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{{about|the item from the Mario Kart series|the red variant of this item that is worn by [[Spiny|Spinies]]|[[Spiny Shell (red)]]|the blue Koopa Troopa shell without spikes or wings|[[Blue Shell]]}}
{{rewrite|it needs clean up}}
{{item infobox  
{{Italic title|Spiny Shell (''Mario Kart'')}}
|image=[[File:SpinyShellMK8.png|200px]]<br>Artwork of the Spiny Shell from ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''
{{item-infobox  
|title=Spiny Shell
|image=[[File:Spiny Shell - Mario Kart Wii.png|200px]]<br>Spiny Shell with wings.<br>[[File:MK7-Spiny-Shell.png|200px]]<br>Spiny Shell without wings.
|first_appearance=''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' ([[List of games by date#1996|1996]])  
|first_appearance=''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' ([[List of games by date#1996|1996]])  
|latest_appearance=''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' (2023)
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'' ([[List of games by date#2013|2013]])
|related=[[Spiny Shell (red)]]
|description=A blue [[Koopa Troopa|Koopa]] shell with spikes and wings (at times).
}}
}}
The '''Spiny Shell''' (also known as the '''Spiny's Shell''',<ref>{{cite|language=en-us|date=1997|title=''Mario Kart 64'' instruction booklet|page=13|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> '''Koopa Shell''',<ref>{{cite|date=April 1997|author=Robinson, Will, et al.|title=''Nintendo Magazine System'' (AU) Issue #49|publisher=Catalyst Publishing|language=en-au|page=39}}</ref> or '''Blue Shell'''<ref>{{cite|language=en-us|date=October 18th, 2017|url=en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/43255#v130|title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Update History|publisher=Nintendo Customer Support|accessdate=June 28, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|quote=You... can't escape ME! BLUE SHELL!!!|author=[[Koopa General]]|title=''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]}}</ref>) is an [[List of items|item]] appearing in mostly the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series. It first appears in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]''. The Spiny Shell, like other items in the series, can be obtained from an [[Item Box]]. Its general purpose is reminiscent of a [[Red Shell]], except that it targets the player in first place (or the leader of the race) and inflicts more damage to the targeted racer. Its function varies slightly from game to game. The Spiny Shell is one of the most powerful items in the ''Mario Kart'' series due to its general rarity, its main function of going after the leading racer, its difficulty to avoid without the use of certain items, and the effectiveness of its attack and blast radius.
{{articleabout|the item from the ''Mario Kart'' series|the unrelated but similar looking item|[[Spiny Shell]]|the unrelated item that is known by the same name|[[Blue Shell]]}}
The '''Spiny Shell''' (also commonly referred to as the '''Blue Shell''') is an [[Mario_Kart_series#Items_and_Effects|item]] from the [[Mario Kart series|''Mario Kart'' series]]. Its first appearance is in the game ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', where it is known as the '''Blue Spiny Shell'''.


In early games, the Spiny Shell is smooth other than its spikes much like a [[Spiny]]'s actual shell and, as such, was likely intended to be one with a color distinct from Red Shells. Starting with ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', it gains hexagonal plates like those of [[Koopa Troopa]]s' shells, which it keeps in all later appearances. While the red Spiny Shells are shown with similar plates in games such as ''[[Super Mario Strikers]]'', they have since gone back to a smooth appearance, unlike the blue version.
The Spiny Shell appears in many ''Mario Kart'' games as an item from an [[Item Box]]. Its general purpose is similar to that of a [[Red Shell]], except that it targets the player in first place (or the leader of the race). Its function varies slightly from game to game. Aside from the ''Mario Kart'' games, the Spiny Shell is a power-up in some ''Mario'' sport games.


==History==
==History==
===''Mario Kart'' series===
===[[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]]===
====''Mario Kart 64''====
====''Mario Kart 64''====
[[File:MK64Item-SpinyShell.png|thumb|Artwork from ''Mario Kart 64'']]
The Spiny Shell is first introduced in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]''. In the game, the shell has spikes on it and travels along the ground. It is essentially a blue version of the common [[Spiny Shell]]. Any player outside of first place can receive this item, but it is the rarest item in the game.
The Spiny Shell (also called the '''Spiny's Shell''' in the instruction booklet) is an item that travels along the ground in ''Mario Kart 64''. It is the rarest item, obtainable only by racers in fourth place or lower but not CPUs. A Spiny Shell is always given by a sideways Item Box. The Spiny Shell can be dragged behind a [[kart]] like other single shells, destroying any opposing items it touches and causing opponents to crash. Once fired, the Spiny Shell travels forward, making a siren sound, and cannot be thrown backwards. The Spiny Shell can travel over gaps and jumps. It targets the player character in the lead, flinging them into the air upon contact, but this also occurs to other racers in the way. If the Spiny Shell hits an obstacle, it is destroyed. If the player character uses the Spiny Shell in first place, the item turns around to hit them. If the Spiny Shell strikes an invincible racer, it gets destroyed without damaging the racer. If the leader is invisible, it simply passes through them, though it may then simply make another lap of the course and hit them afterwards.


