POW Block

The POW Block is an item in the Mario series, that when hit or thrown, will damage all enemies on the screen by creating a local earthquake. It debuted in Mario Bros. where it was blue and remained afloat, not unlike a ? Block. This quality would later be implemented into Mario Kart Wii, where it floats above the kart, and its function is similar to that of the Lightning item (which is probably why the POW Block has made its only console Mario Kart appearance in the Wii installment). Super Mario Bros. 2 was its second appearance, and the first one where the item was colored red instead of blue. In this game, the POW Block could be picked up like many other things, and be carried and thrown to any place to the player's liking.
Oddly enough, in recent games, this appears to be switched: blue POW Blocks can be picked up and carried anywhere while red POW Blocks cannot, and had to be hit by a Koopa Shell to activate their power.
==Appearance==
The POW Block appears as a standard sized cube-shaped block with generally rounded edges. It has the word "POW" etched into the middle section, with the rest of the middle section being black in color. The top and bottom of the block can vary somewhat, with some having a simple blue or red border, while others have more elaborate designs including a metallic frame around the block. In Mario Kart Wii, there is a green line traveling up the block, as the block flattens above the user's kart.
In Super Mario Bros. 2, the "POW" would move from Bottom to Top. In Yoshi's Island, the "POW" had a cartoony font to it, making it spread out of the Box's normal parameters and appearing more cartoony in appearance. The Role-Playing Games used multiple colors for the POW in addition to the red border, which differentiated them from the plain white color of the platforming games.
In recent iterations, the Red variation of the POW Block has become more common, with the latest appearance of the Blue POW Block in a main series Mario game being New Super Luigi U.
==Game Appearances==
===Mario Kart series===
====Mario Kart Wii====
The POW Block is first seen in Mario Kart Wii, where it is one of three items introduced to the Mario Kart series in this game, the other two being the Mega Mushroom and Thunder Cloud. This item can be obtained from 5th to 9th place. When activated, the POW Block will appear above the user's kart, warning all racers ahead of the user. The POW Block flattens for 3 to 4 seconds before reaching its third strike, where it will shrink into the distance and disappear, spinning all racers ahead of the user, making them lose their speed, and cleansing them of any items unless they are in the air during this time. Players can shake the Wii Remote or press the tricks button to get a milder version of the effect, though they will lose their items.
====Mario Kart DS Redux and Mario Kart Wiidux====
The POW Block returns in Mario Kart DS Redux and Mario Kart Wiidux, having the same function as it did in Mario Kart Wii. However, it has been buffed, as players can no longer press the tricks button to get a milder version of the effect, though the POW Block will now destroy any items that are lying on the track.
====Mario Kart 7 Redone and Mario Kart 8 Rebuilt====
In Mario Kart 7 Redone, the POW Block has been buffed even further, as it now spins out nearby racers in addition to everyone ahead of the user for each use. It appears above the kart and has three uses, shrinking into the distance after the third use. It also severely decreases the player's handling and off-road, and also destroys parts of the track and causes natural phenomena such as avalanches, earthquakes, and landslides.
In Mario Kart 8 Rebuilt, its function has changed to that of the Super Horn in that it flips over racers and destroys items that are on the track, except it hurts all other racers and makes them lose their items similar to the Lightning, makes them flip over twice similar to getting hit by a Bullet Bill, has three uses as opposed to one (appearing above the kart and flattening for each use), can be avoided if the player is in the air when each use goes off, and cannot destroy Blue Spiny Shells.
====Mario Kart: Elemental Chaos====
The POW Block returns in Mario Kart: Elemental Chaos. In this game, there are two new variants of the POW Block added as separate items: the Red POW Block and the Gold POW Block. Each of the three variants has a different function:
*Red POW Block - Can be placed on the track and used as a means of defense. When hit, it flips over its target, as well as anyone within its radius. The effect can be reduced to a single spin by starting a wheelie, and anyone hit by it doesn't lose their items.
