara=مفتاح
|AraR=Mftah
|AraM=Key
|AraC=<ref>[https://archive.org/details/super-mario-spacetoon-arabic-cartoon/Super+Mario+02+Arabic+dub.mkv سوبر ماريو - سبيس تون]</ref>
|ChiS=钥匙
|ChiSR=Yàoshi
|ChiSM=Key
|ChiT=鑰匙
|ChiTR=Yàoshi
|ChiTM=Key
|Cro=Ključ
|CroM=Key
|CroC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTeVe6Razb8&list=PLyR5Grq1cYj5O4h96N4AJeY6__TA0m7mW&index=7 Super Mario Bros ( 4 Kompilacija ) - Crtani Film]</ref>
|Dut=Sleutel
|DutM=Key
|DutC=<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo Nederland|date=March 9, 2016|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV4Hwg2Y_JA|language=nl|title=Super Mario Maker - Gesloten deuren! Spijkerzuilen! Roze munten! (Wii U)|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 19, 2019}}</ref>
|Fre=Clé
|FreM=Key
|FreC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1dtgj1D7PQ&list=PLaFoLvczabwZRSx17uRtiMHjNsXZtsYWK&index=5 Super Mario World 004 La maison hantée]</ref>
|Ger=Schlüssel
|GerM=Key
|GerC=<ref>{{cite|author=Menold, Marcus, Claude M. Moyse, and Andreas G. Kämmerer, editors|title=''Der offizielle Nintendo Spieleberater "Super Mario World"''|language=de|location=Großostheim|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of Europe GmbH]]|date=1993|page=17}}</ref>
|Gre=Κλειδί
|GreR=Klidí
|GreM=Key
|GreC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v19648TlDY8&list=PL4jn9NtEN0PKo_W7t0aUj36sZmu0fT_WJ&index=5 Super Mario World - Episode 4 - Ghosts 'R' Us Greek Audio]</ref>
|Hun=Kulcs
|HunM=Key
|HunC=<ref>[https://videa.hu/videok/film-animacio/super-mario-mese_-szellemes-szobafogsag-m7bmXYgZtqhDTmKg Super Márió Mese_ Szellemes Szobafogság (Magyarul)]</ref>
|Ita=Chiave
|ItaM=Key
|ItaC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnH3b5MAQb0 Super Mario World 3x04 - Fantasmi a colazione]</ref>
|Kor=키
|KorR=Ki
|KorM=Key
|Kor2=열쇠
|Kor2R=Yeolsoe
|Kor2M=Key
|Kor2C=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEakyCZ_Tz0 Super Mario World Cartoon (Ghosts 'R' Us) - Korean version]</ref>
|Kor2N=''Super Mario World'' television series
|Pol=Klucz
|PolM=Key
|PolC=<ref>[https://www.cda.pl/video/159371873a Kapitan N i nowe przygody braci Mario. Odc. 4 - Czuj duch/Totalnie ztetrisowani]</ref>
|Por=Chave
|PorM=Key
|PorC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53a6hOU7HQY&list=PLwzf4mOPE8BkFgMlj2blKPqgP8WKos3hy&index=5 Super Mario World - Os Fantasmas Somos Nós (Dublado)]</ref>
|Rom=Cheie
|RomM=Key
|RomC=<ref>May 20, 2015. [http://ok.ru/videoembed/26859866756 "Ghosts 'R' Us", dubbed in Romanian by KidsCo]. ''Odnoklassniki (OK.ru).'' Retrieved January 4, 2016.</ref>
|Rus=Ключ
|RusR=Klyuch
|RusM=Key
|Spa=Llave
|SpaM=Key
|SpaC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEKCwfr3wFk&list=PLCKyBkJveLRL-tn0KJhvXgiokHcWrJgZD&index=5 súper Mario world (fantasmas juguetones)]</ref>
|Tur=Anahtar
|TurM=Key
|TurC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMdVVao9STg Super Mario (1991) Çizgi Film Türkçe Dublaj 4 Bölüm Birden - NOSTALJİ -]</ref>
}}

====Treasure Room====
{{foreign names
|Jpn={{ruby|宝|たから}}の{{ruby|部屋|へや}}
|JpnC=<ref name=SML3>{{cite|title=''Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land'' instruction booklet|date=1994|language=ja|publisher=Nintendo|page=14}}</ref>
|JpnR=Takara no Heya
|JpnM=Treasure Room
}}

====Skull door====
{{foreign names
|Jpn=ドクロの{{ruby|扉|とびら}}
|JpnC=<ref name=SML3/>
|JpnR=Dokuro no Tobira
|JpnM=Skull Door
}}

==References==
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=1|WiKirby=1|Ukikipedia=Bowser key|ZeldaWiki=Small Key}}
<references/>

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[[Category:Keys|*]]
[[Category:Bowser's Fury objects]]
[[Category:Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker items]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong objects]]
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[[Category:Donkey Kong Jr.]]
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