At [[N64 Banshee Boardwalk|Banshee Boardwalk]], the Spiny Shell falls off the edge of the track just before the house, performing a corkscrew flight to get back on. In other cases, before entering the haunted house, the Spiny Shell circles around the "WELCOME" sign.
Once fired, the Blue Spiny Shell will travel straight forwards for a second or two. If it hits an obstacle during this time it will be destroyed, so care must be taken to avoid wasting it. After a few seconds the shell will begin traveling along the ground, following the track ahead of the shooter. Any opponent or item in its path is destroyed - it can be avoided by moving out of the way, as it will not target anyone except the leader of the race. Once it gets to the leader, it will crash into them and disappear, launching them a pretty good distance while flipping over (enough to fling them over some barriers that normally cannot be jumped over). The shell makes a highly distinctive siren sound while traveling.


====''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''====
While it normally remains grounded, the Spiny Shell will take to the air if required to continue its chase, soaring over gaps and jumps. A particularly strange case occurs on [[Banshee Boardwalk]]: The shell will fall off the edge of the track just before the house, resulting in it making a corkscrew flight to get back on.In other cases, Before entering the haunted house, it can circle around the sign that says "Welcome".
The Spiny Shell returns in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', now sporting a darker blue design. It is obtainable in third place or lower, with the highest chance being either seventh or eighth place. The Spiny Shell makes the same siren sound as before. It can be dropped behind the player, like [[Red Shell]]s, and activates only if the kart in the first position passes by it directly. A Spiny Shell can be avoided by jumping over either an abyss or a previous section in the track, causing the Spiny Shell to fall in the abyss or crash into the wall, respectively. The target can outrun the Spiny Shell if they maintain their top speed for a certain amount of time. The impact of a Spiny Shell causes the target to spin out and stop where they had been hit, a trait later reused for the [[POW Block]] in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''.


====''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''====
If the Blue Spiny Shell strikes an invincible player it will be destroyed. If the leader is invisible, it will simply pass through, though it may then simply make another lap of the course and hit them afterwards.
[[File:MKDD SpinyShell.png|thumb|left|Artwork from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', reused for ''Mario Kart DS'']]
The Spiny Shell returns as an item in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', and it has been redefined ever since. The Spiny Shell was given wings, so it flies and does not slide along the ground. The Spiny Shell makes a hissing noise as it launches. At its target, the Spiny Shell hovers behind the vehicle to home in on it before charging straight into it. The Spiny Shell creates a large blue explosion upon impact, not only sending the racer upward but also causing their kart to backflip and the racer to lose their items. The explosion causes any nearby characters to spin out and drop items onto the road, while destroying any items already on the ground. For any player character who has finished the race, the Spiny Shell targets the character who is yet to cross the finish line. When a character has a Spiny Shell, other racers cannot receive another shell until the character is done using theirs.


A player character can avoid a Spiny Shell by either using a well-timed [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] or a [[Super Star|Star]] or performing a [[Mini-Turbo]] by [[drift]]ing, sometimes causing the Spiny Shell to spin around the player and crash into a wall.
The shell can be dragged behind a kart like other single shells. In this position it will destroy any opposing items it touches, as well as cause opponents to crash. It cannot be fired backwards.


====''Mario Kart DS''====
Using the shell while in first place will result in it turning around to hit the thrower after its straight shot.
The Spiny Shell is largely the same in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' but still has differences. It utilizes a different animation when hitting a character. The Spiny Shell is obtainable from 4th to 7th place, though it was obtainable in 8th place during [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] races. Besides the Star, the target can now use a [[Bullet Bill]] or [[Boo]] to avoid the effects of the Spiny Shell. Tumbling on either a [[Banana Peel|Banana]] or [[Fake Item Box]] also allows the player to avoid the effects of the Spiny Shell. A well-timed Mini-Turbo can also avoid the Spiny Shell.<ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/VxkHU6PUgi4?feature=shared&t=8|timestamp=0:08|title=How to dodge a blue shell in ''Mario Kart DS''|date=October 15, 2011|publisher=YouTube|language=en|author=Goombs Bastic}}</ref> If the racer in first place falls out of bounds, the Spiny Shell continues around the track again for another lap.


