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[[File:CheckpointSM3DL.png|thumb|115px|Artwork of the '''Checkpoint Flag''' in ''Super Mario 3D Land''.]]
{{item infobox
The '''Checkpoint Flag'''<ref>Super Mario 3D World Prima guide, page 19</ref> (also known as the '''Midway Flag'''{{refneeded}} or '''Halfway Flag'''{{refneeded}}) is a recurring object that signifies a checkpoint in several ''[[Mario (series)|Mario]]'' games. They are similar to the [[Midway Gate]]s from ''[[Super Mario World]]''. If [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Yellow Toad (character)|Yellow Toad]] or [[Blue Toad (character)|Blue Toad]] loses a life after passing through a Checkpoint Flag, he restarts where the Checkpoint Flag is. If Mario or Luigi is [[Small Mario]], the flag always restores him to [[Super Mario|Super Mario or Super Luigi]]. When the player touches a Checkpoint flag, they will be rewarded with 2000 points in some games.
|image=[[File:SMO Artwork Checkpoint Flag.png|200x200px]]<br>Artwork from ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]''
 
|first_appearance=''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[List of games by date#2006|2006]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' ([[Nintendo Switch]]) ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|effect=Lets the player continue from the checkpoint after they lose a life
}}
A '''Checkpoint Flag''' (also known as a '''midway point''',<ref>{{cite|title=''New Super Mario Bros.'' instruction booklet|page=15|date=2006|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite|title=''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' instruction booklet|page=15|date=2009|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> '''midway flag''',<ref>{{cite|author=Knight, Michael|title=''Nintendo DS'' Pocket Guide|page=28|isbn=978-0-307-46760-7|language=en-us|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|date=March 16, 2010}}</ref> or '''Warp Flag''')<ref>{{cite|author=Walsh, Doug, and Epstein, Joe|date=October 27, 2017|title=''Super Mario Odyssey: Prima Collector's Edition Guide''|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|isbn=978-0-744-01887-5}}</ref> is a recurring object that signifies a [[checkpoint]] in the platforming games of the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise. Checkpoint Flags are similar to the [[Midway Gate]]s from ''[[Super Mario World]]''. If [[Mario]] (or any other player character) loses a life after touching a Checkpoint Flag, he restarts where the Checkpoint Flag is. If Mario is in his [[Small Mario|small form]], the flag almost always restores him to [[Super Mario (form)|Super Mario]]. When the player touches a Checkpoint Flag, they will be rewarded with 2,000 [[point]]s in some games.
==History==
==History==
===''Super Mario'' series===
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
[[File:Midway_Point.PNG|frame|right]]
[[File:Midway_Point.PNG|frame|left]]
Checkpoint Flags first appear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' as white flags with a picture of a [[Mushroom]] on them, though not all courses have them. They're not stuck on the ground, and appear suddenly when Mario reaches a checkpoint zone. If Mario loses a life, he will restart the course from the flag.
Midway points first appear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' as white flags with a picture of a [[mushroom]] on them. They are visible on the Touch Screen map only after Mario reaches a checkpoint zone (like in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''), although not all courses have checkpoints, such as [[Ghost House]]s. If Mario loses a life, he will restart the course from the checkpoint. However, if the player exits the course, plays another, then returns to said course, or gets a [[Game Over]], they will have to start from the beginning.


====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
[[File:MidwayFlag.png|frame]]
[[File:MidwayFlag.png|frame|left]]
Checkpoint Flags reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''. In this game, they appear as black flags with [[Bowser]]'s symbol on them. When Mario, Luigi, or one of the [[Toad]]s touches one, the flag changes from a Bowser symbol to the character's symbol, receiving 2000 points. Additionally, if Mario is currently [[Small Mario]], he becomes Super Mario when the Checkpoint Flag is activated, similar to the checkpoints in ''[[Super Mario World]]''.
Midway points reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''. In this game, they appear as black flags with [[Bowser]]'s symbol on them. The first character who touches a midway point changes the flag's design to their own (Mario and [[Luigi]]'s flags have the same colors and symbols as their caps (red with an "M" for Mario, green with an "L" for Luigi), and the [[Toad (species)|Toads]]' flags become their colors with their heads), and they gain 2000 points. Additionally, if a player character is in [[Small Mario|Small]] form when they touch the midway point, they are restored to Super form, similarly to the Midway Gates in ''[[Super Mario World]]''. Some courses, such as {{world-link|2|castle|World 2-Castle (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)}} and the [[Ghost House]]s, do not have midway points.


