When you hear Nintendo mascots, Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach are likely the first names that pop into your head. Wario, however, is another character who has made his mark in memorable, mustachioed history. Ever since his introduction in the early ’90s, he has become a fan-favorite antihero for his greed, grumpiness, distinctive charm, and garlic-eating. Let’s take a glance at his past, from villain to unlikely hero.

Origins: Wicked Introduction

His debut was way back in 1992’s Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins for the original Game Boy. In this game, not only was he a debut character, but he was the main villain, having usurped Mario’s castle and setting the stage for a bizarre showdown. Created by Hiroji Kiyotake, he was intended as a dark, greedy counterpart to Mario.

The character was designed intentionally to be visually the opposite of Mario. He is heavier, has a zig-zag mustache, and typically has an evil grin. Nintendo required a nemesis that was closer and more intimate, that of a dark mirror of their famous jumping plumber.

Taking Center Stage

He was such a fan favorite that Nintendo gave him his own game in 1994: Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3. In this Game Boy title, the roles were reversed. Now, players had to play as him while he hunted for treasure, not heroism. His motives were simple: power and wealth.

This kicked off a whole series of games, each of which featured his unique style of gameplay. Where Mario games were about speed and agility, these games took brute force, exploration, and puzzle-solving to new heights. Unlike other platformers, the players smashed through blocks, changed into weird shapes, and gathered coins and treasure like a dragon hoarding its mound of gold.

Major Titles:

• • Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (1994)
  • Wario Land II (1998)
  • Wario Land 3 (2000)

Each iteration introduced completely new bizarre mechanics, odd enemies, and increasingly surrealist art direction, which helped Wario stand out in Nintendo’s growing roster.

New Kinds of Chaos!

Then, in 2003, he remade himself once again with the release of WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame! for the Game Boy Advance. This bizarre, hyper-fast game introduced players to a whole new genre: microgames! Extremely brief challenges that lasted only seconds. The result was a mix of pure chaotic, comedic, and addictive fun.

He was not just the face of the game, but a fictional game developer with his very own shady software firm. He even has his own official website related to WarioWare! The series also introduced a weird cast of supporting characters like Mona, Jimmy T, and 9-Volt, each of whom had their themed microgames and personalities.

Standout Entries:

• WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame! (2003)
• WarioWare: Twisted! (2004)
• WarioWare: Smooth Moves (2006)

This franchise has been a playground for Nintendo’s innovation, often serving as a test bed for new hardware features, like the tilt sensor in Twisted! or motion controls in Smooth Moves.

Personality and Legacy

His personality has never been less than larger than life. He’s crude and crass, along with being greedy, yet somehow lovable. His antics, in contrast to Mario’s straight-laced heroism, are unpredictable and wild. He’s most often seen searching for treasure and fame or even trying to cash in on the video game trend itself. He’s somehow straightforward in the most anarchic way imaginable.

Flaws and all, or perhaps even due to them, he was able to become a star character. He’s even regularly featured in other Nintendo series, such as Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Tennis, and Super Smash Bros., usually looking to steal what he can. Not only that, but he might even steal from his partner in crime/rival, Waluigi! Greediness much.

Why Wario Endures

His longevity can be attributed to originality. He’s a mold-breaker. He doesn’t fall into the typical hero or villain archetypes. He exists in between. A self-serving wild card in a world of squeaky-clean characters, if you will. At least he has Waluigi to (sometimes) watch his back.

Whether he’s smashing brick after brick for gold, making strange games, or launching garlic-themed schemes, he gives players something new and weird. He shows us that games don’t always have to be about saving the world. Sometimes, it’s just about having fun!

…and getting rich.

To End it Off

From his origins as Mario’s nemesis to the star of his own bizarre and outrageous franchises, he’s evolved into one of Nintendo’s most recognizable and versatile characters. He’s proof that being bad (or at least really, really weird) can be really, really good. And who can forget one of his most famous things he likes to yell?

WAH!!!