Does tapping Z to stop the block selection help or hurt in Mario Kart 64?

When you touch a block in Mario Kart 64, the box that shows the item you have will start cycling between different items. If you press Z, you will get the item sooner.

Are there any advantages or disadvantages of pressing Z vs. letting it go through all the way and choose one for you?

For example, does pressing Z usually decrease the chances of getting a good item? Is patience rewarded at all?

Solution 1:

I'm not sure if there are any probability differences by pressing Z, but here are some things to consider:

• If you touch a block that guarantees you a blue shell, you might as well press Z to get the shell sooner. Since you are guaranteed a blue shell, even if there is a statistical advantage of not pressing it, it makes no sense in this situation.
• If you are near the finish line and trailing behind someone, you might as well use it sooner rather than later, since getting something (anything) and using it is better than wasting time and letting it select something for you, which you can't use since the race is over.
• If an opponent has a ghost, it is better to press Z and use your item immediately so that they can't steal it.

Solution 2:

From my experience, you are more likely to get items like shells, lightning bolts etc if you are trailing far behind. Banana peels and the occasional green shell if you are up front.

So to answer your question, i would say it is ambiguous.