====''Mario Kart Wii''====
In Luigi Raceway, there is a Luigi Balloon that will dip down with an item box on the bottom. Also in Koopa Troopa Beach, there is a rocky hill with a lone item box on its apex with a narrow ramp before it. If players get these item boxes, they will always get a Spiny Shell.
[[File:MKW Spiny Shell Artwork.png|thumb|upright=0.8|Artwork from ''Mario Kart Wii'']]
The Spiny Shell can be obtained in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' anywhere from fourth to eighth place, as well as ninth in VS races or for CPUs. The best chance of getting the Spiny Shell is in sixth place, with a 7.5 percent (three out of 40) chance of acquiring it in said position. If the target falls out of bounds, the Spiny Shell does a U-turn and still targets them. Only one Spiny Shell can be active at a time, along with the [[Thunder Cloud]], [[Blooper]], [[Bullet Bill]], [[POW Block]], and [[Lightning]]. The Spiny Shell is also one of four items with a cooldown timer for the first few seconds of a race, besides the Blooper, POW Block, and Lightning. Spiny Shells cannot be obtained during the first 30 seconds of a race.{{ref needed}} A player character can avoid a Spiny Shell using not only a Star or Bullet Bull, but alternatively a [[Mega Mushroom]] or a well-timed [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]. It is even possible to drop a [[Banana Peel|Banana]] at a very precise time during the drop after a jump, which causes the Banana to collide with the shell and spare the target. In [[Battle Mode#Coin Runners|Coin Runners]] only, Spiny Shells can be hit by a POW Block. Other than items, a [[Barrel Cannon]], a [[Launch Star]] found on [[Wii Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]], the wide [[ramp]] in [[N64 DK's Jungle Parkway|DK's Jungle Parkway]], or a well-timed [[Jump Boost|trick]] off a ramp can also avoid a Spiny Shell. The target can no longer dodge a Spiny Shell by changing their position after the item has been thrown.


In team play, the Spiny Shell aims for whoever on the opposing team is farthest in front, ignoring and not damaging anyone on the user's team (so it targets the racer in fourth if the first three racers are on the user's team). This is the only time where a player can launch a Spiny Shell in first and not get targeted by it. For the first time, the item is also available in Battle Mode, flying straight to the opposing team's highest-scoring player after a short delay. The item is much rarer in Battle Mode than in VS and Grand Prix modes, and it appears only if there is a very large score difference between the user and the leader.
====''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''====
The item serves the same function in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' for the [[Game Boy Advance]], although the shell has a darker blue color. When shot, it makes a distinct siren sound to alert those ahead that the shell is coming. Like the Red Shells in the game, it can be dropped behind the player and will activate only if the kart in the first position passes directly by it. The Spiny Shell is also more easy to avoid; if the player jumps over an abyss or over a previous section in the track (like the jump in [[Mario Circuit 2]]) the shell will fall in the abyss or crash into the wall.


====''Mario Kart 7''====
====''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''====
[[File:MK7-Spiny-Shell.png|thumb|left|upright=0.8|Artwork from ''Mario Kart 7'']]
In ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', the Spiny Shell is changed significantly. It is a standard item that any player in fourth place or lower can obtain. From this game onward, the shell appears with a pair of wings that allows the item to fly instead of sliding over the ground, which lets it skip any obstacle found in the course. The shell now makes a hissing noise as it travels.
The Spiny Shell returns in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. The shell lacks wings, like its first incarnation, and is larger than previous versions. Since this game, the Spiny Shell has separate hexagonal plates on the carapace akin the winged design. The Spiny Shell can be obtained in 5th place or lower, though CPUs cannot receive it in 8th place. The Spiny Shell cannot travel further than a set distance: If it exceeds the distance, then the shell disappears. The Spiny Shell's function of hitting other racers while traveling has been reinstated, traveling along the ground and spinning like it originally had. Obtaining a Spiny Shell is about as uncommon as receiving [[Lightning]]. The Spiny Shell can be avoided by dropping out of first place or falling off of course, unlike ''Mario Kart Wii'', but the Spiny Shell now explodes ahead of the targeted racer. The game adds invincibility frames when the racer is hit by a perfectly timed Shell, a Banana, invincible racers, or Lightning, nullifying the effects of the Spiny Shell. The explosion is weaker than in ''Mario Kart Wii'' and disappears faster, now knocking racers sideways. The Spiny Shell still hits the target if they are traveling between sections of the course through methods like Barrel Cannons, unlike before. When launched, the Spiny Shell has a different sound effect akin to that used for [[Koopa Shell]]s, but the hissing sound effect is slightly audible before exploding. The "incoming item" warning sound still occurs, but only when a Spiny Shell or Bullet Bill is launched. Any racer hit by a Spiny Shell drops [[coin]]s amongst any other items they have, but the Spiny Shell no longer destroys any items unless they are being dragged behind a character's kart. If a Spiny Shell hits a player with their [[glider]] out, the glider retracts, causing the kart to tumble in midair before falling.


Unlike in ''Mario Kart Wii'', the racers in the front hit by the explosion do not get thrown off the ground. Instead, they crash and roll over sideways, similar to being hit by a racer under effect of a [[Bullet Bill]] or a [[Super Star|Star]]. However, the impact is still powerful enough on courses where it is possible to fall off, such as [[3DS Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Castle]] and [[3DS Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]].
When thrown, the shell flies at incredible speed to the current head racer, bypassing all of the other positions. After finding its target, the shell hovers behind the vehicle to home in on it and explodes on contact. The impact causes a blue explosion (similar to a blast from a Bob-omb) and throws the player up into the air. Other racers near the leader are also blown up by the blast or spun around a bit after the impact. The blast will also cause all the items held by the player to drop to the road while destroying any items already on the ground.


