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[[File:Rocket_Start_(Mario_Kart_Wii).jpg|thumb|250px|[[Koopa Troopa]] doing a successful '''Rocket Start''' in [[Koopa Cape]] from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''.]]
{{distinguish|[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit#Karts|Rocket Kart]]}}
'''Rocket Start''' (also referred to as '''Turbo Start''' or '''Boost Start''') is a move used in all of the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' games]]. It is a short boost that occurs at the beginning of each race. It is executed by pressing the acceleration button in tune with the starting lights. If the player over-revs when the final beep sounds, it may make the player's [[kart]]/vehicle falter for a few seconds at the beginning of the course (sometimes known as a '''Dud Start''').
[[File:MK8-Line-Mario-Start.gif|thumb|upright=1.4|[[LINE]] sticker of [[Mario]] performing a Rocket Start]]
{{quote|Be patient, drivers! If you tap the screen too early, you'll fail the Rocket Start and be at a disadvantage.|Lakitu|Mario Kart Tour}}


==Controls==
A '''Rocket Start''' (also referred to as a '''Rocket Boost''',<ref>{{cite|author=Owsen, Dan, Scott Pelland, and Paul Shinoda|language=en-us|date=1997|publisher=Nintendo of America|title=''Mario Kart 64'' Player's Guide|page=12, 32, 36, 44, 47, 48, 52, 56, 76, 79, 80, and 91}}</ref> '''Turbo Start''',<ref>{{cite|date=2001|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|title=''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' instruction booklet|page=26}}</ref> '''Boost Start''',{{ref needed}} '''Head Start''',{{ref needed}} '''Start Dash''',<ref>[https://youtu.be/SRdBuDOUiv4 Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Wii Playthrough - I Will Miss the Tokyo Olympics 2020]</ref> or '''starting dash'''<ref>[https://youtu.be/09goaFyQS1E Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games (Wii) Festival Mode Metal Sonic]</ref>) is a racing technique appearing mainly in games of the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]]. A Rocket Start is a powerful burst of speed that occurs at the beginning of every race, and it easily accelerates racers to top speed from standing still.
To perform a Rocket Start, drivers must press or hold the corresponding acceleration button when a race is about to begin. How to use the technique depends on which game in the ''Mario Kart'' series and which control scheme the player uses.


===Main series===
==History==
*''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' – Holding down {{button|snes|B}} between the first and second light.
===''Mario Kart'' series===
*''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' – Holding down {{button|n64|A}} when the signal's light turns green.
[[File:Ninja Hideaway Race Start MK8 Deluxe.jpg|thumb|The flames coming out of the vehicle's exhaust pipes determine the strength of the Rocket Start, as demonstrated by a [[Mii]] in ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''.]]
*''[[Mario Kart Super Circuit]]'' – Same as ''Mario Kart 64'', but by pressing {{button|gba|A}} instead.
In the ''Mario Kart'' series, the Rocket Start technique is executed by holding the acceleration button at the correct time in the starting countdown, with each game having different timing to do so, although the general timing of the technique in most games is to press the button sometime when the number '''2''' or equivalent appears onscreen. If the player holds the button too early and over-revs when the final beep sounds, the player's vehicle will backfire and stall for a few seconds at the beginning of the course (sometimes known as a '''Dud Start'''{{ref needed}} or '''Fail Start'''{{ref needed}}).
*''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''
**Rocket Start (Single Player) – Same as ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' and ''Mario Kart 64''. Alternately, players can tap {{button|gcn|A}} repeatedly during the countdown.
**Double Dash!! (Co-Op Play) – Same as Single Player, but with both members simultaneously.
*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' – Holding down {{button|ds|A}} right when the number "2" grows and fades away.
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' - Same as ''Mario Kart DS'', but with one of four control schemes.
**With Wii Wheel or Wii Remote – {{button|wii|2}}
**With Classic Controller – {{button|wii|cca}}
**With GameCube Controller – {{button|gcn|A}}
**With Wii Remote and Nunchuck – {{button|wii|A}}
*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' - Holding down the acceleration button and works the same way as ''Mario Kart Wii'' and ''Mario Kart DS'' -  {{button|3ds|A}} or {{button|3ds|Y}}.


