Skip to main content

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope releases in October and you can play as Bowser

During the June 2022 Nintendo Direct Mini, Ubisoft confirmed that Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will launch on October 20.

A new trailer describes the game’s story premise and gave a quick glimpse at the turn-based combat system. The battlefield can now be traversed in 360 degrees, a departure from the rigid linear movement that was in the first game. Mario’s arch-nemesis, Bowser, has also been revealed to be a playable character.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope | Nintendo Direct Release Date Trailer

Ubisoft also announced a showcase to show off the game and provide more information about it on June 29 at 12 p.m. ET.

The game’s store page shows that it will include a Gold Edition that contains the base game, the season pass, and the Galactic Prestige Pack. The season pass holds upcoming DLC content such as an additional story and new heroes, quests, and battles. The Galactic Prestige Pack has three weapons skins that can be used right away.

The release date was originally leaked ahead of the presentation through Ubisoft’s store.

Nintendo’s fall lineup starts in September with Splatoon 3 and ends with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in November. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope fits snugly between the two in October to keep the Nintendo Switch’s exclusive content pipeline steady. The console already has had an impressive first half of the year, and these upcoming releases will close out 2022 nicely.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the direct sequel to 2017’s Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. In our review, we said, “There are plenty of nuances to find in Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, so long as you’re willing to indulge its playful side.”

Editors' Recommendations

George Yang
George Yang is a freelance games writer for Digital Trends. He has written for places such as IGN, GameSpot, The Washington…
Super Mario Bros. Wonder has some of Nintendo’s best online features
Wiggler in Super Mario Bros. Wonder

When it comes to multiplayer integration, Nintendo can be wildly unpredictable. Unstable online servers and disappointing co-op experiences built for young players can leave its games lacking. Thankfully, that's not the case with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. In fact, the new 2D adventure might just contain the best Nintendo multiplayer experience on the Switch next to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

At any point while playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder, players can bring their game online with the press of a button in the main menu. Doing so will unlock several multiplayer features at once. For one, there's traditional online multiplayer. Simply press a button to "play with friends" and you'll be able to explore both the overworld and levels co-operatively. Like the New Super Mario Bros. series, four players can work together to complete levels (which can be very hectic fun).

Read more
All secret exits in Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Bowser terrorizes Mario and company in Super Mario Wonder.

Much of your time in Super Mario Bros. Wonder's colorful and vibrant levels is spent collecting Flower Coins and finding fun power-ups that can help you take out enemies, but there are some well-hidden secrets to discover, too. Most notably, you'll want to keep an eye out for secret exits that can uncover some really exciting new stuff to enjoy.

There are a total of seven secret exits in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and if you're looking to find each and every one of them, look no further than our list below. Of course, you'll want to play the levels through completely if you're looking to find all badges and medals in the game.
Piranha Plants on Parade (World 1)

Read more
All Super Mario Bros. Wonder power-ups, ranked
Mario turning into Super Mario.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is perhaps the Mario franchise's most colorful and unusual game to date, featuring all manner of dream-like themes and near-endless amounts of creativity. Like any new Mario game, though, it also comes packing some brand-new power-ups alongside a handful of returning classics that everyone knows and loves. All of the power-ups have their unique uses that can help you fend off baddies, reach new areas, or simply create hilarious hijinks, but some are notably more exciting than others.

Here are all of the Super Mario Bros. Wonder power-ups ranked. They'll all come in handy when you're tracking down all of the badges, medals, and Special World entrances.
All Super Mario Bros. Wonder power-ups, ranked
6. Super Mushroom

Read more