====''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''====
The Spiny Shell always goes for the leading player in the race (even if it is the shooter). Therefore, if the player in first already crossed the finish line, any Spiny Shell shot after that point will go to the active leader of the race (in this case the second-place racer). Thus, once the player in second crosses the line, the shell will target the player in third, and so on and so forth. Additionally, once a player holds a Spiny Shell, other racers cannot receive another shell until the player has used it and the item has exploded over its target. This rule is kept for later ''Mario Kart'' games.
[[File:SpinyShellMK8.png|thumb|upright=0.8|Artwork from ''Mario Kart 8'']]
The Spiny Shell returns in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''. Its design is reused from ''Mario Kart 7'' but was made a brighter, royal blue color. Like in previous games, it can be avoided by using a [[Mushroom]], in the same way as ''Mario Kart 7''. It can also be avoided by getting hit with another item, outrunning it (which is most possible on 200cc in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''),<ref>{{cite|author=Czab|language=en|date=May 8, 2017|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOeyyGDpjEo|title=Outrunning Blue Shells in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''!|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=June 7, 2021}}</ref> or using the rarely-obtained [[Super Horn]], which is capable of destroying Spiny Shells in their path. Like in ''Mario Kart 7'', Spiny Shells also cannot travel further than a set distance and disappears if they exceed that distance. This can easily be demonstrated by playing on {{classic link|N64|Yoshi Valley}}, where the Spiny Shell can easily miss the player if it takes a path different than the player's; it continues on its path and does not go another lap in attempt to hit the player again. The explosion of a Spiny Shell is less powerful, only stopping the target in the spot they were hit, instead of causing them to get launched in the air, and they flip once instead of twice, similar to ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', except they do not spin around.


Due to the new item system (where it depends on distance from the front runner), it is possible to get the shell from any place other than first. This item can be obtained if the player is anywhere between 5500 and 13000 units from the frontrunner. However, it is tied with the Super Horn, [[Blooper]], and [[Crazy Eight]] for the rarest item in the game.
To avoid the Spiny Shell, the player has multiple possibilities. He or she can either time correctly a [[Mushroom]], use a [[Star]] to make the item completely harmless, or, harder, but with interesting results if pulled off, by doing a [[Mini-Turbo]] by drifting, which will sometimes cause the Spiny Shell to spin around the player and crash into a wall.


The Spiny Shell is the emblem of the [[Spiny Cup]], which was included in Wave 6 of the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]''.
====''Mario Kart DS''====
In ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', the Spiny Shell has not changed since its redesign in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''. The Spiny Shell works in the same manner as in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''. It is obtainable from fourth to seventh place. Once fired, a Spiny Shell flies following the road to reach to the leader. Once locating its target, the shell flies around briefly over its target and falls over the vehicle, creating an explosion to send the vehicle flying and destroy the items held by the racer. Almost unavoidable, a player can avoid the explosion by using invincibility items like a [[Star]], a [[Bullet Bill]], or [[Boo]]. Tumbling as a result of getting hit by something like a [[Fake Item Box]] will also prevent the damage received by the explosion. Finally, the shell can be avoided by skillful use of a [[Mini-Turbo]]; karts with a high handling (like the [[Dry Bomber]]) can do it by a timed hop right after releasing the Mini-turbo.


A Spiny Shell Collector's item was also available with the ''Mario Kart 8'' Limited Edition bundle as well as the game disc.
====''Mario Kart Wii''====
 
The Spiny Shell makes an appearance in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' for the [[Wii]]. Its function is identical to ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', and it can be obtained if the racer is between fourth and eighth place.
To promote the release of ''Mario Kart 8'' in the {{wp|United Kingdom}} and {{wp|Republic of Ireland|Ireland}}, a song themed around the Spiny Shell titled "[[Blue Shell Blues]]", performed by British band {{wp|Brett Domino|The Brett Domino Trio}}, was released on May 29, 2014, one day before the game's European release date, on [[Nintendo]] UK's [[Wii U]] {{wp|YouTube}} channel.
 
====''Mario Kart Tour''====
The Spiny Shell returns in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', where it retains most characteristics from ''Mario Kart 8''. This item is obtainable from 5th to 7th place. It can still be destroyed with the Super Horn, which also returns to this game, or be dodged with a well-timed Mushroom boost; successfully performing either of these two maneuvers grants a large amount of action points. There is a new method to avoid the Spiny Shell from hitting the human player by simply letting any CPU-controlled driver overtake and take the lead at the last moment, resulting in the Spiny Shell immediately changing its target and hitting the new leader almost instantly. This works even if it appears the Spiny Shell has already locked on the player at the moment it is hovering above them ready to crash, unlike past titles. This cannot be done in Multiplayer mode, though, as the Spiny Shell hits the locked on leader regardless. If the player gets three Spiny Shells, they enter Frenzy mode, enabling the player to launch Spiny Shells for the rest of Frenzy mode. Its blast radius is also much weaker than any previous iterations, only knocking over the target without causing the kart to flip or tumble.
 
====''Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit''====
The Spiny Shell reappears in ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'', returning to its winged design from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' to ''Mario Kart Wii'' and functioning the same as in that game. However, its wings only appear once it is launched by the player. The radius size for the explosion is also larger.
 
