Shine Sprite
The Shine Sprites are the source of life on Isle Delfino in Super Mario Sunshine. They gather by the Shine Gate and will scatter from it if provoked. They serve the same purpose as the Power Stars in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. They cause iternal happiness that lasts as long as they are there.
History
Super Mario series
Super Mario Sunshine
In Super Mario Sunshine, Bowser Jr.'s graffiti forced the Shine Sprites to leave, and Mario (with the help of F.L.U.D.D) had to get rid of it. After cleaning the island, Mario returned the Shine Sprites to the Shine Gate, restoring the island.
Mario Kart series
Shine Sprites are also the focus of various mini games in the Mario Kart games, namely Double Dash!! and Mario Kart DS.
The game, based somewhat on Capture the Flag, has characters attempting to hold onto a Shine Sprite until the timer is expired. Being struck with any of the game's weaponry, including Koopa Shells, Banana Peels, and the like will cause the character to forfeit their hold on the Shine Sprite, allowing another character to pick it up. In the DS version there are nine sprites, with a timer resetting every 30 seconds or so. Whoever has or is tied for the least sprites is then eliminated. In Double Dash!! there is only one sprite and whoever holds it when time runs out wins.
Shine Sprites were also featured on a few billboards in the races.
Paper Mario series
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, three Shine Sprites could be traded for a partner's level-up. The Shine Sprite also makes a minor (but commonly-seen) other appearance as the icon for Mario's partners' "Attack" choice. If the player lines up three Shine Sprite icons in the Bingo! wheel during battle the effect would refill all Mario's and his partner's HP, FP, and SP, and every seat in the audience would be filled.
Mario & Luigi series
Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Shine Sprites also appear in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time as the result of hitting any of the semi-rare Shine Blocks. Their purpose is to bring light to dark areas.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
One of the Ranks available to Mario and Luigi is the Shine rank, which they attain at level 20. Once this rank is reached, they may shop at the Shine store in Toad Town.
Official Profiles and Statistics
Super Mario Sunshine Description
The revered symbols of Isle Delfino normally gather at the Shine Gate. Their collective power sustains the island.
