Nintendo's involvement in the development of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, which debuted in 2007, was highlighted in a recent interview with Sega veteran Ryoichi Hasegawa. He revealed that Nintendo requested changes to the game's cover art, specifically insisting that Sonic's foot must not appear ahead of Mario's. This demand showcased Nintendo's strict management of its characters' portrayals. Despite this creative disagreement, the game became a commercial success, selling over 10 million copies and fostering a series that ended in 2020 after the International Olympic Committee opted for new partnerships focusing on mobile gaming and NFTs.

Why was Nintendo concerned about Sonic's foot being in front of Mario's?

Nintendo wanted to maintain the integrity and prominence of its beloved mascot Mario, and placing Sonic's foot ahead of his could imply a shift in priority between the two iconic characters. As a result, Nintendo's request was a move to ensure Mario's position was equally respected alongside Sonic's, reflecting their commitment to character representation.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is notable for merging two iconic franchises that have long been rivals, allowing fans to engage in a variety of sports mini-games. This franchise was instrumental in bringing together fans of both Nintendo and Sega, celebrating their history while delivering engaging gameplay. Despite its success, the series concluded after the IOC's shift towards different gaming partnerships, marking the end of an era for cross-platform character collaborations.