Mushroom

The Mushroom is a very basic item. In the main series, it makes Mario grow, while in Mario Kart, it gives your kart a short burst of speed. In come either single or groups of three. They tend to be slightly useless if you're far in last place or far in first place, although it can be used to dodge the ever so annoying Blue Shell, though this takes a lot of practice. The Mushroom has appeared in every Mario Kart game and is used as a boost in Time Trials (not counting Super Mario Kart). A stronger and rarer Mushroom is the Golden Mushroom, which I will talk about later.