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Entertainment • Video Game Character

Wario

Wario is a fictional Nintendo video game character created as an opposite to Mario.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wario is a fictional Nintendo video game character created as an opposite to Mario. He first appeared as the main antagonist and final boss of *Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins* in 1992, and later became the antihero protagonist of the *Wario Land* and *WarioWare* series.

Creation and debut

Wario was created by Hiroji Kiyotake as a deliberate counterpart to Mario. He first appeared in 1992 as the main antagonist and final boss of *Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins*.

Character traits

Wario is usually portrayed as greedy, selfish, and physically strong. His name combines Mario with the Japanese word *warui*, meaning "bad".

Spin-off series

After his debut, Wario became the star of the *Wario Land* platformers and the *WarioWare* series. These games established him as an antihero rather than a pure villain.

Appearances outside his own series

Wario is a recurring playable character in many Nintendo crossover games, including *Mario Kart*, *Mario Party*, and *Mario Sports*. He has also appeared in *Super Smash Bros.* titles.

Key facts

  • Wario was designed as an antithesis to Mario.
  • He debuted as the main villain and final boss of *Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins*.
  • He became the lead character in the *Wario Land* and *WarioWare* game series.
  • He appears regularly in Mario spin-off titles such as *Mario Kart*, *Mario Party*, and *Mario Sports*.
  • He has also appeared in the *Super Smash Bros.* fighting game series.

Frequently asked questions

Who created Wario?
Wario was created by Hiroji Kiyotake.
What was Wario’s first appearance?
He first appeared in *Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins* in 1992.
Is Wario a villain or a hero?
He began as a villain, but later became an antihero and the protagonist of his own series.
What does the name Wario mean?
It is commonly explained as a blend of Mario and *warui*, the Japanese word for "bad".
Which games star Wario?
The main Wario-led series are *Wario Land* and *WarioWare*.
Who voiced Wario?
Charles Martinet voiced Wario from 1993 to 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wario
    Supports: First appearance, origin, role in Mario franchise, name meaning, creator, and voice actor.
  2. Mario Wiki — https://www.mariowiki.com/Wario
    Supports: Character traits, design history, and role in Wario-led games.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wario_(series)
    Supports: Wario as protagonist of the Wario Land and WarioWare series and recurring Mario spin-off appearances.