===Arcade series===
[[File:MK7RocketStartReady.jpg|left|thumb|The technique can be used by holding {{button|3ds|A}} or {{button|3ds|Y}} while '''2''' appears onscreen in ''Mario Kart 7''.]]
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]] '' – Same as ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', but with the gas pedal.
Since ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', the strength of the Rocket Start depends on the power of the rev at the moment before '''GO!''' ('''START''' in ''Mario Kart DS'') appears onscreen. For example, if the player starts to rev the engine when the countdown reaches '''2''', depending on when the player started to hold down the acceleration button when '''2''' was onscreen, the duration of the technique can be roughly between 0.5 and two seconds, indicated by the flames coming out of the exhaust pipes of the vehicle (ink when the player drives the [[Inkstriker]] or [[Splat Buggy]], magic when the player drives [[Kamek's Zoom Broom]] or its variants, and soda when the player drives the [[Combo Cruiser]]). In other words, if the player starts to rev right at the moment the countdown reaches '''2''', the resulting launch from the [[finish line (object)|starting grid]] would be longer than if the player started to rev half a second after the '''2''' came onscreen. In ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', in addition to the technique from previous games, releasing the tap when '''GO!''' appears onscreen (due to auto-accelerate permanently being enabled) results in the Rocket Start being longer and awarding more [[Point|bonus points]] than usual, with the character's "item success" animation indicating a longer boost. A bonus challenge called [[Ready, Set, Rocket Start]] grades players on how many points they earned for the Rocket Start.
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'' - Pressing down on the accelerator when "1" appears on the game screen.
{{br}}
*''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'' – Same as ''Mario Kart Arcade GP 2''.
To perform a Rocket Start, drivers must press and hold the corresponding acceleration button when the race is about to begin. How and when to use it depends on which installment in the series and which control scheme the player uses.
 
{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center" width=75%
!Game !! Control !! Timing !! Failure
|-
|''[[Super Mario Kart]]''||Hold {{button|snes|B}}||Right as the beep sound from the first light stops||The kart's tires do a burnout, and it accelerates slowly at the start.
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 64]]''||Hold {{button|n64|A}} or tap it three times in sync with the lights||When the light turns blue||The kart's tires do a burnout with no forward movement.
|-
|''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''||Hold {{button|gba|A}}||Halfway between the second yellow light and the blue light||The kart accelerates slowly at the start.
|-
|''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''||Hold {{button|gcn|A}} or tap it in time with the lights||When the light turns green||The kart's rear wheels do a burnout, preventing movement for a few seconds.
|-
|''[[Mario Kart DS]]''||Hold {{button|ds|A}}||rowspan="2" |When the number "2" starts fading||rowspan="6" |The kart's engine backfires and stalls for a second or two.
|-
|''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''||With [[Wii#Wii Wheel|Wii Wheel]] or [[Wii#Wii Remote|Wii Remote]] – {{button|wii|2}}
 
With [[Wii#Classic Controller|Classic Controller]] – {{button|wii|cca}}
 
With [[Nintendo GameCube#Nintendo GameCube Controller|GameCube Controller]] – {{button|gcn|A}}
 
With Wii Remote and [[Wii#Nunchuk|Nunchuk]] – {{button|wii|A}}
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 7]]''||Hold {{button|3ds|A}} or {{button|3ds|Y}}||rowspan="3" |When the number "2" fully appears
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 8]]''||With [[Wii U#Wii U GamePad|Wii U GamePad]]/[[Wii U#Wii U Pro Controller|Wii U Pro Controller]] – {{button|wiiu|A}}, {{button|wiiu|Y}}, or {{button|wiiu|rightstick}}↑
 
With Wii Wheel or Wii Remote – {{button|wii|2}}
 
With Wii Remote and Nunchuk – {{button|wii|A}}
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' / ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'' || With horizontal [[Nintendo Switch#Joy-Con|Joy-Con]] – {{button|switch|jc-right}}
 
With Dual Joy-Con or [[Nintendo Switch#Nintendo Switch Pro Controller|Nintendo Switch Pro Controller]] – {{button|switch|A}}, {{button|switch|Y}} or {{button|switch|rightstick}}↑
|-
|''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''||Hold finger on the screen and release before "GO!" appears||Before or as the number "2" fully appears
|}
 
In ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'', Rocket Starts are performed the same as in ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' and ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' In ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'', they are performed by pressing down on the accelerator when "1" appears on the screen.
 
[[File:DoubleDash-MKDD.png|thumb|upright=1.1|The Double Dash in action at [[GCN Mushroom Bridge|Mushroom Bridge]]]]
A type of Rocket Start, the '''{{anchor|Double Dash|Double Dash}}''',<ref>{{cite|date=2003|publisher=Nintendo of America|title=''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' instruction booklet|page=13}}</ref> can be performed only in the co-op play mode of ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', and it is named after the game's subtitle. Both players must press {{button|gcn|A}} at the same time when the three red lights on [[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Lakitu]]'s starting signal turn green to perform this technique, which launches the kart at a higher speed. Blue flames follow the kart, showing that the technique was performed correctly.