As a side note, if Luigi or one of the Toads were to activate a checkpoint flag, everybody were to lose a life and the character who touched the flag drops out of the multiplayer session, the players must start over from the beginning of the level.
If the character who touched the flag drops out of the multiplayer session after all players lose a life, the remaining players must start over from the beginning of the level. This is only possible with Luigi and the Toads, as Player 1 has to play as Mario and cannot drop out.
{{br}}
{{br}}


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{{multiple image
{{multiple image
|direction=horizontal
|direction=horizontal
|footer=Two Checkpoint Flags in ''Super Mario Galaxy 2''.
|footer=A Checkpoint Flag in ''Super Mario Galaxy 2'', before (left) and after being activated (right)
|width=150
|width=150
|image1=SMG2 Checkpointflag 1.png
|image1=SMG2 Unactivated Checkpoint Flag.png
|image2=SMG2 Checkpointflag 2.png
|image2=SMG2 Activated Checkpoint Flag.png
}}
}}
Checkpoint Flags reappear in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'' and feature almost the same appearance and function as in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''. As in that game, when Mario or Luigi touches a flag, the Bowser symbol changes to their respective symbol (a "M" or "L" symbol). Depending on which galaxy the player is in, there may be anywhere from one to several Checkpoint Flags positioned between the beginning and the end of the level. Some levels, such as "[[Grandmaster Galaxy#The Perfect Run|The Perfect Run]]" in the [[Grandmaster Galaxy]], may not feature any Checkpoint Flags at all. In addition to having Checkpoint Flags activated by Mario or Luigi themselves walking into them, they can also be activated by the [[Co-Star Luma]] or by [[Yoshi]]'s tongue.
Checkpoint Flags make their 3D ''Super Mario'' game debut in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', replacing invisible checkpoints from [[Super Mario Galaxy|the previous game]]. Due to the game having a [[Health Meter|health meter]] and no score system, Checkpoint Flags merely save Mario's progress in the mission. Depending on which galaxy and mission the player is playing, there may be anywhere from one to several Checkpoint Flags positioned between the beginning and the end of the level. Some missions, such as [[The Perfect Run]], may not feature any Checkpoint Flags at all. In addition to having Checkpoint Flags activated by Mario or Luigi themselves walking into them, they can also be activated by the [[Co-Star Luma]] or by [[Yoshi]]'s tongue.
{{br}}


====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
Checkpoint Flags, having the same design as the ones from ''Super Mario Galaxy 2'', appear in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] game ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''. In this game, the flags turn [[Small Mario]] to [[Super Mario]], like before. They serve the same purpose they did in the previous game and like before, some stages like [[World 2 (Super Mario 3D Land)|World 2]]-1 may not have Checkpoint Flags at all.
Checkpoint Flags reappear in ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'' with a similar appearance as in ''Super Mario Galaxy 2'', acting similar to how they did in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' (as the game lacks a score system), and like before, some stages, like [[World 2-1 (Super Mario 3D Land)|World 2-1]], may not have Checkpoint Flags at all. [[World 8-Bowser: Part 2]] has an invisible checkpoint at the start of the final battle.


====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
Checkpoint Flags reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', similar to how they appear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', giving the player 2000 points and replacing the Bowser symbol with either a "M" or "L" symbol. In [[Coin Rush]], touching the flag does not give points, but adds 50 or 100 seconds to the time limit. Like past titles, they turn [[Small Mario]] into [[Super Mario]]. They also do not appear in every level of the game, like in [[Rainbow Course]]s and [[Cannon]] Courses.
Checkpoint Flags reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', acting as they do in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''. In [[Coin Rush]], touching the flag does not give points, but adds 50 or 100 seconds to the [[Time Limit|time limit]]. They also do not appear in every level of the game, like in [[Rainbow Course|Rainbow]], [[Ghost House]], and [[Warp Cannon]] levels, as well as [[World 6-A (New Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 6-A]].


====''New Super Mario Bros. U''====
====''New Super Mario Bros. U''====
Checkpoint Flags appear in the Wii U game, ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]''. The flag is tied around the pole this time. There are two checkpoint flags in one stage in the game.
[[File:NSMBUDX Unactivated Checkpoint Flag.jpg|left|thumb|70px|A Checkpoint Flag in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe]]'']]
Checkpoint Flags appear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', acting as they did in prior 2D games. In the [[Coin Battle#New Super Mario Bros. U|Coin Battle]] mode, touching the Checkpoint Flag rewards the player ten coins. The hoist of the flag is now wrapped around the pole.
{{br}}
 
====''Super Mario 3D World'' / ''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''====
[[File:CheckpointFlagSM3DW.jpg|thumb|125px|A Checkpoint Flag in ''Super Mario 3D World'']]
Checkpoint Flags reappear in ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' and its [[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury|Nintendo Switch port]], with a revamped appearance based on the ''Super Mario Galaxy 2'' and ''Super Mario 3D Land'' ones, and acting as they did in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''. As in home console ''New Super Mario Bros.'' games, their color and emblem corresponds to the character who touched it. Mario and Luigi retain their flag designs, [[Princess Peach|Peach]] gets a pink flag with [[Peach's Crown|her crown]], [[Toad]] has a blue flag with his face, and [[Rosalina]]'s cyan-colored flag shows a [[Grand Star]]. If two players are in [[Small Mario|Small form]], and one carries the other and touches the Checkpoint Flag while doing so, both players will become their [[Super Mario (form)|Super forms]].<ref>{{cite|author=supermario35th|date=March 4, 2021|url=x.com/supermario35th/status/1367263522313408512|title=【3Dワールド】 コースの途中には、中間ポイントが設置されています。 2人がちび状態のときは、仲間を持ち上げて通過してみてください。一緒にパワーアップできますよ! #スーパーマリオ3Dワールド #フューリーワールド|publisher=X|accessdate=March 4, 2021|language=ja|archive=web.archive.org/web/20220116092357/https://twitter.com/supermario35th/status/1367263522313408512}}</ref>
 