===''Mario & Sonic'' series===
Spiny Shells appear as items in a few events of the [[Mario & Sonic (series)|''Mario & Sonic'' series]]. They first appear in the [[Nintendo DS]] version of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Nintendo DS)|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', in the [[Dream Canoe]] event, and their use is based on their appearance in [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]] because they aim for and explode on the character in first place, causing them to lose three coins. However, if the Spiny Shell was used by the character in first place, it targets whoever is in second place. Another similarity to the ''Mario Kart'' series is that a player can use a Starman to protect themselves from taking damage from a Spiny Shell. In the [[Nintendo DS]] version of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS)|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', Spiny Shells appear in [[Ski Cross Racing]], [[Rocket Ski Jumping]], and [[Extreme Snowboarding]]. In all three events, they aim in on whoever is in first place. In Ski Cross Racing, the character that is hit loses speed; in Rocket Ski Jumping, the character loses speed, height, and energy, but can defend against it using a [[Barrier (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Barrier]] or Super Star; and in Extreme Snowboarding, they knock over whoever is hit, causing anyone else caught in the explosion to lose speed.
 
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Spiny Shell}}
[[File:SpinyShellUltimate.png|thumb|150px|Spiny Shell artwork from ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'']]
The Spiny Shell appears as an item in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]'', retaining its wingless appearance from ''Mario Kart 7'' and ''Mario Kart 8''. It hovers over the leading player (or the second-scoring player if the leading player has thrown it), and after a while, falls and explodes. Its fall speed varies, giving the target more or less reaction time to dodge. In team battles with friendly fire off, the Spiny Shell attacks the leading player in the opposing team, although with friendly fire on, it targets the leading player regardless of team affiliation. The explosion is smaller than those of the ''Mario Kart'' series. The spikes can also damage opponents if the shell is below them, and when it is hovering overhead. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', the Spiny Shell is functionally identical, except for the fact that, in team battles with team attack on, the Spiny Shell no longer attacks teammates if the teammate has the most points. Additionally, an arrow of the color of the player who threw the Spiny Shell now appears above it.
{{br|left}}
 
===''Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle''===
{{quote|[[The Phantom of the Bwahpera|You're first and doing so well<br>But here comes the Spiny Shell!]]|[[Phantom (boss)|Phantom]]|[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]}}
[[File:SpinyFossil.jpg|thumb|A big Spiny Shell in ''Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle'']]
Gigantic fossilized Spiny Shells can be seen throughout the [[Ancient Gardens]] in ''[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]'', where they only serve as background decorations. One such Spiny Shell appears in front of [[Peach's Castle]] after the player completes Ancient Gardens; [[Beep-0]] jokingly comments that the team has to restore this Spiny Shell, only to then have to avoid it. The [[Phantom (character)|Phantom]] also mentions the item in the first verse of [[The Phantom of the Bwahpera|his song]], in which he mocks [[Mario]] for commonly being hit by it when in first place.


===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
If a player is targeted for attack by a Spiny Shell or is in the vicinity to be hit by the blast, the player can avoid the attack by means of a [[Star]], [[Mega Mushroom]], [[Bullet Bill]], well-timed [[Mushroom]], or by passing through a [[Barrel Cannon]] or the [[Launch Star]] found on [[Rainbow Road]]. It is even possible to drop a [[Banana]] at a very precise time during the drop after a jump, which causes the Banana to collide with the shell and spare the target. Also, if the player is in first and the Spiny Shell was fired and you already in second place, it can still attack you.  
[[File:TSMBM Spiny Shell.jpg|thumb|left|The Koopa General's Blue Shell form]]
{{See also|Koopa General}}
{{quote|You... can't escape ME! BLUE SHELL!!|Koopa General|The Super Mario Bros. Movie}}
In ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', a [[Koopa Paratroopa]] known as the [[Koopa General]] wears a Spiny Shell, referred to in the movie as a Blue Shell. It is depicted with wings, similarly to its design from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' through ''Mario Kart Wii''. During the [[kart]] chase on [[Rainbow Road]], after [[Mario]] and [[Donkey Kong]] blow the Koopa General's vehicle up, he emerges from the explosion enraged, retracts into his shell, and flies at the two, successfully exploding on them and destroying part of the road, causing the two of them to fall into the ocean below.
{{br}}


==Profiles and statistics==
In team play, the Spiny Shell will aim for whoever on the opposing team is farthest in front, ignoring and not damaging anyone on the user's team (so it will target the racer in fourth if the first three racers are on the user's team). For the first time, the item is also available in Battle Mode, flying straight to the opposing team's highest-scoring player after a short delay. The shell is much rarer in Battle Mode than Versus Mode and only appears if there is a very large score difference between the user and the leader.
===''Mario Kart'' series===
====''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''====
{{multilang profile
|type=manual
|EngE=Fire a homing shell that hunts down the leading kart. Watch as this shell crashes into and knocks away every kart in its path.<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/game_boy_advance_8/Manual_GameBoyAdvance_MarioKartSuperCircuit_EN_DE_FR_ES_IT.pdf|format=PDF|title=''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' instruction booklet|date=2001|page=11|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|language=en|archive=web.archive.org/web/20240511020133/https://www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/game_boy_advance_8/Manual_GameBoyAdvance_MarioKartSuperCircuit_EN_DE_FR_ES_IT.pdf}}</ref>
}}
 
