

Upon completing Bowser's Keep in Koopa Core and obtaining all 354 prior Star Coins, Red Lava in Special World will be unlocked, and upon completing Black Clappers in Special World and obtaining all 384 Star Coins, Hard Mode can be accessed. Wii, there are 384 Star Coins (401 If You Count The 17 Fake Ones In Colossus House) which can be used (Except the Fake Star Coins) to purchase specific powerups in dedicated shops. The uses of Star Coins vary per game, though they're consistently required for 100% completion of any Newer Super Mario Bros.

Star Coins serve many uses outside of their levels, such as opening new areas or pathways or allowing the player to buy specific things. If Star Coins are spent for whatever reason, they will not become uncollected within the levels, and the total Star Coin count will be lowered, despite what the counter itself says. Attempting to collect an already obtained Star Coin will just result in some points. Once a Star Coin is collected, it cannot be collected properly again. Three Star Coins are found within each level, and thus three can be collected per level for the total Star Coin count and three can be marked as collected within each level. When a player touches or throws any kind of shell at a Star Coin, it'll become collected, adding it to their total Star Coin count and displaying it as collected within that specific level. Like standard coins, they can be dropped to the floor by POW Blocks. Star Coins float in the air, often stationary, though some sway or circle around something. When a Star Coin has already been collected, it will become a transparent dark blue.

Star Coins are large golden circular coins with large rims and Super Stars imprinted on their fronts. Three of them appear in every single level as optional challenges that can be done to unlock more levels and achieve 100% game completion. Star Coins are collectible coins found throughout of the Newer Super Mario Bros. Currency to buy backgrounds at the Special House,