====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS''====
{{Multiframe|&nbsp;[[File:SMM-SMB-Checkpoint-Flag.png]]&nbsp;[[File:SMM-SMB-Checkpoint-Flag-Mario.png]][[File:SMM-SMB3-Checkpoint-Flag.png]][[File:SMM-SMB3-Checkpoint-Flag-2.png]][[File:SMM-SMW-Checkpoint-Flag.png]][[File:SMM-SMW-Checkpoint-Flag-2.png]]&nbsp;|Checkpoint Flags in ''Super Mario Maker''.|size=180|align=left}}
Checkpoint Flags are included in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' in an update released on November 4, 2015, and return as a base element in ''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]'', gaining new sprites for the ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', and ''Super Mario World'' styles; they replace the [[Midway Gate]] in the latter style, despite the [[Giant Gate]] still being present. They also appear slightly smaller than in ''New Super Mario Bros. U''. They can be placed in a course by shaking an arrow sign, and like an arrow, can be rotated. If a Checkpoint Flag is placed in a level, then in addition to clearing the course normally, players must also be able to clear the course from the checkpoint to upload their levels. Two Checkpoint Flags can be placed per stage, one in the main area of the course and one in a sub-area.{{br|left}}
 
====''Super Mario Run''====
Checkpoint Flags appear in ''[[Super Mario Run]]'' in Toad Rally mode, having the same design as in the ''New Super Mario Bros.'' games. They are placed roughly halfway through the level, and whichever of the two players passes by the flag first earns 10 coins. Once one player activates it, it has no effect on the other player if they pass by it themselves. If the player activates it first, the flag will change into the current character's respective emblem. If the opponent activates it, the flag will turn gray with Bowser's emblem still on it. Unlike previous games, Checkpoint Flags do not turn Small Mario into Super Mario.
 
====''Super Mario Odyssey''====
[[File:SMO Odyssey Checkpoint.jpg|thumb|200px|The Odyssey's Checkpoint Flag in ''Super Mario Odyssey'']]
Checkpoint Flags make a reappearance in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', providing a fast travel system. Every kingdom has multiple Checkpoint Flags (except the [[Dark Side]] and [[Darker Side]], which have none), and one also appears on the exterior of the [[Odyssey]]. When Mario touches one of them, the area's name is displayed, and Mario is able to travel directly to the location by selecting it on the map. All Checkpoint Flags that are underwater create a [[bubble]] on contact, refiling Mario's air. Touching an unused Checkpoint Flag restores Mario's health.
 
The color of the Checkpoint Flags' poles vary by kingdom, and correspond with the color of the kingdom's [[Power Moon]]. The Odyssey’s flagpole is always yellow, corresponding to either the [[Cap Kingdom]] or the [[Cascade Kingdom]].
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"style="text-align:center;width:50%"
|-
!colspan=3|Checkpoint Flags in ''Super Mario Odyssey'' &nbsp;
|-
!width="1%"|Kingdom
!width="1%"|Color
!width="1%"|Image
|-
|[[Odyssey]]<br>[[Mushroom Kingdom (Super Mario Odyssey)|Mushroom Kingdom]]<br>[[Cap Kingdom]]<br>[[Cascade Kingdom]]<br>[[Cloud Kingdom]]<br>[[Lost Kingdom]]<br>[[Ruined Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|#FFE000|Yellow}}'''
|[[File:SMO Yellow Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Sand Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|limegreen|Green}}'''
|[[File:SMO Sand Kingdom Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Lake Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|#fa8aad|Pink}}'''
|[[File:SMO Lake Kingdom Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Wooded Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|blue|Blue}}'''
|[[File:SMO Wooded Kingdom Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Metro Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|#dd8861|Brown}}'''
|[[File:Metro Checkpoint.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Snow Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|orange|Orange}}'''
|[[File:SMO Snow Kingdom Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Seaside Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|#C453E0|Purple}}'''
|[[File:SMO Seaside Kingdom Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Luncheon Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|deepskyblue|Cyan}}'''
|[[File:SMO Luncheon Kingdom Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Bowser's Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|#e64b4e|Red}}'''
|[[File:SMO Bowsers Kingdom Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|-
|[[Moon Kingdom]]
|'''{{color|#c6bc94|Beige}}'''
|[[File:SMO Moon Kingdom Checkpoint Flag.jpg|120px]]
|}
{{br}}
 
====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|footer=A Checkpoint Flag in the ''New Super Mario Bros. U'' (left) and ''Super Mario 3D World'' (right) styles
|image1=SMM2-NSMBU-Checkpoint-Flag.png
|width1=55
|image2=SMM2-SM3DW-Checkpoint-Flag.png
|width2=70
}}
Checkpoint Flags reappear in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''; in the ''New Super Mario Bros. U'' style, the flag is triangular instead of rectangular to better fit with the other checkpoint appearances in other styles. Despite the addition of slopes, Checkpoint Flags can now only be set in four directions instead of eight, and they provide no power-up effect by default in Course Maker. Instead, each Checkpoint Flag can hold a specific power-up, such as a [[Fire Flower]] or [[Super Star]], whose effect will be provided when the player character activates the checkpoint.
{{br|right}}
 
====''Super Mario Bros. Wonder''====
Checkpoint Flags return in ''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]'', acting as they did in prior 2D games. Additionally, if a Small character touches the Checkpoint Flag while wearing any of the "All (form) Power" [[Badge (Super Mario Bros. Wonder)|badges]], they will immediately power up straight into the respective form, bypassing the Super form. However, as only a Small character transforms by hitting a Checkpoint Flag, hitting the Checkpoint Flag in any other form will not turn the player into the respective form.
 