{{multilang profile
|type=vc_3ds
|Eng=This will chase down the kart in first place, causing any karts in its path to crash as well.}}
 
====''Mario Kart DS''====
{{multilang profile
|type=manual
|Eng=This shell tracks and chases after the lead kart and blows up when it reaches its target. Any kart in the blast radius will be knocked over or spun around.<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/nintendo_ds_21/Manual_NintendoDS_MarioKartDS_EN.pdf|format=PDF|date=2005|title=''Mario Kart DS'' instruction booklet|page=11|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|language=en|archive=web.archive.org/web/20240415174917/https://www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/nintendo_ds_21/Manual_NintendoDS_MarioKartDS_EN.pdf}}</ref>}}
 
====''Mario Kart Wii''====
{{multilang profile
|type=manual
|Eng=Spiny Shells find the vehicle in first place and explode on impact. Any vehicle caught in the blast will flip or spin out.<ref>{{cite|title=''Mario Kart Wii'' instruction booklet|page=9|date=2008|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en}}</ref>}}


====''Mario Kart 7''====
====''Mario Kart 7''====
{{multilang profile
The Spiny Shell makes its appearance in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. The shell is now wingless, like its first incarnation, and has increased in size compared to previous games, though it is still able to fly despite this. Like before, it will target the leading player upon usage. Its rarity is on par with the [[Thunderbolt]].
|type=manual
|Eng=Spiny Shells lock on to and chase after the kart in the lead, knocking it over on impact and also knocking over any karts it hits on the way.<ref>{{cite|date=2011|title=''Mario Kart 7'' instruction booklet|page=7|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en}}</ref>}}


{{multilang profile
All of the racers hit by the shell drop [[Coin]]s, but those hit by the explosion may also lose the items that they were armed with. Unlike in ''Mario Kart Wii'', the racers in the front hit by the Shell's explosion do not rise from the ground because of the impact; instead, they roll over uncontrollably, costing several seconds. The Spiny Shell cannot be avoided unless the player uses a [[Mushroom]], a [[Star]], or a [[Bullet Bill]], drops out of first place before the item is launched, or falling off the course. Even being hit by a perfectly-timed shell, banana, starred player, or lightning bolt will nullify its effects.
|type=website
|EngA=Whoever's in the lead better watch out when one of these is launched. It's almost impossible to avoid.}}


====''Mario Kart 8''====
====''Mario Kart 8''====
{{multilang profile
{{newsubject-section}}
|type=e-manual
[[File:MK8LimitedEdition.png|thumb|right|250px|The Blue Shell figurine that comes in the MK8 Limited Edition bundle.]]
|Eng=Pursues the driver in 1st place, knocking over any vehicles it hits along the way. This one won't stop until it catches up with the leader!<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/wii_u_6/mario_kart_8/ElectronicManual_WiiU_MarioKart8_EN.pdf|format=PDF|title=''Mario Kart 8'' electronic manual|page=20|archive=web.archive.org/web/20240619072754/https://www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/wii_u_6/mario_kart_8/ElectronicManual_WiiU_MarioKart8_EN.pdf|date=2014|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en}}</ref>}}
The Spiny Shell has been confirmed to return in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''. It will once again have no wings but has a bit of  lighter blue colour. It acts like it did in [[Mario Kart 7]], zooming across the ground, taking out any players in its way. A recently announced item, The [[Super Horn]], is capable of destroying Blue Shells in their path, however this item is very rare. <ref>http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2013/06/17/e3-2013-mario-kart-8-interview/</ref> A Spiny Shell figure is also available with the ''Mario Kart 8'' Limited Edition bundle.


*'''Nintendo of America's social media accounts:''' ''The all-powerful blue Spiny Shell made its debut in Mario Kart 64. It has appeared in every game since.''<ref>{{cite|author=NintendoAmerica|date=June 20, 2014|url=x.com/NintendoAmerica/status/480083919396933633|title=Post|publisher=X|accessdate=July 19, 2023|archive=web.archive.org/web/20200518234032/https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/480083919396933633}}</ref><ref>{{cite|language=en-us|author=MarioKartEN|date=June 20, 2014|url=www.facebook.com/MarioKartEN/photos/537423816362216|title=Post|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=July 19, 2023|archive=web.archive.org/web/20230719220908/https://www.facebook.com/MarioKartEN/photos/537423816362216}}</ref>
===''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U''===
 
