1. Super Mario Bros. - Super Mushroom

There was really no question as to which power-up would headline this list. The Magic Mushroom in Super Mario Bros. is, for many gamers, the first power-up they ever received in the comforts of their own homes. Renamed "Super Mushrooms" in subsequent Super Mario games, these fungi cause Mario (or Luigi) to double in size. The change isn't just an aesthetic one either. Not only does it allow you to absorb a hit without dying (you merely revert to your smaller size), but you are also imbued with the awe-inspiring ability to smash bricks from below. Not only is breaking bricks incredibly pleasing, but it also allows you to access otherwise unreachable portions of certain levels (such as those ever-important Warp Zones). There are fancier power-ups, more lethal power-ups and generally more life-saving power-ups. But Super Mario Bros.' Magic Mushroom is the quintessential power-up and its number one ranking is well-earned.

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