===Super Nintendo World===
Checkpoint Flags appear in [[Super Nintendo World]], where they bear red flags with [[Mario]]'s [[emblem]]. Upon interacting with the leaderboard kiosks beneath the Checkpoint Flags, visitors using Power-Up Bands will earn the "Checkpoint Flag" stamp on the official Universal Studios smartphone application.


====''Super Mario 3D World''====
===''Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope''===
Checkpoint Flags reappear in ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', serving the same function as in previous 3D ''Mario'' platformers and back to their original design. As in home console ''New Super Mario Bros.'' games, the color of them corresponds to the character who touched it, as well as their emblem, which means Mario and Luigi have red and green colors, respectively, with the same letters as their cap shows (M for Mario, L for Luigi), [[Princess Peach's Crown|Peach's Crown]] appears for [[Princess Peach|Peach]] and has a pink flag, while [[Toad]] has a blue flag and shows his face, and [[Rosalina]]'s cyan colored flag shows a [[Grand Star]].
{{main|Teleport Flag}}
Objects similar to Checkpoint Flags, named Teleport Flags, appear in ''[[Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope]]'' in every planet except [[Cursa's stronghold]], used as a fast travel system like Checkpoint Flags in ''Super Mario Odyssey''.
 
===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' (Nintendo Switch)===
{{multiple image
|align=right
|footer=An active Checkpoint Flag (left) and an inactive variant (right) in the Nintendo Switch remake of ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''
|image1=MarioVsDKSwitch CheckpointFlagActive.png
|width1=80
|image2=MarioVsDKSwitch CheckpointFlagInactive.png
|width2=67
}}
Checkpoint Flags appear in the [[Easy Mode|Casual]] play style of the [[Nintendo Switch]] remake of ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'', where they are always red and bear Mario's emblem. If a player is caught in situations where they would be normally defeated in Classic Style, they will float back in a [[bubble]] to the last active Checkpoint Flag. In some levels, there are multiple inactive Checkpoint Flags which the player can unfurl and use as a new checkpoint by coming into contact with one. As such, only one Checkpoint Flag can be active at a time, and can be activated multiple times without any consequence. However, getting defeated while having no more bubbles left will instead cause the player to spawn back at the beginning of the area.
<gallery>
MarioVsDKSwitchCasualMode2.jpg|Mario being transported back to a Checkpoint Flag while in a bubble
</gallery>
 
==Profiles==
===''New Super Mario Bros.''===
*'''Instruction manual description:''' ''When you reach a midway point on a course, a flag will appear on the action screen, and the midway point will appear on your progress bar. If you replay the course, you'll start from the midway point. However, if you play another course and then return to this course, you'll have to start from the beginning.''
 
===''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''===
*'''Instruction manual description:''' ''Courses have flags at their midway points. When you pass a midway point, the image on the flag will change. Then, if you make a mistake and lose a life later in the course, you can start from the flag when you replay the course.''
**''<font color=chocolate>When you pass a flag, you will power up to Super Mario.</font>''
**''<font color=chocolate>Even if you've passed the midway point, if you play another course and return to this course, or if your game ends, you'll have to start over from the beginning.</font>''
 
===''Super Mario Galaxy 2''===
*'''Instruction manual description:''' ''As you progress through a galaxy, you will eventually see a flag like the one to the right. Touching this flag changes it from a Bowser icon to a Mario icon, and if you lose a life, you will restart from this point until you finish or clear the level.''
**''Returning to the map or getting a game over will force you to restart the mission from the beginning.''
 
===''Super Mario 3D Land''===
*'''Instruction manual description:''' ''If Mario touches a Checkpoint Flag during a course, you can try again from that point if you lose a life.''
**''<font color=blue>Note:</font> If Mario touches the Checkpoint Flag as Small Mario, he'll transform into his normal size.''
*'''European website bio:''' ''Touching a Checkpoint Flag allows you to continue your game from that point should you make a mistake.''
 
===''New Super Mario Bros. 2''===
*'''Instruction manual description:''' ''Touch this flag to start at this point if Mario loses a life.''
**''If you play another course and then return to this course, you'll have to start from the beginning.''
**''If Small Mario touches a Checkpoint Flag, he will transform into Super Mario.''
 
===''New Super Mario Bros. U''===
*'''Instruction manual description:''' ''Touching this will allow you to retry from this point after losing a life.''
**''If you enter a different course, you will lose your checkpoint in the current course.''
**''If you touch a Checkpoint Flag for the first time as Small Mario, you will transform into Super Mario™.''
**''There are no checkpoints in New Super Luigi U.''
 
