Longtime gaming veterans know all too well the rivalry between Nintendo and SEGA, along with their mascots, Mario vs. Sonic. The rivalry was so legendary that it spawned multiple console generations and even culminated in the two “working together” during a set of Olympic-themed games. But now, a “repeat of history” is about to happen. Sonic Superstars, the next 2D Sonic title, is coming out on October 17th. Meanwhile, Super Mario Bros Wonder is coming out on October 20th. Just to be clear, Mario had his release date out first, and then SEGA put Sonic’s right before this.
That had MANY people wondering if SEGA was trying to reignite their old rivalry. When Mario producer Takashi Tezuka was asked about this in an interview with Game Informer, he noted:
“I think it’s an interesting coincidence. We’ve been creating 2D action games for a long time and we, of course, want as many players as possible to enjoy those games. We’re looking forward to as many people as possible having the opportunity to play these 2D side-scrolling action games, Mario and otherwise.”
So, was it intentional? Or just “dumb luck” that they were days apart? You decide.