Bi-Han made his debut as one of the few original characters in the first Mortal Kombat game as the original Sub-Zero, a mantle later passed down to his younger brother Kuai Liang after his death. He later reappears as the Elder Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat (2011), and returns as Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat 1.

Bi-Han made his debut as Noob Saibot in Mortal Kombat II as a secret character, a role he takes on in many games after before making his playable debut in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. However, the identity of Noob Saibot being Bi-Han was not established until Mortal Kombat: Deception. He reappears as Noob Saibot in Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat 11.

After his death and resurrection as Noob Saibot in the original and alternate timelines, he has been a recurring antagonist in the franchise, usually siding with other characters on the side of evil in a bid to benefit himself. He also serves as a major antagonist towards his younger brother and Hanzo Hasashi in many instances.