{{newsubject-section}}
====''Mario Kart Tour''====
The Spiny Shell returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U]]'', retaining its ''Mario Kart 7'' appearance. It appears to fly up over one of the player's heads, then attempt to slam down onto them.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dzSeICAwZA]</ref> It can be assumed that it homes in on the player in first place.
*'''Tips & Tricks:''' ''Chases down the kart in 1st place, crashing through anyone it hits before reaching its target. This will make you regret being in 1st place! Or even near the kart in 1st place...''
*'''''Mario Kart Tour'' Twitter:''' ''Item introduction: Spiny Shell<br>Chases down the kart in 1st place, crashing through anyone it hits before reaching its target. With this item around, even racers at the front of the pack aren't safe!''<ref>{{cite|author=mariokarttourEN|date=August 31, 2019|language=en-us|url=x.com/mariokarttourEN/status/1167580446135218176|title=Post|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=March 10, 2020|archive=web.archive.org/web/20220430082822/https://twitter.com/mariokarttourEN/status/1167580446135218176}}</ref>
 
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
====''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''====
{{SSBB sticker
|name=Spiny Shell
|image=[[File:Spiny Shell Sticker.png]]
|game=''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
|effect=Launch Power +11
}}


====''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Wii U''====
===''Mario Hoops 3-on-3''===
{{SSB4 trophy
In ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]'', the Spiny Shell is known as "Angel Shell", and its appearance is similar to its appearance in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]''. The shell is a homing projectile that once thrown, chases a player of the opponent team and explodes upon contact of the target, in a similar fashion to a [[Bomb]].
|name=Spiny Shell
|image='''3DS:'''<br>[[File:BlueShellTrophy3DS.png|100px]]<br>'''Wii U:'''<br>[[File:SSB4TrophySpinyShell.png|100px]]
|category=Item
|appears_in='''N64''' ''Mario Kart 64'' (02/1997)<br>'''Wii U''' ''Mario Kart 8'' (05/2014)
|trophy_box=10: Super Mario Kart
|unlock=Random
|desc=The devastating blue Spiny Shell that normally appears in the Mario Kart series. This shell seeks out the lead racer and ruins his or her day. In Smash Bros., it will hover above one of the fighters before crashing down and exploding. Avoiding the impact can be challenging.
|desc2=In the Mario Kart series, these blue shells play a big role, tearing down the track at a frightening speed before crashing down on whoever's in first place. When thrown, it'll hover around above a fighter's head, and after a short while drop down and blow up. If you find one targeting you, get ready to dodge that explosion!
}}


===''Mario Superstar Baseball''===
The Spiny Shell appears as an item in [[Toy Field]]. It steals 50 coins from the leader and gives them to the user.
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<center><gallery>
<gallery>
File:MKSC BlueShell.jpg|Artwork of a Spiny Shell, from ''Mario Kart 64''.
MK64 Spiny Shell.gif|''[[Mario Kart 64]]''
File:SpinyShellSC.PNG|Sprite of a Spiny Shell from ''Mario Kart Super Circuit''.
Princess Peach Spiny Shell Artwork - Mario Kart DS.png|''[[Mario Kart DS]]''
File:MKDD_SpinyShell.png|The Spiny Shell's appearance in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''.
Bowser Art - Mario Kart Wii.png|''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''
File:Princess Peach Spiny Shell Artwork - Mario Kart DS.png|[[Princess Peach|Peach]] prepares to use a Spiny Shell in ''Mario Kart DS''.
Spiny Shell SSB4 Wii U.jpg|''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''
File:Spiny Shell - Mario Kart Wii.png|The Spiny Shell in ''Mario Kart Wii''.
Facebook MarioKartDE 2017-05-11.jpg|Image macro of a Spiny Shell from the official German ''Mario Kart'' Facebook page
File:Bowser Art - Mario Kart Wii.png|[[Bowser]], holding a Spiny Shell in ''Mario Kart Wii''.
</gallery>
File:MK7-Spiny-Shell.png|Artwork of a Spiny Shell in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''.
File:Donkeykong-spinyshellnmdww.png|[[Donkey Kong]] prepares to use a Spiny Shell in ''Mario Kart 7''.
File:SpinyShellMK8.png|Artwork of a Spiny Shell in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''.
File:Blue Shell Figurine - Mario Kart 8.png|A close up of the Blue Shell figurine.
</gallery></center>