*POW Block - Retains its function from Mario Kart 8 Rebuilt.
*Gold POW Block - Has a similar function to the original POW Block from Mario Kart Wii, except it launches everyone ahead of the user into the air and cannot be avoided unless the player uses a cannon or a certain item (Star, Boo, Mega Mushroom, or Bullet Bill).
===Koopa Kart series===
====Koopa Kart DS====
The POW Block was going to make its Koopa Kart series debut in Koopa Kart DS along with the Mega Mushroom, but both items were scrapped from the final version. Their models and functions are found in the game's files, and they can be modded into the game via hacking.
====Koopa Kart Wii====
The POW Block is a new item to the Koopa Kart series in Koopa Kart Wii, where it can be obtained from 7th to 12th place. As in Koopa Party 8 and Mario Kart Wii, the POW Block appears above the kart and sends an earthquake to all racers ahead of the user, making them spin out and lose their items. This item can be partially avoided if the player deploys the wheelie button on the third strike or completely avoided if they are in mid-air. The former method will still cost the player their items but allow them to retain their momentum, while the latter method allows the player to keep their items and momentum.
==== Koopa Kart 7 ====
The POW Block was going to return in Koopa Kart 7, but was scrapped. In the final game, the item is replaced by a stronger variant known as the Gold POW Block.
==== Koopa Kart Tour ====
After its absence from Koopa Kart 7 and Koopa Kart 8, the POW Block returns in Koopa Kart Tour with its original function, though it can destroy items on the track and can no longer be weakened by pressing the trick button. This item is obtainable from 5th to 9th place.
===Koopa Party series===
====Koopa Party 8====
The POW Block makes its Koopa Party series debut in Koopa Party 8, where it can be bought in a store by players in 3rd or 4th place for 15 Coins. When activated, the POW Block will appear above all players with a higher rank than the user and flatten thrice, shaking the ground each time it flattens. On the third strike, the item will disappear, the affected players will lose their items, half of their Coins, and get sent to the start, making this a powerful recovery item. This behavior is similar to what its behavior would be in Mario Kart Wii.
====Koopa Party 9====
The POW Block returns in Koopa Party 9, acting similar to how it did in Koopa Party 8. This time, however, the player can avoid its effects by hopping or being in mid-air.
===New Super Mario Bros. 5-Star Adventure===
In the game New Super Mario Bros. 5-Star Adventure, POW Blocks come in different colors, each with a it's own special ability;
*Red - Defeats enemies near the block and triggers any other nearby POW Blocks.
*Blue - Defeats all enemies on-screen
*Green - Defeats all enemies on-screen and knocks floating coins (including Star Coins and Ace Coins) to the ground.
*Purple - Defeats all enemies on-screen, knocks floating coins to the ground, and breaks Bricks & opens ? Blocks
*Golden - When hit, it sends a slow and powerful shockwave in both directions that kills enemies, breaks bricks, and opens ? Blocks in it's path. The player follow a shockwave for even a whole level's worth of time, making Golden POW Blocks the most powerful of all.
=== Super Smash Bros. series ===
==== Super Smash Bros. Calamity ====
The POW Block returns in Super Smash Bros. Calamity as an item. Though it takes its design from Super Mario 3D World, it functions the same as how it appears in its predecessor, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U.
==== Super Smash Bros.: Battle For Isle Delfino ====
The POW Block returns in Super Smash Bros.: Battle For Isle Delfino as an item, though it functions similar to how it does in Mario Kart Wii. When activated, the POW Block appears above the user's opponents and flattens for around 5 seconds before disappearing. On the third strike, the opponents will be stunned and drop their items if they're on the ground. This item can be avoided if the player shields or is in the air when the third strike goes off. If the player is under the effects of a Metal Box, they will receive a milder version of the effect if they're on the ground.
