Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games confirmed

Publisher Sega has announced that Mario and Sonic will unite once again this Christmas on Wii and DS.

The announcement has been expected since Sega secured the Vancouver Winter Olympics rights last week, and the game was even confirmed by the Winter Olympics’ director of licensing, Dennis Kim.

We are extremely happy to again team up with Nintendo and ISM on what promises to be another global success.” says Sega of America CEO Naoya Tsurumi.

Sonic will partner with Mario once more beneath the spotlight of the legendary Olympic Games. Together they will face new athletic challenges that will provide gamers with more of the exciting experiences unique to this series.”

Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime added: ”SEGA has been a valued publishing partner of Nintendo for many years and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is the ultimate representation of that relationship. We look for this game to continue the tradition its predecessor started by bringing new events, new characters, and new gameplay experiences to fans worldwide.”

The new title is set to feature new co-op and competitive multiplayer modes, new sports including Alpine Skiing and Speed Skating, and will make use of the Wii Balance Board.

The original Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games sold ten million copies worldwide, and two million in the UK alone.