==Double Dash!!==
In ''Mario Kart Tour'', a number of karts have the [[Special skill (Mario Kart Tour)#Rocket Start Plus|Rocket Start Plus]] special skill, which increases boosting time and points from Rocket Starts. These karts are shown in the following table:
[[File:DoubleDash-MKDD.png|thumb|200px|right|The '''Double Dash!!''' in action at [[Mushroom Bridge]].]]
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:left"width=1000px
The '''Double Dash!!''' is a move that can be performed only in the [[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!#Co-Op Play|co-op play mode]] of ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', which is named for this signature move. Both players must press {{button|gcn|A}} at the same time when Lakitu's starting lights turn green to perform this move, which will make the [[kart]] be launched at a higher speed.
!width=40%|Special skill
!width=60%|Karts
{{:Special skill (Mario Kart Tour)|transcludesection=Rocket Start}}
|}
{{br}}
{{br}}
===''Donkey Kong'' franchise===
In ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', the Rocket Start is referred to as a '''Jump Start'''<ref name=DKRacingGuide>{{cite|author=Jason Leung, Scott Pelland, and Paul Shinoda|language=en-us|date=1997|publisher=Nintendo of America|title=''Diddy Kong Racing'' Player's Guide|page=14}}</ref> (also formatted as '''jump start'''),<ref name=DKRacingGuide/> and it is timed with {{button|N64|A}} as the words "Get Ready" begin to fade, resulting in an orange boost. Waiting a little longer before pressing {{button|N64|A}} results in a '''super jump start''',<ref name=DKRacingGuide/> which is indicated with a turquoise boost.
The following table shows the controls required to perform a jump start in racing games of the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise.
{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center" width=75%
!Game !! Control !! Timing !! Result !! Failure
|-
|rowspan="2"|''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''||rowspan="2"|Press {{button|N64|A}}||'''Normal jump start:''' As soon as the words "Get Ready" are fading||Orange fire and black smoke appear.||rowspan="3" |The vehicle accelerates slowly at the start.
|-
|'''Super jump start:''' As soon as the words "Get Ready" have almost completely faded||rowspan="2"|If the A Button is sustained, turquoise fire and black smoke will appear. If the A Button is released and then pressed again, green fire and rainbow smoke will appear.
|- style="background:#FFF8DC"
|''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''||Press {{button|DS|A}}||As soon as the word "Go!" appears onscreen
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''||Shake {{button|wii|Wiimote}} and {{button|wii|Nunchuk}} simultaneously||Right as the word "Start!" appears onscreen|| ||The player may either accelerate slowly or jump by accident.
|}
===''Super Mario Galaxy''===
[[File:SMG Freezeflame Frosty Cosmic Luigi Race.png|thumb|left|[[Luigi]] preparing for a Start Dash]]
At the beginning of a [[Cosmic Mario]] or Cosmic Luigi race in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', if the player holds {{button|wii|Stick}} up, then {{button|wii|Z}} when the timer reaches "2," and then hits {{button|wii|A}} just as the race starts, [[Mario]] or [[Luigi]] will get an extra boost at the beginning of the race. This can be shown by a yellow color appearing on Mario or Luigi, shrinking gradually, showing the end of the speed boost.
{{br}}
===''Mario & Sonic'' series===
{{Rewrite-expand|section=yes|Include starting dash in other events from other ''Mario & Sonic'' entries, as discussed [[Talk:Start Dash#Comments|here]].}}
[[File:M&S Start Dash.png|thumb|[[Mario]] preparing to do a Start Dash in ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games'' for Wii]]
In ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', the Start Dash is used at the beginning of a [[Athletics|track]] event. In the [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii)|Wii version]], players hold down the {{button|wii|B}} button to build up the energy of their character. Once the "GO" sign appears on the screen, releasing the button and swinging the {{button|wii|wiimote}} downward makes the racer rocket out of the blocks. In the [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Nintendo DS)|Nintendo DS version]], holding {{button|ds|Stylus}} down on the Touch Screen charges up the energy, and releasing activates the speed boost.
===''Paper Mario: Color Splash''===
In ''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'', the Rocket Start is used by [[Luigi]] in his [[Standard Kart]] before he transports [[Mario]] and [[Huey]] up the rainbow to [[Black Bowser's Castle]] near the end of the game. It uses ''Mario Kart 8''{{'}}s chimes.
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
The opening of ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' shows {{wp|Minions (Despicable Me)|Stuart}} from the ''{{wp|Despicable Me}}'' series revving up the kart engine at the [[Finish line (object)|starting line]] before backfiring as the [[Illumination]] logo lights up. The kart then goes very fast as if the Rocket Start had succeeded after Stuart hits the kart.
==Profiles==
===''Mario Kart 64''===
*'''Instruction booklet:''' ''When you start, if you press the {{button|n64|A}} Button when the signal changes from red to blue, you can make a dash start at maximum speed (called a "Rocket Start"). But if you press too early, the tires will spin and you will start even slower, so be careful.''
===''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''===
{{rewrite-expand|section=y|which electronic manual is being quoted in this section? The one for the Wii U Virtual Console release, or the one for the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program release?}}
*'''Instruction booklet:''' ''If you press the {{button|gba|A}} button at just the right moment before the light turns green, you'll start the race with a huge burst of speed.''
*'''Nintendo 3DS electronic manual:''' ''At the beginning of a race, accelerate after the second signal is lit up. If your timing is accurate, you will perform a rocket start.''
*'''Electronic manual:''' ''When the race is starting, if you press on the accelerator after the second signal flashes--and with just the right timing--you will perform a Rocket Start and shoot off the starting line.''
===''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''===
*'''Instruction booklet (Rocket Start):''' ''If you press {{button|gcn|A}} just as Lakitu's start signal turns green, you'll perform a Rocket Start.''
*'''Instruction booklet (Double Dash):''' ''In co-op play you can get an even better launch if both the front and rear perform a Rocket Start at the same time. This is called a Double Dash.''
===''Mario Kart DS''===
*'''Instruction booklet:''' ''During the countdown to the start, hold {{button|ds|A}} down with the right timing to rev up your engine and give yourself a burst of speed off the starting line.''
===''Mario Kart Wii''===
*'''Instruction booklet:''' ''Press and hold {{button|wii|2}} at just the right time during the countdown to rev up your engine and give yourself a burst of speed off the starting line.''
===''Mario Kart 7''===
*'''Electronic manual:''' ''If you press and hold {{button|3ds|Y}} or {{button|3ds|A}} at just the right time during the starting countdown, you will launch off the starting line much faster than normal.''
===''Mario Kart 8''===
*'''Electronic manual:''' ''Get off to a Rocket Start! To launch from the starting grid at a high speed, press and hold {{button|wiiu|A}} at just the right moment during the countdown.''
*'''Guide:''' ''Timing a perfect Rocket Start can determine the whole nature of a Grand Prix race's first lap, and this technique is essential for posting record-breaking Time Trials. When Lakitu begins the countdown, start accelerating when "2" is on screen and the second red light is lit. If this is well timed, you'll have a perfect Rocket Start.''
*'''[[Play Nintendo]]:''' ''Wait for the countdown timer to '''hit “2”''' at the start of the race, and then '''hold down''' the accelerator button. You’ll blast off the starting line!''<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20210810004558/https://play.nintendo.com/news-tips/tips-tricks/5-ways-kart-faster|title=5 ways to kart faster|publisher=Play Nintendo|accessdate=August 1, 2023|language=en-us}}</ref>
===''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''===
*'''In-game manual:''' ''Get off to a Rocket Start! To launch from the starting grid at a high speed, press and hold {{button|switch|A}} at just the right moment during the countdown.''
*'''Guide:''' ''Timing a perfect Rocket Start can determine the whole nature of a Grand Prix race’s first lap, and this technique is essential for posting record-breaking Time Trials. Pay attention to Lakitu’s countdown, and begin accelerating immediately after the “2” appears onscreen, accompanied by a tone. Properly done, you’ll rocket off the line with a Mushroom-like boost. If you begin accelerating too soon, as the tone sounds and the 2 appears, rather than just after, you’ll stall at the starting line.''
===''Mario Kart Tour''===
*'''Tips & Tricks:''' ''At the race's start, tap the screen and hold on 2, then release at GO to take off with a Rocket Start! The closer you are to GO when you release, the longer your dash will last and the more bonus points you'll get. But be careful... You'll stall if you tap too early!''
*'''FYI! (From [[Ready, Set, Rocket Start]]):''' ''Tap and hold the screen when the countdown reaches 2, release at GO for a Rocket Start!''
===''[[Nintendo Extra]]''===
*''At the start of a race, hold the accelerator button when the countdown reaches “2” to perform a Rocket Start! Get the timing right and you’ll zoom off the start line much faster than usual!''
==Gallery==
===''Mario Kart'' series===
<gallery>
MK64 Rocket Start.png|''[[Mario Kart 64]]''
MKSC Rocket Start.png|''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''
MKDD Rocket Start.png|''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''
MKDS rocket start.png|''[[Mario Kart DS]]''
MKW Rocket Start.png|''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''
MKW Fail Start.png|''Mario Kart Wii'' (Fail Start)
WaluigiStadiumAGP2BeginRace.png|''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]''
Rocket Start MK7.png|''[[Mario Kart 7]]''
Rocket Start (Mario Kart 7 First Person).jpg|''Mario Kart 7'' ([[First-Person View]])
MKAGPDX Rocket Start.png|''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]''
MK8 Twisted Mansion Rocket Start.jpg|''[[Mario Kart 8]]''
Rocket Start MK8 Deluxe.jpg|''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''
MKT Rocket Start.png|''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''
MKT Icon Rocket Start.png|''Mario Kart Tour'' (Rocket Start Plus)
MKT 115CB.png|''Mario Kart Tour'' (Rocket Start Badge)
</gallery>
===''Donkey Kong'' racing games===
<gallery>
DKR Rocket Start.png|''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''
DKBB Rocket Start.png|''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''
DKRDS Rocket Start.png|''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''
</gallery>
===Other===
<gallery>
PMCS Black Bowser's Castle take off.png|''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]''
</gallery>