===== Trophy Information =====
*Info: This destructive item has been around since its debut in Mario Bros., but it didn't make it into the Mario Kart series until Mario Kart Wii. Activating it will spawn a POW Block above you and your opponents. After around five seconds, the POW Block will disappear, and your opponents will be sent flying. You can avoid this item if you activate your shield or jump into the air when the POW Block reaches its third stage.
*Game Appearances
**Mario Bros. (July 14, 1983)
**Mario Kart Wii (April 10, 2008)
===St. Clair Publications===
*Super Mario All-Stars: Second Quest: Since this is a ROM hack of all games in Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario World 1, the POW Block appears in the "second quest" of Super Mario Bros. 2 with the same function it had in the original. Also, Battle Mode appears in the "second quest" of Super Mario Bros. 3, and the POW Block appears there with the same function it had in Mario Bros..
*Paper Mario: The Temple of Time: The POW Block is an item here. It functions just like it did in the then-previous two Paper Mario games.
*Super Mario All-Stars X: This game contains remakes of Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World 2, and the POW Block appears in those games functioning just like it did in the originals.
*New Super Life in FCHS 64 Advance Deluxe: The POW Block appears here in a few places.
*Mario Kart: Ancient Circuit: The POW Block appears here as a possible item, available to racers in 5th-9th by default. It's been nerfed from its appearance in Mario Kart Wii in that anyone hit by it doesn't drop their items.
*Super Smash Stadium: The POW Block is an item, functioning just as it does in its canon Smash Bros. appearances. It debuted alongside Frigate Orpheon.
==Gallery==
===Blue POW Block===
POW Block Artwork - Mario Kart Wii.png|Mario Kart Wii and Koopa Kart Wii
POWBlockMK8.png|Koopa Kart Tour
POWBlock.png|New Super Mario Bros. Wii
BluePOWSM3DW.png
SM3DW styled blue POW Block.png
250px-POW WINGS.jpg|winged POW block
POWBlock3DWorldModelBlue.png
POW Block Hat Model.png|POW Block Hat.
POW Block Model - Smash Bros 4 Wii U.png|Model from Smash Bros 4.
POW Block Sprite - Mario Kart Wii.png|Sprite form Mario Kart Wii.
POW Gets Ready To Destroy Diddy Kong.png|Prepare to get obliterated, Diddy Kong! The POW Block is going to obliterate you!
DBKWPOWBlockTC.png
POW Block Paper.png
Powblock.png
POW-Block.png
Blue POW Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
POW Block In Use.gif|A POW Block in use.
POWBlockKartWiiModel.png|Model from Mario Kart Wii
POWBlockKartWiiPlanarModel.png|The planar model from Mario Kart Wii, when it's in use.
POWBlockUltimate.png
POWBlockSSB4Model.png
POWBlockSSBUModel.png
POW Block - 2D art.png
Fm item pow.png
Waluigi Using POW Block - Mario Kart Insanity.png|Waluigi using a POW Block in Mario Kart Insanity.
Wario and Waluigi Using POW Block - Mario Kart Halfpipe Frenzy.png|Wario and Waluigi using a POW Block in Mario Kart: Halfpipe Frenzy.
Hammer Bro Using A POW Block While On A Motorcycle.png|Hammer Bro using a POW Block.
Yoshi POWs His Taxes.png|Yoshi POWing his taxes.
POW Shake Line.png|The shake line effect when the POW Block is in use.
POW Explosion.png|The explosion effect when the POW Block hits another racer.
POW Ring.png|The ring effect when a racer weakens the POW Block.
Baby Mario Avoiding a POW Block.png|Baby Mario avoiding the POW Block by being airborne.
