In Mario Kart, which item gives you three red shells?

In Mario Kart, the item that gives a racer three red shells is the Triple Red Shells item. The shells can be fired individually, giving the player three chances to target opponents ahead.

A standard Red Shell homes in on a racer in front of the user, unlike a Green Shell, which travels in a mostly straight line and can bounce off walls. Triple Red Shells therefore combine the tracking behavior of Red Shells with a larger supply of ammunition.

The item first appeared in Mario Kart 64, where the three shells could circle the kart as a defensive barrier or be thrown one at a time. Its exact presentation differs between games. In some entries the shells orbit the vehicle, while in others they may be carried or stacked behind it.

Triple Red Shells are not universal to every Mario Kart title. They are absent from the original Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart Tour, which is why a question referring broadly to the series can still trip up experienced players. Triple Green Shells and Triple Mushrooms are separate items with different effects.