===''Super Mario 3D World''===
*'''Instruction manual description:''' ''Once you touch a Checkpoint Flag, you'll be able to start from that point if you lose a life.''
**''If you enter a different course, you'll lose your checkpoint in the current course.''
**''When you touch a Checkpoint Flag as Small Mario, you will transform into Super Mario.''


===''Super Mario Maker''===
===''Super Mario Maker''===
*'''[[Play Nintendo]]:<br>''Checkpoints'''<br>Tired of having to start hard levels over from the start? Checkpoint flags let players resume play at a select point rather than going back to the beginning, which should save a lot of hair-pulling during some of the more challenging courses!''<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20151030235135/http://play.nintendo.com/news-tips/news/super-mario-maker-new-software-update|title=Super Mario Maker just got even more super|publisher=Play Nintendo|accessdate=December 5, 2020}}</ref>


Checkpoint Flags are included in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' in an update on November 4, 2015. They can be placed in a course by shaking an arrow sign and can be rotated.{{refneeded}} If a Checkpoint Flag is placed in a level, then in addition to clearing the course normally, players must also be able to clear the course from the checkpoint. Two Checkpoint Flags can be placed per stage.{{refneeded}}
==Gallery==
{{Main-gallery}}
<gallery>
SMG2 Artwork Checkpoint Flag.png|Artwork from ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]''
SMG2 Asset Sprite Checkpoint Flag.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Galaxy 2''
CheckpointSM3DL.png|Artwork from ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''
SM3DW-MidwayFlagStamp.png|Stamp from ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]''
</gallery>


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{Foreignname|
{{foreign names
|Spa=Banderín de Etapa
|Jap={{ruby|中間|ちゅうかん}}ポイント<ref>{{cite|url=m1.nintendo.net/docvc/NTR/JPN/A2DJ/A2DJ_J.pdf|title={{ruby|New|ニュー}} スーパーマリオブラザーズ (''Nyū Sūpā Mario Burazāzu'') instruction booklet|page=15|accessdate=August 31, 2022|date=2006|language=ja|publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|SpaM=Stage Flag
|JapR=Chūkan Pointo
|Fra=Drapeau relais<br>Point de mi-parcours
|JapM=Middle Point
|FraM=Relay Flag
|ChiS=中间点
|Ita=Bandiera Checkpoint
|ChiSR=Zhōngjiān Diǎn
|ItaM=Checkpoint Flag
|ChiSM=Middle Point
|Dut=Halverwegepunt
|ChiT=中間點
|DutM=Halfway point
|ChiTR=Zhōngjiān Diǎn
|ChiTM=Middle Point
|Dut=Checkpointvlag
|DutN=''Super Mario Odyssey''
|Dut2=Halverwegepunt
|DutM=Checkpoint Flag
|Dut2M=Halfway point
|Fre=Drapeau relais
|Fre2=Point de mi-parcours
|Fre3=Drapeau de mi-chemin<ref>{{cite|title=''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' instruction booklet|page=32}}</ref>
|FreM=Relay flag
|Fre2M=Mid-term point
|Fre3M=Halfway Flag
|Ger=Rücksetzpunkt
|Ger2=Halbzeitflagge
|GerM=Reset Point
|Ger2M=Midway Flag
|Ita=Punto intermedio
|Ita2=Tappa intermedia
|Ita2N=''New Super Mario Bros.''
|ItaM=Intermediate point
|Ita2M=Intermediate stop
|PorA=Bandeirinha
|PorAM=Little Flag
|PorE=Ponto de Controlo
|PorE=Ponto de Controlo
|PorEM=Control Point}}
|PorEM=Control Point
|Rom=Steag de punct de control<ref>{{cite|url=www.lego.com/ro-ro/product/creativity-toolbox-maker-set-71418|title=Set de creator Cutia de unelte pentru creativitate § Specificații|language=ro|publisher=lego.com|accessdate=January 10, 2023|archive=web.archive.org/web/20230107021847/https://www.lego.com/ro-ro/product/creativity-toolbox-maker-set-71418}}</ref>
|RomM=Control point flag
|Rus=Контрольный флаг
|RusR=Kontrol'nyy flag
|RusM=Checkpoint flag
|Spa=Banderín de etapa
|SpaM=Stage pennon
}}


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


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{{SMO}}
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. 2 Objects]]
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[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. U Objects]]
{{SMBW}}}}
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]
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[[Category:Super Mario 3D Land]]
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[[Category:Super Mario Run objects]]
[[de:Rücksetzpunkt]]
[[it:Punto intermedio]]

Latest revision as of 22:12, October 9, 2024

Checkpoint Flag
Artwork of a Checkpoint Flag from Super Mario Odyssey.
Artwork from Super Mario Odyssey
First appearance New Super Mario Bros. (2006)
Latest appearance Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch) (2024)
Effect Lets the player continue from the checkpoint after they lose a life

A Checkpoint Flag (also known as a midway point,[1][2] midway flag,[3] or Warp Flag)[4] is a recurring object that signifies a checkpoint in the platforming games of the Super Mario franchise. Checkpoint Flags are similar to the Midway Gates from Super Mario World. If Mario (or any other player character) loses a life after touching a Checkpoint Flag, he restarts where the Checkpoint Flag is. If Mario is in his small form, the flag almost always restores him to Super Mario. When the player touches a Checkpoint Flag, they will be rewarded with 2,000 points in some games.

