Wario was introduced in the 1992 Game Boy title Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, where he served as the main antagonist, usurping Mario's position as the game's protagonist. This marked the beginning of his complex relationship with Mario, transitioning from adversary to anti-hero. In the subsequent game, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (1994), Wario emerged as the protagonist, embarking on treasure-hunting adventures that emphasized exploration and collection over traditional platforming.