In the Super Mario series, Bowser appears as the main antagonist, with his first appearance being Super Mario Bros. in 1985. This marked the first time that Bowser kidnapped Princess Peach and tried to take over the Mushroom Kingdom, which became a recurring theme in the Super Mario series.
It wasn't until Super Mario 64 that Bowser began collecting Power Stars, which he used to seal off sections of the castle. This concept is used again in Mario Galaxy and Mario Galaxy 2, where Bowser attempts to take over the universe. In Super Mario Sunshine, Shrine Sprites replace the Power Stars, but the general idea is the same.
The following is a list of games Bowser has appeared in within the Super Mario series:
- Super Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
- Super Mario Bros. 3
- Super Mario World
- Super Mario 64
- Super Mario Sunshine
- New Super Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Galaxy
- New Super Mario Bros. Wii
- Super Mario Galaxy 2
- Super Mario 3D Land
- New Super Mario Bros. 2
- New Super Mario Bros. U