History[edit]

Super Mario series[edit]

New Super Mario Bros.[edit]

Midway point sprite

Midway points first appear in New Super Mario Bros. as white flags with a picture of a mushroom on them. They are visible on the Touch Screen map only after Mario reaches a checkpoint zone (like in Super Mario Bros.), although not all courses have checkpoints, such as Ghost Houses. If Mario loses a life, he will restart the course from the checkpoint. However, if the player exits the course, plays another, then returns to said course, or gets a Game Over, they will have to start from the beginning.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii[edit]

A midway point

Midway points reappear in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In this game, they appear as black flags with Bowser's symbol on them. The first character who touches a midway point changes the flag's design to their own (Mario and Luigi's flags have the same colors and symbols as their caps (red with an "M" for Mario, green with an "L" for Luigi), and the Toads' flags become their colors with their heads), and they gain 2000 points. Additionally, if a player character is in Small form when they touch the midway point, they are restored to Super form, similarly to the Midway Gates in Super Mario World. Some courses, such as World 2-Castle and the Ghost Houses, do not have midway points.

If the character who touched the flag drops out of the multiplayer session after all players lose a life, the remaining players must start over from the beginning of the level. This is only possible with Luigi and the Toads, as Player 1 has to play as Mario and cannot drop out.

Super Mario Galaxy 2[edit]

A Checkpoint Flag in Super Mario Galaxy 2, before (left) and after being activated (right)
A Checkpoint Flag in Super Mario Galaxy 2, before (left) and after being activated (right)
A Checkpoint Flag in Super Mario Galaxy 2, before (left) and after being activated (right)

Checkpoint Flags make their 3D Super Mario game debut in Super Mario Galaxy 2, replacing invisible checkpoints from the previous game. Due to the game having a health meter and no score system, Checkpoint Flags merely save Mario's progress in the mission. Depending on which galaxy and mission the player is playing, there may be anywhere from one to several Checkpoint Flags positioned between the beginning and the end of the level. Some missions, such as The Perfect Run, may not feature any Checkpoint Flags at all. In addition to having Checkpoint Flags activated by Mario or Luigi themselves walking into them, they can also be activated by the Co-Star Luma or by Yoshi's tongue.

Super Mario 3D Land[edit]

Checkpoint Flags reappear in Super Mario 3D Land with a similar appearance as in Super Mario Galaxy 2, acting similar to how they did in New Super Mario Bros. Wii (as the game lacks a score system), and like before, some stages, like World 2-1, may not have Checkpoint Flags at all. World 8-Bowser: Part 2 has an invisible checkpoint at the start of the final battle.

New Super Mario Bros. 2[edit]

Checkpoint Flags reappear in New Super Mario Bros. 2, acting as they do in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In Coin Rush, touching the flag does not give points, but adds 50 or 100 seconds to the time limit. They also do not appear in every level of the game, like in Rainbow, Ghost House, and Warp Cannon levels, as well as World 6-A.

New Super Mario Bros. U[edit]

An unactivated Checkpoint Flag
A Checkpoint Flag in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Checkpoint Flags appear in New Super Mario Bros. U, acting as they did in prior 2D games. In the Coin Battle mode, touching the Checkpoint Flag rewards the player ten coins. The hoist of the flag is now wrapped around the pole.

Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury[edit]

Checkpoint Flag in Super Mario 3D World
A Checkpoint Flag in Super Mario 3D World

Checkpoint Flags reappear in Super Mario 3D World and its Nintendo Switch port, with a revamped appearance based on the Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Super Mario 3D Land ones, and acting as they did in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. As in home console New Super Mario Bros. games, their color and emblem corresponds to the character who touched it. Mario and Luigi retain their flag designs, Peach gets a pink flag with her crown, Toad has a blue flag with his face, and Rosalina's cyan-colored flag shows a Grand Star. If two players are in Small form, and one carries the other and touches the Checkpoint Flag while doing so, both players will become their Super forms.[5]

Super Mario Maker / Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS[edit]

 A Checkpoint Flag, in Super Mario Maker. A Checkpoint Flag, in Super Mario Maker.SMB3 theme Checkpoint FlagSMB3 theme Activated Checkpoint FlagSMW theme Checkpoint FlagSMW theme Activated Checkpoint Flag 
Checkpoint Flags in Super Mario Maker.

Checkpoint Flags are included in Super Mario Maker in an update released on November 4, 2015, and return as a base element in Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS, gaining new sprites for the Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World styles; they replace the Midway Gate in the latter style, despite the Giant Gate still being present. They also appear slightly smaller than in New Super Mario Bros. U. They can be placed in a course by shaking an arrow sign, and like an arrow, can be rotated. If a Checkpoint Flag is placed in a level, then in addition to clearing the course normally, players must also be able to clear the course from the checkpoint to upload their levels. Two Checkpoint Flags can be placed per stage, one in the main area of the course and one in a sub-area.

