Sonic the Hedgehog
News, coverage and analysis tracking Sonic the Hedgehog across the outlets.
Latest coverage
If you're aiming to celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary in style, you should copy the Sega Genesis setup that permanently resides in my retro cave
This guide details how to set up a Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) for a modern retro gaming experience to celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary. It covers using RGB Scart cables with upscalers like the OSSC, recommends controllers such as the 8Bitdo M30, and suggests the Anbernic RG ARC-D handheld for portable play.
SEGA updates sales figures for its biggest franchises
SEGA has updated sales figures for its major franchises, with Persona 5 Royal surpassing 8.66 million copies sold. The report also mentions recent sales data for Sonic x Shadow Generations, as well as the Persona and Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Sonic the Hedgehog 35th birthday live stream set for June 23
SEGA will host a 35th birthday live stream for Sonic the Hedgehog on June 23, featuring gameplay, music, and activities. The event will be broadcast on YouTube and Twitch and will also serve as a charity fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Sonic Team head on where the franchise will be in another 35 years — 'Iizuka-san does not think he's…
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka expressed pride in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise's current strong position and the team's dedication to creating new experiences. While he doesn't expect to be alive for the franchise's 70th anniversary, he anticipates playing future games developed by the talented Sonic Team.
Review: Dark Scrolls (Switch) - A Retro-Styled Soulslike Side-Scroller At The Right Price
Dark Scrolls is a retro-styled, indie Soulslike side-scroller available on Nintendo Switch for $9.99. Developed by Doinksoft, the game blends roguelike elements with influences from Sonic the Hedgehog, offering challenging gameplay and charming 16-bit visuals. Despite some minor control issues and occasional visual clutter, its low price point and varied character options make it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the genre.
SEGA will host an official session at Cannes Lions for Sonic’s 35th anniversary
SEGA will host a special session at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2026 to discuss the evolution of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise as part of its 35th anniversary campaign. The session will feature Shuji Utsumi and Takashi Iizuka.
Feature: In The Zone - Our Favourite Sonic The Hedgehog Levels, Music & Memories
This article reflects on the enduring legacy of Sonic the Hedgehog through the personal memories and favorite levels of Nintendo Life staff. Contributors share cherished moments from games like Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic Mania, Sonic Unleashed, and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, highlighting iconic stages, music, and gameplay elements that have defined their experiences with the franchise over 35 years.
Poll: Box Art Brawl: Sonic The Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Switch Showdown
This article presents a special "Box Art Brawl" comparing the box art for various Sonic the Hedgehog games available on the Nintendo Switch to celebrate the character's 35th anniversary. It features a selection of titles, including Sonic Origins Plus, Sonic Mania Plus, and Sonic Frontiers, with readers encouraged to vote for their favorite cover art.
Sonic The Hedgehog 35th anniversary interview - the persistence of an icon
Sega's Takashi Iizuka and Ivo Gerscovich discuss the enduring appeal of Sonic The Hedgehog on its 35th anniversary. They highlight the character's core identity of freedom and speed, the importance of balancing legacy with innovation, and the franchise's expansion into various media like movies, comics, and audio dramas. The interview also touches on future game development, potential spin-offs for supporting characters, and the strategy behind successful brand collaborations.
Japan: Sonic’s 35th anniversary stream announced
SEGA's Japanese team has announced a special 35th anniversary stream for Sonic the Hedgehog, scheduled for June 24th at 7 PM JST. The event will feature guests and provide news on Sonic Pico Park, upcoming DLC for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and world premiere announcements.
On Sale
Several video game franchises and titles are currently on sale on Steam, including the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise for its 35th anniversary and the Final Fantasy franchise. Significant discounts are also available on Tyranny and The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance sarà disponibile su Nintendo Switch 2 il 24 settembre
SEGA and Lizardcube announced that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game will be available digitally and physically, with pre-orders now open. A free update will also be available for existing Nintendo Switch owners, enhancing the game's resolution and detail. The Deluxe Editions will include a DLC featuring SEGA villains like Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.
10 years ago, Sega said "we're done with Sonic," and it was up to Takashi Iizuka to save the series:…
Sega's Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka revealed that the company was once prepared to abandon the Sonic franchise entirely. He was tasked 10 years ago with revitalizing the series during a period of significant decline, marked by poorly received titles like Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) and Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric. Iizuka credits the dedicated fanbase and successful media like the Sonic Boom cartoon and movies for helping to restore the character's reputation.
'You don't need to be super hardcore to be good at this one' — Pico Park president on bringing Sonic to a whole new audience with upcoming crossover game
Sonic Pico Park, an upcoming crossover game combining Pico Park's puzzle mechanics with Sonic the Hedgehog's platforming, aims to attract a wider audience, including non-gamers. Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka and Pico Park president Shintarou Shimazu discussed the collaboration, emphasizing the game's accessibility and potential to appeal to fans who experience Sonic through other media like movies and shows. The game is designed for up to eight players and is expected to release later this year.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 24
SEGA and Lizardcube announced that the 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game follows Joe Musashi on a quest for vengeance and will feature multiple paths and satisfying gameplay. A Deluxe Edition will include the SEGA Villains Stage DLC, pitting Joe against Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance coming to Switch 2 on September 24
SEGA and Lizardcube announced that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24. The game, which previously launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC in August 2025, will also receive a physical Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. This edition includes the base game, the "SEGA Villains Stage" DLC, character cards, an art book, in-game items, and more.
'I've been making Sonic games and been with Sonic longer than I've been with my own children' — Sonic Team head looks back on the franchise for its 35th anniversary
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka reflects on his long career with the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. He expresses pride in the series' broad appeal across generations and his commitment to continuing its development, acknowledging the pressure to meet fan expectations.
Sonic actor doesn't know what's next for the game series after the movies "launched the notoriety of the character" into "a whole other stratosphere"
Roger Craig Smith, the long-time voice actor for Sonic the Hedgehog, believes the recent movies have significantly boosted the character's global popularity to unprecedented levels. While the game series has seen fewer mainline entries recently, Smith acknowledges the movies' impact in launching the character's notoriety into a new stratosphere. He admits he doesn't know what the future holds for the game franchise, as voice actors are typically the last to be informed about project developments.
Sonic Team head talks about how SEGA was once ready to stop making Sonic games
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka revealed that SEGA considered discontinuing Sonic games during a period of downturns, even after the Sonic Boom series. He stated that the company was ready to stop making Sonic games at one point, and he was tasked with revitalizing the franchise. Iizuka credits fan support for the series' current success and the continued investment in new titles.
Sonic Team boss says SEGA tasked him with bringing Sonic back from the dead
Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka revealed that SEGA once considered abandoning the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise due to its perceived decline. Iizuka was tasked with finding a way to revive the series, indicating a significant effort to bring the franchise back to prominence.