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
===Spiny Shell===
{{Foreignname
{{foreign names
|Ita=Guscio spinoso<br>Guscio Spinoso (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'')<br>Guscio spinato (''Mario Kart DS'')
|Jpn=トゲゾーこうら
|ItaM=Spiny shell<br>Spiny Shell<br>Spiny shell
|JpnR=Togezō Kōra
|Spa=Caparazón Azul<br>Caparazón de Pinchos
|JpnM=Spiny Shell
|SpaM=Blue Shell<br>Spiny Shell
|JpnN=Same as [[Spiny Shell]]
|Fra=Carapace à Épines
|ChiS=刺虫龟壳
|FraM=Spiny Shell
|ChiSC=<ref>{{cite|language=zh-hans|title=马力欧卡丁车|url=www.ique.com/games/52011.htm|publisher=[[iQue]]|accessdate=June 28, 2024}}</ref>
|ChiSN=iQue, ''Mario Kart 64''
|ChiSR=Cìchóng Guīké
|ChiS2=刺虫甲壳
|ChiS2C=<ref>{{cite|language=zh-hans|url=www.ique.com/3ds/amkj/item/index.html|title=马力欧卡丁车7：道具|publisher=iQue|accessdate=June 28, 2024}}</ref>
|ChiS2N=iQue, ''Mario Kart 7''
|ChiS2R=Cìchóng Jiǎqiào
|ChiS3=刺刺龟壳
|ChiS3C=<ref>{{cite|language=zh-hans|url=www.nintendoswitch.com.cn/mario_kart_8_deluxe/item/index.html|title=马力欧卡丁车8 豪华版 {{!}} Nintendo Switch {{!}} 任天堂 {{!}} 腾讯|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=June 28, 2024}}</ref>
|ChiS3N=Nintendo
|ChiS3R=Cìcìguī Ké
|ChiSM=Spiny Shell
|ChiS2M=Spiny Shell
|ChiS3M=Pun on 刺刺龟 (''Cìcìguī'', "Spiny") and 龟壳 (''guīké'', "shell")
|ChiT=刺刺龜殼
|ChiTR=Cìcìguī Ké
|ChiTM=Pun on "刺刺龜" (''Cìcìguī'', "Spiny") and "龜殼" (''guīké'', "shell")
|ChiTN=Same as [[Spiny Shell]]
|Dut=Blauw Stekelschild
|Dut2=Spiny-schild
|Dut2N=''Mario Kart 7''
|DutM=Blue Spiny Shell
|Dut2M=Spiny Shell
|Fre=Carapace à épines
|Fre2=Carapace pointue
|Fre2N=''Mario Kart 64 '' manual
|Fre3=Carapace épineuse
|FreM=Spiny Shell
|Fre2M=Sharp shell
|Fre3M=Spiny Shell
|Ger=Stachi-Panzer
|Ger=Stachi-Panzer
|GerM=Spiny Shell
|GerM=Spiny Shell
|Ita=Guscio spinoso
|Jap=トゲゾーこうら
|ItaM=Spiny shell
|JapR=Togezo Koula
|ItaN=Same as [[Spiny Shell]]
|JapM=Spiny Shell
|Ita2=Conchiglia Spinosa
|Dut=Blauw Stekelschild
|Ita2C=<ref>{{cite|title=''Mario Kart 64'' Italian instruction booklet|page=32}}</ref>
|DutM=Blue Spine-shell
|Ita2M=Spiny Shell
|Rus=Панцирь Колючкина
|Ita2N=''Mario Kart 64''
|RusR=Pantsir' Kolyuchkina
|Ita3=Conchiglia irsuta
|RusM=Spiny Shell
|Ita3C=<ref>{{cite|date=2001|language=it|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|title=''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' European instruction booklet|page=32}}</ref>
|Por=Carapaça de Espinhos
|Ita3M=Shaggy shell
|PorM=Spiny shell
|Ita3N=''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''
|Chi=刺刺龟壳
|Ita4=Guscio Spinoso
|ChiR=Cìcì Guīké
|Ita4M=Spiny Shell
|ChiM=Spiny Shell
|Ita4N=''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
|Ita5=Guscio spinato
|Ita5M=Spiny shell
|Ita5N=''Mario Kart DS''
|Kor=가시돌이등껍질
|Kor=가시돌이등껍질
|KorR=Gasidori Deungkkeopjil
|KorR=Gasidori Deungkkeopjil
|KorM=Spiny Shell
|KorM=Spiny Shell}}
|PorA=Casco com espinhos
|PorAM=Spiny shell
|PorE=Carapaça de Espinhos
|PorEM=Spiny Shell
|Rus=Панцирь Колючкина
|RusR=Pantsir' Kolyuchkina
|RusM=Spiny's Shell
|RyanHaywood=Battle Shell
|SpaA=Caparazón de picos
|SpaA2=Caparazón Azul
|SpaA2N=''Mario Kart Wii'' instruction booklet
|SpaAM=Spiny shell
|SpaA2M=Blue Shell
|SpaE=Caparazón de pinchos
|SpaEM=Spiny shell
}}
 
===Blue Shell===
{{foreign names
|Jpn=ブルー・シェル
|JpnC=<ref>{{cite|timestamp=03:14|author=fore|date=September 24, 2023|url=youtu.be/v4M_ihW_tiU?t=194|title=ザ・スーパーマリオブラザーズ・ムービー|publisher=YouTube|language=ja|accessdate=January 2, 2025}}</ref>
|JpnN=''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''
|JpnR=Burū Sheru
|JpnM=Blue Shell
|Cat=Closca Blava
|CatN=''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''
|CatM=Blue Shell
|Fre=Carapace Bleue
|FreM=Blue Shell
|Ita=Guscio blu
|ItaM=Blue shell
|Rom=Carcasă albastră
|RomN=''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''
|RomM=Blue shell
|Spa=Caparazón Azul
|SpaM=Blue Shell
}}


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


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[[de:Stachi-Panzer]]
[[it:Guscio spinoso]]

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