Super Mario Run[edit]

Checkpoint Flags appear in Super Mario Run in Toad Rally mode, having the same design as in the New Super Mario Bros. games. They are placed roughly halfway through the level, and whichever of the two players passes by the flag first earns 10 coins. Once one player activates it, it has no effect on the other player if they pass by it themselves. If the player activates it first, the flag will change into the current character's respective emblem. If the opponent activates it, the flag will turn gray with Bowser's emblem still on it. Unlike previous games, Checkpoint Flags do not turn Small Mario into Super Mario.

Super Mario Odyssey[edit]

The Checkpoint Flag on the Odyssey in Super Mario Odyssey.
The Odyssey's Checkpoint Flag in Super Mario Odyssey

Checkpoint Flags make a reappearance in Super Mario Odyssey, providing a fast travel system. Every kingdom has multiple Checkpoint Flags (except the Dark Side and Darker Side, which have none), and one also appears on the exterior of the Odyssey. When Mario touches one of them, the area's name is displayed, and Mario is able to travel directly to the location by selecting it on the map. All Checkpoint Flags that are underwater create a bubble on contact, refiling Mario's air. Touching an unused Checkpoint Flag restores Mario's health.

The color of the Checkpoint Flags' poles vary by kingdom, and correspond with the color of the kingdom's Power Moon. The Odyssey’s flagpole is always yellow, corresponding to either the Cap Kingdom or the Cascade Kingdom.

Checkpoint Flags in Super Mario Odyssey  
Kingdom Color Image
Odyssey
Mushroom Kingdom
Cap Kingdom
Cascade Kingdom
Cloud Kingdom
Lost Kingdom
Ruined Kingdom
Yellow A Checkpoint in the Cascade Kingdom.
Sand Kingdom Green A Checkpoint in the Sand Kingdom.
Lake Kingdom Pink A Checkpoint in the Lake Kingdom.
Wooded Kingdom Blue A Checkpoint in the Wooded Kingdom.
Metro Kingdom Brown A Checkpoint in the Metro Kingdom.
Snow Kingdom Orange A Checkpoint in the Snow Kingdom.
Seaside Kingdom Purple A Checkpoint in the Seaside Kingdom.
Luncheon Kingdom Cyan A Checkpoint in the Luncheon Kingdom.
Bowser's Kingdom Red A Checkpoint in Bowser's Kingdom.
Moon Kingdom Beige A Checkpoint in the Moon Kingdom.

Super Mario Maker 2[edit]

A Checkpoint Flag in the New Super Mario Bros. U (left) and Super Mario 3D World (right) styles
A Checkpoint Flag in the New Super Mario Bros. U (left) and Super Mario 3D World (right) styles
A Checkpoint Flag in the New Super Mario Bros. U (left) and Super Mario 3D World (right) styles

Checkpoint Flags reappear in Super Mario Maker 2; in the New Super Mario Bros. U style, the flag is triangular instead of rectangular to better fit with the other checkpoint appearances in other styles. Despite the addition of slopes, Checkpoint Flags can now only be set in four directions instead of eight, and they provide no power-up effect by default in Course Maker. Instead, each Checkpoint Flag can hold a specific power-up, such as a Fire Flower or Super Star, whose effect will be provided when the player character activates the checkpoint.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder[edit]

Checkpoint Flags return in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, acting as they did in prior 2D games. Additionally, if a Small character touches the Checkpoint Flag while wearing any of the "All (form) Power" badges, they will immediately power up straight into the respective form, bypassing the Super form. However, as only a Small character transforms by hitting a Checkpoint Flag, hitting the Checkpoint Flag in any other form will not turn the player into the respective form.

Super Nintendo World[edit]

Checkpoint Flags appear in Super Nintendo World, where they bear red flags with Mario's emblem. Upon interacting with the leaderboard kiosks beneath the Checkpoint Flags, visitors using Power-Up Bands will earn the "Checkpoint Flag" stamp on the official Universal Studios smartphone application.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope[edit]

Main article: Teleport Flag

Objects similar to Checkpoint Flags, named Teleport Flags, appear in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope in every planet except Cursa's stronghold, used as a fast travel system like Checkpoint Flags in Super Mario Odyssey.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)[edit]

An active Checkpoint Flag (left) and an inactive variant (right) in the Nintendo Switch remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong
An active Checkpoint Flag (left) and an inactive variant (right) in the Nintendo Switch remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong
An active Checkpoint Flag (left) and an inactive variant (right) in the Nintendo Switch remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Checkpoint Flags appear in the Casual play style of the Nintendo Switch remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong, where they are always red and bear Mario's emblem. If a player is caught in situations where they would be normally defeated in Classic Style, they will float back in a bubble to the last active Checkpoint Flag. In some levels, there are multiple inactive Checkpoint Flags which the player can unfurl and use as a new checkpoint by coming into contact with one. As such, only one Checkpoint Flag can be active at a time, and can be activated multiple times without any consequence. However, getting defeated while having no more bubbles left will instead cause the player to spawn back at the beginning of the area.