BluePowBlockNSMB2.png
POWBlockMGSRModel.png
===Red POW Block===
Red POW Block - Mario Kart Wii.png|Mario Kart Wii style
RedPOWBlockNSMBW.png|New Super Mario Bros. Wii style
PowBlockNSMB2.png|New Super Mario Bros. 2
POW Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png|Super Mario 3D World
RedPOWBlock.png|New Super Mario Bros. Omega
POWBlock3DWorldModel.png|Model from Super Mario 3D World
Red POW Block Hat Model.png
Red POW Block Model - Smash Bros 4 Wii U.png
RedPOWBlockMK8.png
Red POW Block - 2D art.png
Red POW Shake Line.png
Red POW Explosion.png
Red POW Ring.png
RedPOWBlockKartWiiPlanarModel.png
RedPOWBlockKartWiiModel.png|Mario Kart Wii styled model.
RedPOWBlockSSB4Model.png
RedPOWBlockSSBUModel.png
RedPOWBlockUltimate.png
Fm item red pow.png
AlternatePowBlockNSMB2.png
===Gold POW Block===
Gold POW Block - Mario Kart Wii.png|The Gold POW Block, as it appears in Koopa Kart 7.
GoldPOWBlockMK8.png|The Gold POW Block, as it appears in Koopa Kart 8.
Gold POW Block.png|A Gold POW Block.
GoldPOWSM3DW.png
SM3DW styled gold POW Block.png
POWBlock3DWorldModelGold.png
Gold POW Block Hat Model.png
Golden POW Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
Golden POW Block Model - Smash Bros 4 Wii U.png
Gold POW Block - 2D art.png
Gold_POW_Shake_Line.png
Gold_POW_Explosion.png
Gold_POW_Ring.png
GoldPowBlockNSMB2.png
GoldPOWBlockSSB4Model.png
GoldPOWBlockSSBUModel.png
GoldPOWBlockKartWiiPlanarModel.png
GoldPOWBlockKartWiiModel.png
GoldPOWBlockUltimate.png
Fm_item_gold_pow.png
===Purple POW Block===
Purple POW Block - Mario Kart Wii.png|A Purple POW Block.
Purple POW Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
PurplePOWBlockNSMBW.png
Purple POW Block - 2D art.png
Purple_POW_Shake_Line.png
Purple_POW_Explosion.png
Purple_POW_Ring.png
PurplePowBlockNSMB2.png
PurplePOWBlockSSB4Model.png
PurplePOWBlockSSBUModel.png
PurplePOWBlockUltimate.png
PurplePOWBlockKartWiiModel.png
PurplePOWBlockKartWiiPlanarModel.png
PurplePOWBlockMK8.png
===Green POW Block===
Green POW Block - Mario Kart Wii.png|A Green POW Block.
Green POW Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
GreenPOWBlockNSMBW.png
Green POW Block - 2D art.png
GreenPOWBlockMK8.png
Green_POW_Shake_Line.png
Green_POW_Explosion.png
Green_POW_Ring.png
GreenPowBlockNSMB2.png
GreenPOWBlockSSB4Model.png
GreenPOWBlockSSBUModel.png
GreenPOWBlockUltimate.png
GreenPOWBlockKartWiiModel.png
GreenPOWBlockKartWiiPlanarModel.png
===Pink POW Block===
Pinkpow.png|A Pink POW Block.
Pink_POW_Block_-_Mario_Kart_Wii.png
PinkPOWBlockNSMBW.png
Pink_POW_Block_Artwork_-_Super_Mario_3D_World.png
===Yellow POW Block===
Yellow POW Block - Mario Kart Wii.png|A Yellow POW Block.
Yellow POW Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
YellowPOWBlockNSMBW.png
===Orange POW Block===
Orange POW Block - Mario Kart Wii.png|An Orange POW Block.
Orange POW Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
OrangePOWBlockNSMBW.png
== Names In Other Languages ==
Category:Items
Category:Blocks
Category:Mario (series)
Category:Mario Kart (series)
Category:Mario Items
Category:Super Mario 3D World
Category:Super Mario Exploit
Category:Super Mario World 3D
Category:Super Smash Bros. Items
Category:Explosives
Category:Koopa Kart Wii Items
Category:Koopa Kart Tour Items