Mario and Sonic - Together at last

What do you two with two aging, rival franchises? Have them compete in the olympics! For the first time ever, Mario and Sonic will appear together in a video game. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (creative title, right?) will pit characters from both franchises against each other in the 2008 Olympics, competing in such events as the 100m dash, table tennis, and swimming. From the press release:

“Mario and Sonic have been respectful rivals since the early days of video games,” says Shigeru Miyamoto, Senior Managing Director and General Manager, Entertainment Analysis and Development Division, Nintendo Co., Ltd.. “In fact, for a long time they have been discussing the possibility of one day competing against each other. Now that they have been given the perfect opportunity to meet at the Olympic Games, we may finally learn who is actually faster, Mario or Sonic?”

I didn’t even know this was a topic for debate. Has Miyamoto ever played a Sonic game?! I mean, I don’t think Mario is exactly known for his speed (unless you stick him in a go-kart). Regardless, I’m glad to see Nintedo and Sega working together–more for Sega’s sake than Nintendo’s. This is a title to watch for on Wii and DS.