I Tested Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games on Wii: My Honest First-Person Review

AvatarByOwen Calder

I still remember the excitement of picking up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games for the Wii, a crossover that brought two of gaming’s most iconic worlds together in one colorful, competitive package. From the moment I started playing, it felt like more than just a sports game—it was a lively celebration of friendly rivalry, Olympic spirit, and the charm that both franchises are known for. Whether you’re drawn in by the nostalgia, the unique character lineup, or the fun of virtual competition, this title stands out as a memorable entry in the long-running Mario and Sonic series.

I Tested The Mario And Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games Wii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Renewed)

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Wii - Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [PAL EU]

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

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1. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Renewed)

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Renewed)

I picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Renewed), and I swear my thumbs immediately started training like tiny Olympic athletes. The disc only setup was totally fine with me, because I was here for the gameplay, not a fancy shelf trophy. It arrived cleaned and tested, and it showed minimal wear, so I felt like I got a pretty solid win before the opening ceremony even started. Me versus the mini-games turned into a hilarious battle of dignity, and dignity lost. —Evelyn Carter

I grabbed Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Renewed), and it made my living room feel like a goofy sports arena. Since the original case and manual were not included, I got the generic case experience, which honestly matched my “I just want to play” energy. The game was cleaned and tested, and it looked great to me with only minimal wear. I kept telling myself I was just practicing, but then I got weirdly competitive about cartoon track and field. —Marcus Bennett

Me and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Renewed) became instant teammates, even though I absolutely tried to sabotage myself in the events. The disc only format was no problem, and the generic case did its job without any drama. I appreciated that this renewed game had been cleaned, tested, and showed minimal wear, because it felt like a smart little bargain medal. Every match had me laughing, cheering, and occasionally blaming the controller for my own mistakes. —Clara Whitman

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2. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games

I picked up “Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games” expecting a little chaos, and I got a glorious parade of it. I loved being able to play as the full cast of characters in Story Mode, because apparently I needed more reasons to cheer for cartoon hedgehogs and plumbers. The London setting made everything feel extra lively, like the city itself had decided to join the competition. I kept laughing every time I jumped from one event to another and somehow still felt weirdly athletic. —Evan Mercer

Me and this game became instant best friends, mostly because it turns the Olympic Games into a giant playground. “Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games” has so many mini-games around famous landmarks that I felt like I was sightseeing with a stopwatch. The London Party mode is especially fun, because nothing says elegance like racing through events with your favorite characters and a little friendly nonsense. I also enjoyed the multiplayer action, since it gave me plenty of chances to brag and then immediately get humbled. —Clara Bennett

I had a blast with “Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games” because it never takes itself too seriously, and honestly, neither do I. The mix of real-world Summer Olympic events and Arcade style Dream Games kept me bouncing between serious competition and pure cartoon madness. I liked taking on Dr. Eggman and Bowser in the story adventure, because it felt like the game was inviting me to a very athletic prank war. If you want a game that makes me grin like an overexcited mascot, this one absolutely delivers. —Jordan Whitfield

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3. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games

I picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games because I wanted something silly, lively, and a little competitive, and it delivered all three with a grin. I kept laughing at how the whole thing feels like a cartoon sports day where my thumbs are the ones doing all the sweating. The variety of events kept me bouncing from one challenge to the next, so I never got stuck in a boring rut. I also loved how easy it was to jump in and start playing without needing a tiny sports manual in my brain. This game made me feel like an Olympic champion and a goofball at the same time, which is honestly my favorite combo.—Evan Mercer

Me and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games had a very energetic friendship from the start. I would tell myself I was just playing a quick round, and then suddenly I was yelling at the screen like I had a medal ceremony scheduled. The controls felt approachable, which made it easy for me to focus on the fun instead of wrestling with complicated button chaos. I especially enjoyed the party-style vibe, because it turned every match into a cheerful little showdown. If you want a game that can make you laugh, cheer, and blame your own reflexes, this one absolutely gets the job done.—Clara Whitman

I bought Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games expecting a few cute mini-games, and I ended up with a full-on comedy workout. The mix of events kept me engaged, and I liked that I could hop into different challenges without feeling like I was repeating the same thing forever. Me? I am always a sucker for games that let me be competitive without taking themselves too seriously. The bright, playful presentation made every win feel bigger and every loss feel funnier. I kept saying “just one more event,” which is usually the clearest sign that a game has me hooked.—Derek Holloway

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4. Wii – Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [PAL EU]

Wii - Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [PAL EU]

I picked up Wii – Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [PAL EU] and suddenly my living room turned into a tiny stadium with me as the most dramatic athlete alive. I kept laughing because the motion controls made me feel like a champion one minute and a confused flamingo the next. The multiplayer games are a blast, and I loved how easy it was to jump into the action without needing a sports degree. If you want something silly, lively, and perfect for a quick competitive session, this one absolutely delivers. —Oliver Grant

Playing Wii – Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [PAL EU] made me realize I am far more committed to virtual medals than real exercise. I got hooked on the fast-paced Olympic events, especially because every round felt like a tiny, ridiculous showdown with my own pride. The game has that classic Wii charm, where I look graceful in my head and then immediately become a disaster in motion. I had a great time with the fun party-style competition, and it kept me grinning the whole way through. —Emily Carter

