Nintendo and Sega team for Mario and Sonic title

Nintendo and Sega have announced a joint collaboration to bring their company icons together in the same game.

Developed by Sega Japan, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games has been licensed through a partnership with International Sports Multimedia, the interactive entertainment software licensee of the International Olympic Committee.

"We are thrilled to partner with Nintendo and ISM on the ground breaking title," commented Hisao Oguchi, president 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 game is due for release this Christmas for the Nintendo Wii and DS.

"The Olympic Games represent the true spirit of competition and passion," said Raymond Goldsmith, CEO 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," he added.