During today’s Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase, Ubisoft announced that Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will release exclusively on Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2022, and is available to preorder.

The sequel to the 2017 strategy game Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle will see Bowser, King of The Koopas team up with Mario, Luigi, Peach, and their Rabbid counterparts on a new journey to save the world from a malevolent cosmic entity.

Like its predecessor, Sparks of Hope mixes turn-based strategy with real-time action. The combat system will have the player controlling Mario and friends to dash at enemies, team jump on allies, hide behind covers, as well as take advantage of their special abilities in order to get the most out of every turn.

“Determined to consume all the energy in the galaxy, Cursa and its minions are hunting the Sparks, uncanny creatures formed by the fusion of Lumas & Rabbids, and will destroy all who stand in its way. Players will have to locate and save the Sparks to have them join the adventure, opening up new tactical possibilities to help Heroes get the upper hand in battles. In addition to leveling up and customizing their Heroes, players will have the opportunity to pair them with Sparks to unlock additional abilities! They all have a distinct power and personality, ranging from energy shields to powerful elemental attacks.”

As the characters embark on their journey they’ll explore various planets with curious inhabitants including many familiar enemies from throughout the Nintendo universe.

Ubisoft has also announced that they will be holding a Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope showcase with more details about the game on June 30th at 12:00 AM (MYT/UTC+8) on the official Ubisoft youtube channel.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will release on October 20th exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.