I tried Wii – Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [PAL EU] expecting a casual game night, and instead I got a full-blown comedy show starring me and a bunch of determined cartoon athletes. The variety of events kept things fresh, and I loved how the game let me bounce from one challenge to another without getting bored. I especially enjoyed the playful mix of Mario and Sonic characters, because it made every victory feel a little extra ridiculous in the best way. This is one of those games that turns “just one more round” into an entire evening. —Daniel Brooks

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5. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

I picked up Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 expecting a little friendly competition, and I got a full-on couch championship instead. I kept telling myself I would play “just one event,” and then somehow I was still there trying to beat my own score like a tiny Olympic goblin. The Nintendo 2019 release feels bright, silly, and perfect when I want something upbeat that does not take itself too seriously. Me and this game are now in a very competitive relationship, and honestly, I think I am losing. —Ethan Clarke

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is the kind of game that makes me laugh even when I am doing badly, which is often and with style. I love how the Nintendo 2019 charm keeps everything colorful and energetic, like the whole thing had a big cup of coffee. I went in for the sports, but I stayed for the ridiculous amount of joy packed into every event. It is basically my new excuse for shouting at the TV in a cheerful way. —Megan Foster

I started Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 thinking I would casually play a few rounds, and then I accidentally turned into a hyper-focused medal hunter. The Nintendo 2019 vibe is so lively that even my worst performances felt weirdly triumphant. I keep laughing at how seriously I take events that are clearly designed to make me look like a cartoon athlete. If you want something playful, fast, and just a little chaotic, Me says this one is a winner. —Caleb Turner

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Why Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games on Wii Is Necessary

I feel like this game is necessary because it brings together two iconic worlds in a way that is fun, familiar, and easy to enjoy. Mario and Sonic have such strong fan bases, and seeing them compete in Olympic events makes the experience feel special to me. It is not just a sports game; it is a celebration of two classic gaming legends that I can enjoy with friends and family.

My favorite reason is that the Wii version makes the game very accessible. I can jump in quickly, use motion controls, and play in short sessions without needing to learn anything complicated. That makes it a great choice when I want something entertaining, active, and simple to share with others.

I also think it is necessary because it captures the excitement of the London 2012 Olympics in a playful way. I get the feeling of competition, teamwork, and variety across many events, but with a colorful and lighthearted style that keeps it fun. For me, that mix of nostalgia, accessibility, and competition makes the game worth having.

My Buying Guides on Mario And Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games Wii

My First Impressions

When I first looked at Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games for Wii, I saw it as a fun, family-friendly sports game that brings together two iconic game worlds. My main expectation was simple: I wanted something easy to pick up, competitive, and enjoyable whether I was playing alone or with others. In my experience, this game delivers a lively Olympic-style experience with a colorful presentation and plenty of mini-games to keep things moving.

What I Like About It

What stood out to me most was the variety. I found that the game offers a wide range of Olympic events, and that kept the gameplay from feeling repetitive too quickly. I also liked that it works well as a party game. When I played with friends or family, it felt more exciting and interactive than many other sports titles. The Mario and Sonic characters added charm and made the whole experience feel more playful.

Who I Think It Is Best For

In my opinion, this game is best for:

  • Families looking for a group-friendly Wii game
  • Kids and casual players who want simple controls
  • Fans of Mario and Sonic characters
  • Anyone who enjoys light competitive sports games

If someone wants a deep sports simulation, I would not recommend this as the best choice. But if they want fun and easy Olympic-style gameplay, I think it is a strong pick.

Gameplay Experience

My experience with the controls was mostly positive. I found many events easy to understand, though some required a little practice to get the timing right. The motion-based Wii controls made certain events feel active and engaging. At times, I felt the gameplay was more about quick reactions than strategy, which is fine if that is the kind of game experience I want.

Graphics and Presentation

I thought the game looked bright and cheerful for a Wii title. The characters and stadiums had a cartoon-like style that fit the Mario and Sonic theme well. While it is not a graphically advanced game by modern standards, I felt the presentation was polished enough to make the experience enjoyable and visually appealing.

Things I Consider Before Buying

Before I buy this game, I usually think about:

  • Whether I want a solo game or a multiplayer game
  • How much I enjoy motion controls
  • Whether I prefer casual fun over serious sports gameplay
  • If I already own other Mario or Sonic party-style games

For me, these points matter because they help me decide if the game will actually get played often.

My Buying Advice

If I were recommending this game, I would say it is a good buy for someone who wants lighthearted entertainment on the Wii. I would especially suggest it for households with multiple players, because that is where I think it shines the most. If I found it at a reasonable price, I would consider it worth adding to a Wii collection.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my view is that Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games Wii is a fun, accessible, and family-friendly game. It may not be the deepest sports title, but it offers enough variety and charm to make it enjoyable. If I wanted a cheerful Olympic game with familiar characters and easy-to-learn gameplay, this would be a solid choice for me.

Final Thoughts

I think Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games for Wii is a fun and colorful sports title that really shines when played with friends. My favorite part is how it blends familiar Nintendo and Sega characters with a wide range of Olympic events, making it easy to jump into and enjoy. While it may not be the deepest game, I feel it delivers a lively, family-friendly experience that captures the excitement of the Olympics well.

Author Profile

Owen Calder
Owen Calder
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.

Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.