Of all the Wii’s numerous mini-game games, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is still my favorite, and I’m probably not alone on that with the game surprisingly selling over 10 million copies worldwide to date. Riding that success (and hoping for the same), Sega has announced a follow-up in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, which will be out late this year on Wii and DS.

Like before, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games will bring together favorite characters from Nintendo’s Mario universe and Sega’s Sonic universe to compete in a collection of Olympic-themed mini-games, only this time the mini-games will be wintery rather than summery. You know, events like skiing and skating. A richer multiplayer experience is promised for both versions, with the Wii version also receiving added support for the Balance Board. No mention of planned Wii MotionPlus support (the motion-sensor enhancing Wii-mote add-on Nintendo is working on), but hopefully that gets worked in by end of the year.

“We are extremely happy to again team up with Nintendo and ISM on what promises to be another global success.” says Naoya Tsurumi, CEO, SEGA of America and SEGA Europe. “Sonic will partner with Mario once more beneath the spotlight of the legendary Olympic Games. Together they will face new athletic challenges that will provide gamers with more of the exciting experiences unique to this series.”

”SEGA has been a valued publishing partner of Nintendo for many years and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is the ultimate representation of that relationship,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, president and COO, Nintendo of America. “We look for this game to continue the tradition its predecessor started by bringing new events, new characters, and new gameplay experiences to fans worldwide.”

“To once again have Mario and Sonic and friends compete in Olympic sports and events in a winter setting is tremendously exciting for the Olympic Movement and the millions of gamers worldwide who enjoyed the characters’ previous match up”, says Raymond Goldsmith, Chairman & CEO of ISM.