For the first time ever, these two icons of video gaming will star together in the same game!

Nintendo and SEGA have today made a historical joint announcement - that two of the biggest icons in the entertainment industry, Mario and Sonic, are joining forces to star together in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Developed for the Wii and Nintendo DS system, this momentous agreement marks the first time these two renowned stars have appeared together in a game.

In Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, players will compete in events that take place in environments based on the official venues of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Using a supporting cast of characters from the worlds of both Mario and Sonic, gamers will be able to compete as or against a range of personalities including: Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi, Tails and more.

Innovative usage of the Wii and DS control systems to manoeuvre a favourite character will allow players to race the likes of Mario and Sonic down the 100m track, engage in exhilarating rallies in table tennis and churn water in a swimming heat, all while competing for the much sought after gold medal.

"Mario and Sonic have been respectful rivals since the early days of video games," said Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto. "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?"

Sega's top dogsbody was similarly enthusiastic: "We are thrilled to partner with Nintendo and ISM on this groundbreaking title," said Hisao Oguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer of SEGA. "For the first time, two of the world's greatest games' characters come together to compete in the world's greatest sporting event and we couldn't be more excited."

"The Olympic Games represent the true spirit of competition and passion," said Raymond Goldsmith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ISM. "Bringing together intensely competitive and fun characters like Mario and Sonic in an Olympic setting helps showcase the sports of the Olympic Games in a new and compelling way for all generations."

Published by SEGA across Europe and North America, and published by Nintendo in the Japanese market, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games will be available for Holiday 2007 and is licensed through a worldwide partnership with International Sports Multimedia, the exclusive interactive entertainment software licensee of the International Olympic Committee.

Needless to say, that though it is not a hardcore platformer, fighter or RPG, this news is huge. Could it be that a door is opening to a number of joint efforts? Is Sonic now a looking ever more likely for Super Smash Bros. Brawl? Be sure to stay tuned for more details on this intriguing cross-company project. Until then, here is one linked image with teaser art, and the official teaser site can be found at MarioAndSonic.Sega-Europe.com!