2023 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable years for gaming in quite some time. In just the first half alone, critically acclaimed games such as Resident Evil 4 remake and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom have delivered top tier experiences to gamers. This isn't even mentioning what's coming on the horizon, with Starfield due for release in September and Final Fantasy 16 receiving glowing early reviews. However, one single day - that being October 20 - has not just Marvel's Spider-Man 2 due for release, but now a brand-new Nintendo game in the form of Super Mario Bros Wonder.
Not long ago during Summer Games Fest, the creative director of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 took to the stage to confirm that the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive would hit shelves on October 20. Currently standing as one of the biggest releases of the year, players marked their calendars and eagerly began to set aside time as the clock ticks down for the game's eventual release. To the screaming woes of gamers' wallets everywhere, Nintendo has now also confirmed a brand-new Mario game due for the same day, guaranteeing a landmark day for the year and confirming players having plenty to enjoy during that time.
Mario vs Spider-Man: Business is Business
It is possible that Nintendo saw a strategic possibility to boost sales of Super Mario Bros Wonder by tailing off the set release date of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. As mentioned before, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is currently lined up to be one of the biggest games of 2023, and will likely show up in multiple categories once the Game of the Year awards presentation rolls around. Naturally, being such a colossal blockbuster, other tent pole releases have decided to steer clear of it since it is likely to steamroll the competition. However, if any company could go toe to toe with Spidey, its Nintendo, something confirmed at the latest Direct.
It helps that the Super Mario Bros franchise is one of the most popular and successful IP's in gaming, so if anything could go toe to toe with Marvel's Spider-Man 2, that would be it. However, funny enough, there isn't much of an actual face-off here as both Nintendo and PlayStation can win from this. Although both Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Bros Wonder are high-profile releases, they are different enough in both genre and style, perfectly complimenting each other. Though gamers have varied tastes, it's very likely fans of single player games looking forward to Marvel's Spider-Man 2 also have a fondness for Mario. Being released on the same day, players going to pick up one game may cave and grab the other at the same time, marking a win-win for both companies.
A Winning Day For Gamers
Business metrics aside, having these two games paired together is also a slam dunk for players. Both titles tick so many of the boxes for what satisfies players, and playing them together can be a great combination. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will have high production value, a gripping narrative and huge open world to explore. However, if while playing the sprawling open world game players feel like they need a break and something lighter, Super Mario Bros Wonder appears to be the perfect palette cleanser. It's colorful landscapes and oddball Elephant Mario power-ups provide a delightful change of pace from the high-flying action of Marvel's iconic wall crawler.
At a first glance, October 20 seems like a daunting day for players with two huge upcoming video games becoming available. However, once the dust settles (and the wallet recovers), the day should prove to be a great one for gamers. It is such a rare treat to receive not one, but two stellar and totally different games so close together, something that will keep fans busy for weeks after launch.