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
===Rocket Start===
===Rocket Start===
{{foreignname
{{foreign names
|Jap=ロケットスタート
|Jap=ロケットスタート
|JapR=Roketto Sutāto
|JapR=Roketto Sutāto
|JapM=Rocket Start
|JapM=Rocket Start
|Por=Iniciar foguete
|Chi=火箭起步
|PorM=Rocket Start
|ChiR=Huǒjiàn Qǐbù
|Rus=Ракетно Начало
|ChiM=Rocket Start
|RusM=Rocket Start
|Dut=Superstart
|Spa=Salida rápida
|DutN=''Mario Kart 7''
|SpaM=Fast Start/Rapid Start/Quick Start
|Dut2=Raket Start
|Fra=Départ turbo
|DutM=Super Start
|FraM=Turbo Start
|Dut2M=Rocket Start
|Fre=Départ turbo
|Fre2=Départ canon
|FreM=Turbo Start
|Fre2M=Rocket Start
|Ger=Raketenstart
|GerM=Rocket Start
|Ita=Partenza a razzo
|Ita=Partenza a razzo
|ItaM=Rocket Start}}
|ItaM=Rocket Start
|Kor=스타트 대시
|KorR=Seutateu Daesi
|KorM=Start Dash
|PorA=Saída turbo
|PorA2=Largada Foguete
|PorA2C=<ref>{{cite|publisher=Nintendo|language=pt-br|title=''Mario Kart 64'' Brazilian instruction booklet|page=19}}</ref>
|PorAM=Turbo Start
|PorA2M=Rocket Start
|PorE=Impulso Inicial
|PorEM=Initial Impulse
|PorE2=Início a Jato
|PorE2M=Rocket Start
|Rus=Быстрый старт
|RusR=Bystryy start
|RusM=Fast Start
|Spa=Turbosalida
|SpaN=since ''Mario Kart 7''
|Spa2=Salida rapida
|SpaM=Turbo Start
|Spa2M=Fast Start
}}


