Ultimate Showdown: Sonic and Mario Set to Reignite their Epic Battle in Fall 2023

Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder are highly anticipated 2.5D platformers that have generated excitement among fans of the iconic gaming mascots. Both games aim to capture the essence of their respective franchises' origins. Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that there are numerous similarities between the new Sonic and Mario games, particularly in terms of reintroducing old elements in a fresh way.

However, the similarities between the two games extend beyond the introduction of new power-ups and underrepresented characters. While Super Mario Bros. Wonder has confirmed its release date of October 20, 2023, Sonic Superstars has only announced a tentative release window of Fall 2023. Although subject to change, if these timelines hold, the longstanding rivalry between Sonic and Mario may reignite after years of peaceful coexistence.

Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder May Come Out Too Soon

Gamers often mark release dates on their calendars, eagerly anticipating the day they can play something new. However, for game developers and publishers, the specific date a game becomes available holds even greater importance as it greatly impacts sales.

In October 2023, there is a myriad of release dates for various titles, with Super Mario Bros. Wonder already taking the lead. On the other hand, Sonic Superstars has yet to reveal its availability, offering just a general timeframe. It can be suggested that Sega should consider taking note of Super Mario Bros. Wonder's release date and potentially wait for a more favorable opportunity to launch Sonic Superstars. However, it is also possible that the fate of these games intertwines, as they compete for players' attention and spending.

A recent GameStop listing indicates that Sonic Superstars is set to launch on October 17, a mere three days before the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. While Mario will remain exclusive to the Switch, Sonic, on the other hand, will expand its availability across multiple platforms. However, there is a possibility that the hedgehog may struggle to compete with other highly anticipated releases such as Alan Wake 2 or Marvel's Spider-Man 2.

How the Fight Between Mario and Sonic in 2023 Could Pan Out

Despite the release date of Sonic Superstars being rescheduled to avoid competition with Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Sega has few remaining options for positioning the game without significantly delaying Superstars. As a result, the battle for sales between Nintendo and Sega is highly probable. After all, Superstars aims to launch before the holiday season, prior to the completion of Sonic Frontiers' successful first year in November.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is expected to be released before the holidays, making it an ideal gift for the season. Despite Sonic and Mario, along with their respective companies, displaying friendly sportsmanship since 2008, there continues to be a limited crossover of fans between the two franchises.

Both series have devoted followers who prioritize their favorite franchise over the other. Consequently, Sonic Superstars, available on various consoles, is projected to have lower sales compared to Wonder, which is exclusively on the Switch. This is due to the fragmented distribution of sales across multiple systems.

However, Sonic Superstars should not be underestimated in this race. It garnered positive feedback from those who played it at the Summer Game Fest this year, generating excitement among fans for the return of Naoto Ohshima and the character Fang (also known as Nack) the Hunter. Compared to the two titles, Sonic and his friends may require additional support compared to Mario, given the significant pressure faced by Sonic Superstars as the first 2D game developed by Sonic Team in years.

Sonic Superstars is scheduled for release in Fall 2023 and will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.