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.

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.”