===Double Dash!!===
===Double Dash===
{{foreignname
{{foreign names
|Jap=ダブルダッシュ!!
|Jap=ダブルダッシュ  
|JapR=Daburu Dasshu!!
|JapR=Daburu Dasshu
|JapM=Double Dash!!
|JapM=Double Dash
|Spa=Doble Carrera!!
|Fre=Double Dash
|SpaM=Double Dash!!
|Fra=Double Tiret!!
|FraM=Double Dash!!
|Ita=Double Dash!!
|Ita=Double Dash!!
|ItaM=-}}
|SpaE=Doble Carrera
|SpaEM=Double Dash
}}


==References==
{{NIWA|FZeroWiki=1}}
<references/>
{{navboxes|
{{SMK}}
{{MK64}}
{{MKSC}}
{{MKDD}}
{{MKDS}}
{{MKAGP2}}
{{SMG}}
{{M&SATOG}}
{{MKW}}
{{MK7}}
{{MKAGPDX}}
{{MK8}}
{{MKT}}}}
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]
[[Category:Mario Kart series moves]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 64]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 8]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]
[[Category:Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]
[[Category:Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Mario Kart DS]]
[[Category:Mario Kart DS]]
[[Category:Special Moves]]
[[Category:Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]
[[Category:Game Mechanics]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Tour]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Wii]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Wii]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 64]]
[[Category:Moves]]
[[Category:Moves]]
[[Category:Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]
[[Category:Super Mario Galaxy]]
[[Category:Super Mario Kart]]
[[Category:Super Mario Kart]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7]]
[[it:Partenza a razzo]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Moves]]

Latest revision as of 14:16, November 9, 2024

Not to be confused with Rocket Kart.
Official LINE sticker for Mario Kart 8.
LINE sticker of Mario performing a Rocket Start
“Be patient, drivers! If you tap the screen too early, you'll fail the Rocket Start and be at a disadvantage.”
Lakitu, Mario Kart Tour

A Rocket Start (also referred to as a Rocket Boost,[1] Turbo Start,[2] Boost Start,[citation needed] Head Start,[citation needed] Start Dash,[3] or starting dash[4]) is a racing technique appearing mainly in games of the Mario Kart series. A Rocket Start is a powerful burst of speed that occurs at the beginning of every race, and it easily accelerates racers to top speed from standing still.

