Sonic the Hedgehog
News, coverage and analysis tracking Sonic the Hedgehog across the outlets.
To celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary, I've gathered some of the best merch based on the beloved blue blur - from Lego sets to Loungefly bagsTo celebrate the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, this article highlights various officially licensed merchandise. Items include Lego sets, Loungefly bags, Squishmallow plushies, PEZ dispensers, game controllers, and cookbooks, all based on the beloved SEGA franchise.- Game Crossovers and CollaborationsThe Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Collection is now available for purchase on the official SEGA Merchandise Shop. This collection celebrates the iconic blue hedgehog's long-standing legacy in gaming and pop culture.
Prime Day retro gaming deals are now live, and I've picked out the classic consoles, controllers, and accessories…Amazon Prime Day is offering deals on retro gaming consoles, controllers, and accessories, with discounts available on items like the Atari 2600+ and Evercade cartridges. The sale coincides with Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary, and while many deals require a Prime membership, some independent retailers are also offering rival sales.- Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Collection Available NowSEGA and DPI Merch have launched the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Collection, featuring a range of apparel, accessories, and collectibles. The collection celebrates the iconic character's 35th anniversary, which falls on June 23, 2026, and includes items like a statue, varsity jacket, and various themed accessories.
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 caveThis 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 franchisesSEGA 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 23SEGA 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 PriceDark 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 anniversarySEGA 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 & MemoriesThis 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 ShowdownThis 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 iconSega'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 announcedSEGA'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 SaleSeveral 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 settembreSEGA 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 gameSonic 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. 24SEGA 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 24SEGA 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.