Mario, Sonic qualify for Wii, DS Olympics

Two of video games' most recognisable icons will soon be competing against each other. Sega and Nintendo have announced a new title, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, which will be released on the Nintendo Wii and DS. This will be the first time that the two well-known digital stars have appeared in a game together.

Other characters that gamers will be able to play as or against include Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi, and Tails. The environments in the game will be based on the venues at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and events include table tennis, 100 metres running, and swimming.

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

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games will be released worldwide this holiday season. Sega will handle publishing duties in Europe and North America, and Nintendo will publish the game in Japan.