History[edit]

Mario Kart series[edit]

The start of the race at Ninja Hideaway in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The flames coming out of the vehicle's exhaust pipes determine the strength of the Rocket Start, as demonstrated by a Mii in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

In the Mario Kart series, the Rocket Start technique is executed by holding the acceleration button at the correct time in the starting countdown, with each game having different timing to do so, although the general timing of the technique in most games is to press the button sometime when the number 2 or equivalent appears onscreen. If the player holds the button too early and over-revs when the final beep sounds, the player's vehicle will backfire and stall for a few seconds at the beginning of the course (sometimes known as a Dud Start[citation needed] or Fail Start[citation needed]).

When 2 appears onscreen, that's means you're ready to Rocket Start.
The technique can be used by holding A Button or Y Button while 2 appears onscreen in Mario Kart 7.

Since Mario Kart DS, the strength of the Rocket Start depends on the power of the rev at the moment before GO! (START in Mario Kart DS) appears onscreen. For example, if the player starts to rev the engine when the countdown reaches 2, depending on when the player started to hold down the acceleration button when 2 was onscreen, the duration of the technique can be roughly between 0.5 and two seconds, indicated by the flames coming out of the exhaust pipes of the vehicle (ink when the player drives the Inkstriker or Splat Buggy, magic when the player drives Kamek's Zoom Broom or its variants, and soda when the player drives the Combo Cruiser). In other words, if the player starts to rev right at the moment the countdown reaches 2, the resulting launch from the starting grid would be longer than if the player started to rev half a second after the 2 came onscreen. In Mario Kart Tour, in addition to the technique from previous games, releasing the tap when GO! appears onscreen (due to auto-accelerate permanently being enabled) results in the Rocket Start being longer and awarding more bonus points than usual, with the character's "item success" animation indicating a longer boost. A bonus challenge called Ready, Set, Rocket Start grades players on how many points they earned for the Rocket Start.

To perform a Rocket Start, drivers must press and hold the corresponding acceleration button when the race is about to begin. How and when to use it depends on which installment in the series and which control scheme the player uses.

Game Control Timing Failure
Super Mario Kart Hold B Button Right as the beep sound from the first light stops The kart's tires do a burnout, and it accelerates slowly at the start.
Mario Kart 64 Hold A Button or tap it three times in sync with the lights When the light turns blue The kart's tires do a burnout with no forward movement.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit Hold A Button Halfway between the second yellow light and the blue light The kart accelerates slowly at the start.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Hold A Button or tap it in time with the lights When the light turns green The kart's rear wheels do a burnout, preventing movement for a few seconds.
Mario Kart DS Hold A Button When the number "2" starts fading The kart's engine backfires and stalls for a second or two.
Mario Kart Wii With Wii Wheel or Wii RemoteTwo Button

With Classic ControllerClassic Controller a Button

With GameCube ControllerA Button

With Wii Remote and NunchukA Button

Mario Kart 7 Hold A Button or Y Button When the number "2" fully appears
Mario Kart 8 With Wii U GamePad/Wii U Pro ControllerA Button, Y Button, or Right Stick

With Wii Wheel or Wii Remote – Two Button

With Wii Remote and Nunchuk – A Button

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe / Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit With horizontal Joy-ConSingle Joy-Con Right Button

With Dual Joy-Con or Nintendo Switch Pro ControllerA Button, Y Button or Right Stick

Mario Kart Tour Hold finger on the screen and release before "GO!" appears Before or as the number "2" fully appears

In Mario Kart Arcade GP, Rocket Starts are performed the same as in Mario Kart: Super Circuit and Mario Kart: Double Dash!! In Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 and Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, they are performed by pressing down on the accelerator when "1" appears on the screen.

Double Dash
The Double Dash in action at Mushroom Bridge

A type of Rocket Start, the Double Dash,[5] can be performed only in the co-op play mode of Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, and it is named after the game's subtitle. Both players must press A Button at the same time when the three red lights on Lakitu's starting signal turn green to perform this technique, which launches the kart at a higher speed. Blue flames follow the kart, showing that the technique was performed correctly.