Profiles[edit]

New Super Mario Bros.[edit]

  • Instruction manual description: When you reach a midway point on a course, a flag will appear on the action screen, and the midway point will appear on your progress bar. If you replay the course, you'll start from the midway point. However, if you play another course and then return to this course, you'll have to start from the beginning.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii[edit]

  • Instruction manual description: Courses have flags at their midway points. When you pass a midway point, the image on the flag will change. Then, if you make a mistake and lose a life later in the course, you can start from the flag when you replay the course.
    • When you pass a flag, you will power up to Super Mario.
    • Even if you've passed the midway point, if you play another course and return to this course, or if your game ends, you'll have to start over from the beginning.

Super Mario Galaxy 2[edit]

  • Instruction manual description: As you progress through a galaxy, you will eventually see a flag like the one to the right. Touching this flag changes it from a Bowser icon to a Mario icon, and if you lose a life, you will restart from this point until you finish or clear the level.
    • Returning to the map or getting a game over will force you to restart the mission from the beginning.

Super Mario 3D Land[edit]

  • Instruction manual description: If Mario touches a Checkpoint Flag during a course, you can try again from that point if you lose a life.
    • Note: If Mario touches the Checkpoint Flag as Small Mario, he'll transform into his normal size.
  • European website bio: Touching a Checkpoint Flag allows you to continue your game from that point should you make a mistake.

New Super Mario Bros. 2[edit]

  • Instruction manual description: Touch this flag to start at this point if Mario loses a life.
    • If you play another course and then return to this course, you'll have to start from the beginning.
    • If Small Mario touches a Checkpoint Flag, he will transform into Super Mario.

New Super Mario Bros. U[edit]

  • Instruction manual description: Touching this will allow you to retry from this point after losing a life.
    • If you enter a different course, you will lose your checkpoint in the current course.
    • If you touch a Checkpoint Flag for the first time as Small Mario, you will transform into Super Mario™.
    • There are no checkpoints in New Super Luigi U.

Super Mario 3D World[edit]

  • Instruction manual description: Once you touch a Checkpoint Flag, you'll be able to start from that point if you lose a life.
    • If you enter a different course, you'll lose your checkpoint in the current course.
    • When you touch a Checkpoint Flag as Small Mario, you will transform into Super Mario.

Super Mario Maker[edit]

  • Play Nintendo:
    Checkpoints

    Tired of having to start hard levels over from the start? Checkpoint flags let players resume play at a select point rather than going back to the beginning, which should save a lot of hair-pulling during some of the more challenging courses!
    [6]

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Checkpoint Flag.

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese 中間ちゅうかんポイント[7]
Chūkan Pointo
Middle Point
Chinese (simplified) 中间点[?]
Zhōngjiān Diǎn
Middle Point
Chinese (traditional) 中間點[?]
Zhōngjiān Diǎn
Middle Point
Dutch Checkpointvlag[?] Checkpoint Flag Super Mario Odyssey
Halverwegepunt[?] Halfway point
French Drapeau relais[?] Relay flag
Point de mi-parcours[?] Mid-term point
Drapeau de mi-chemin[8] Halfway Flag
German Rücksetzpunkt[?] Reset Point
Halbzeitflagge[?] Midway Flag
Italian Punto intermedio[?] Intermediate point
Tappa intermedia[?] Intermediate stop New Super Mario Bros.
Portuguese (NOA) Bandeirinha[?] Little Flag
Portuguese (NOE) Ponto de Controlo[?] Control Point
Romanian Steag de punct de control[9] Control point flag
Russian Контрольный флаг[?]
Kontrol'nyy flag
Checkpoint flag
Spanish Banderín de etapa[?] Stage pennon

References[edit]

  1. ^ 2006. New Super Mario Bros. instruction booklet. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 15.
  2. ^ 2009. New Super Mario Bros. Wii instruction booklet. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 15.
  3. ^ Knight, Michael (March 16, 2010). Nintendo DS Pocket Guide. Prima Games (American English). ISBN 978-0-307-46760-7. Page 28.
  4. ^ Walsh, Doug, and Epstein, Joe (October 27, 2017). Super Mario Odyssey: Prima Collector's Edition Guide. Prima Games. ISBN 978-0-744-01887-5.
  5. ^ supermario35th (March 4, 2021). 【3Dワールド】 コースの途中には、中間ポイントが設置されています。 2人がちび状態のときは、仲間を持ち上げて通過してみてください。一緒にパワーアップできますよ! #スーパーマリオ3Dワールド #フューリーワールド. X (Japanese). Retrieved March 4, 2021. (Archived January 16, 2022, 09:23:57 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  6. ^ Super Mario Maker just got even more super. Play Nintendo. Archived October 30, 2015, 23:51:35 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  7. ^ 2006. Newニュー スーパーマリオブラザーズ (Nyū Sūpā Mario Burazāzu) instruction booklet. Nintendo (Japanese). Page 15. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  8. ^ New Super Mario Bros. Wii instruction booklet. Page 32.
  9. ^ Set de creator Cutia de unelte pentru creativitate § Specificații. lego.com (Romanian). Retrieved January 10, 2023. (Archived January 7, 2023, 02:18:47 UTC via Wayback Machine.)