In Mario Kart Tour, a number of karts have the Rocket Start Plus special skill, which increases boosting time and points from Rocket Starts. These karts are shown in the following table:

Special skill Karts
Rocket Start Plus icon from Mario Kart Tour
Rocket Start Plus
Increases Rocket Start boost time and points earned for performing one.
+30 points
Koopa DasherGreen Kiddie KartBullet BlasterBull's-Eye Banzai
+50 points
White RoyaleRed Turbo YoshiBlue SevenBirthday Girl DaisyLight-blue Turbo YoshiFlame FlyerBarrel TrainLight-blue Turbo BirdoRambi Rider
+80 points
QuickshawGhost RideCheermellowRed B DasherKarp KartSweet DaytripperSports CoupeGold Snow SkimmerIron CucumberOrange StreamlinerJet CruiserSunny Surf SailerClassic B Dasher Mk. 2Metal B Dasher Mk. 2Gold Pumpkin KartLunar CruiserGray Cat CruiserSneekerStar BroomFireflyCoconut 1Goo-Goo BuggyWhite Fast FrankTropical TruckWatermelon KartChocolate Banana MinibusGold Double-DeckerGold EagleHoliday SpeederWild GoldRainbow TaxiGold 8-Bit Pipe FrameGold PaintsterGold CometGold Cupid's ArrowGold Warrior WagonGold Wild SluggerGold Soft SwerveGold Monarch KartGold TrainGold Cheep SnorkelKoopa KingPirate Sushi RacerBlack DozerBlack Penguin SliderPurple BunnyCact-RSakura Hop RodWhite Turbo BirdoGreen-Yellow Capsule KartGold TricksterGold BruiserGold Fish Bone FerryGold Pipes

Donkey Kong franchise[edit]

In Diddy Kong Racing, the Rocket Start is referred to as a Jump Start[6] (also formatted as jump start),[6] and it is timed with A Button as the words "Get Ready" begin to fade, resulting in an orange boost. Waiting a little longer before pressing A Button results in a super jump start,[6] which is indicated with a turquoise boost.

The following table shows the controls required to perform a jump start in racing games of the Donkey Kong franchise.

Game Control Timing Result Failure
Diddy Kong Racing Press A Button Normal jump start: As soon as the words "Get Ready" are fading Orange fire and black smoke appear. The vehicle accelerates slowly at the start.
Super jump start: As soon as the words "Get Ready" have almost completely faded If the A Button is sustained, turquoise fire and black smoke will appear. If the A Button is released and then pressed again, green fire and rainbow smoke will appear.
Diddy Kong Racing DS Press A Button As soon as the word "Go!" appears onscreen
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Shake Wii Remote and Nunchuk simultaneously Right as the word "Start!" appears onscreen The player may either accelerate slowly or jump by accident.

Super Mario Galaxy[edit]

Cosmic Luigi
Luigi preparing for a Start Dash

At the beginning of a Cosmic Mario or Cosmic Luigi race in Super Mario Galaxy, if the player holds Nunchuk Control Stick up, then Nunchuk Z Button when the timer reaches "2," and then hits A Button just as the race starts, Mario or Luigi will get an extra boost at the beginning of the race. This can be shown by a yellow color appearing on Mario or Luigi, shrinking gradually, showing the end of the speed boost.

Mario & Sonic series[edit]

It has been requested that this section be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: Include starting dash in other events from other Mario & Sonic entries, as discussed here.

A Start Dash
Mario preparing to do a Start Dash in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Wii

In Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, the Start Dash is used at the beginning of a track event. In the Wii version, players hold down the B Button button to build up the energy of their character. Once the "GO" sign appears on the screen, releasing the button and swinging the Wii Remote downward makes the racer rocket out of the blocks. In the Nintendo DS version, holding Stylus down on the Touch Screen charges up the energy, and releasing activates the speed boost.

Paper Mario: Color Splash[edit]

In Paper Mario: Color Splash, the Rocket Start is used by Luigi in his Standard Kart before he transports Mario and Huey up the rainbow to Black Bowser's Castle near the end of the game. It uses Mario Kart 8's chimes.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie[edit]

The opening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie shows Stuart from the Despicable Me series revving up the kart engine at the starting line before backfiring as the Illumination logo lights up. The kart then goes very fast as if the Rocket Start had succeeded after Stuart hits the kart.

Profiles[edit]

Mario Kart 64[edit]

  • Instruction booklet: When you start, if you press the A Button Button when the signal changes from red to blue, you can make a dash start at maximum speed (called a "Rocket Start"). But if you press too early, the tires will spin and you will start even slower, so be careful.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit[edit]

It has been requested that this section be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: which electronic manual is being quoted in this section? The one for the Wii U Virtual Console release, or the one for the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program release?

  • Instruction booklet: If you press the A Button button at just the right moment before the light turns green, you'll start the race with a huge burst of speed.
  • Nintendo 3DS electronic manual: At the beginning of a race, accelerate after the second signal is lit up. If your timing is accurate, you will perform a rocket start.
  • Electronic manual: When the race is starting, if you press on the accelerator after the second signal flashes--and with just the right timing--you will perform a Rocket Start and shoot off the starting line.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!![edit]

  • Instruction booklet (Rocket Start): If you press A Button just as Lakitu's start signal turns green, you'll perform a Rocket Start.
  • Instruction booklet (Double Dash): In co-op play you can get an even better launch if both the front and rear perform a Rocket Start at the same time. This is called a Double Dash.

Mario Kart DS[edit]

  • Instruction booklet: During the countdown to the start, hold A Button down with the right timing to rev up your engine and give yourself a burst of speed off the starting line.

Mario Kart Wii[edit]

  • Instruction booklet: Press and hold Two Button at just the right time during the countdown to rev up your engine and give yourself a burst of speed off the starting line.

Mario Kart 7[edit]

  • Electronic manual: If you press and hold Y Button or A Button at just the right time during the starting countdown, you will launch off the starting line much faster than normal.

Mario Kart 8[edit]

  • Electronic manual: Get off to a Rocket Start! To launch from the starting grid at a high speed, press and hold A Button at just the right moment during the countdown.
  • Guide: Timing a perfect Rocket Start can determine the whole nature of a Grand Prix race's first lap, and this technique is essential for posting record-breaking Time Trials. When Lakitu begins the countdown, start accelerating when "2" is on screen and the second red light is lit. If this is well timed, you'll have a perfect Rocket Start.
  • Play Nintendo: Wait for the countdown timer to hit “2” at the start of the race, and then hold down the accelerator button. You’ll blast off the starting line![7]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

  • In-game manual: Get off to a Rocket Start! To launch from the starting grid at a high speed, press and hold A Button at just the right moment during the countdown.
  • Guide: Timing a perfect Rocket Start can determine the whole nature of a Grand Prix race’s first lap, and this technique is essential for posting record-breaking Time Trials. Pay attention to Lakitu’s countdown, and begin accelerating immediately after the “2” appears onscreen, accompanied by a tone. Properly done, you’ll rocket off the line with a Mushroom-like boost. If you begin accelerating too soon, as the tone sounds and the 2 appears, rather than just after, you’ll stall at the starting line.

Mario Kart Tour[edit]

  • Tips & Tricks: At the race's start, tap the screen and hold on 2, then release at GO to take off with a Rocket Start! The closer you are to GO when you release, the longer your dash will last and the more bonus points you'll get. But be careful... You'll stall if you tap too early!
  • FYI! (From Ready, Set, Rocket Start): Tap and hold the screen when the countdown reaches 2, release at GO for a Rocket Start!

Nintendo Extra[edit]

  • At the start of a race, hold the accelerator button when the countdown reaches “2” to perform a Rocket Start! Get the timing right and you’ll zoom off the start line much faster than usual!

Gallery[edit]

Mario Kart series[edit]

Donkey Kong racing games[edit]

Other[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Rocket Start[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ロケットスタート[?]
Roketto Sutāto
Rocket Start
Chinese 火箭起步[?]
Huǒjiàn Qǐbù
Rocket Start
Dutch Superstart[?] Super Start Mario Kart 7
Raket Start[?] Rocket Start
French Départ turbo[?] Turbo Start
Départ canon[?] Rocket Start
German Raketenstart[?] Rocket Start
Italian Partenza a razzo[?] Rocket Start
Korean 스타트 대시[?]
Seutateu Daesi
Start Dash
Portuguese (NOA) Saída turbo[?] Turbo Start
Largada Foguete[8] Rocket Start
Portuguese (NOE) Impulso Inicial[?] Initial Impulse
Início a Jato[?] Rocket Start
Russian Быстрый старт[?]
Bystryy start
Fast Start
Spanish Turbosalida[?] Turbo Start since Mario Kart 7
Salida rapida[?] Fast Start

Double Dash[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ダブルダッシュ[?]
Daburu Dasshu
Double Dash
French Double Dash[?] -
Italian Double Dash!![?] -
Spanish (NOE) Doble Carrera[?] Double Dash

References[edit]

  1. ^ Owsen, Dan, Scott Pelland, and Paul Shinoda (1997). Mario Kart 64 Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 12, 32, 36, 44, 47, 48, 52, 56, 76, 79, 80, and 91.
  2. ^ 2001. Mario Kart: Super Circuit instruction booklet. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 26.
  3. ^ Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Wii Playthrough - I Will Miss the Tokyo Olympics 2020
  4. ^ Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games (Wii) Festival Mode Metal Sonic
  5. ^ 2003. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! instruction booklet. Nintendo of America. Page 13.
  6. ^ a b c Jason Leung, Scott Pelland, and Paul Shinoda (1997). Diddy Kong Racing Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 14.
  7. ^ 5 ways to kart faster. Play Nintendo (American English). Archived August 10, 2021, 00:45:58 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  8. ^ Mario Kart 64 Brazilian instruction booklet. Nintendo (Brazilian Portuguese). Page 19.