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Sonic
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- Release
- game · this fall · Japan · 2026-10-03
- Noted
- anniversary goods for Sonic the Hedgehog at 35 years · 2026-09-03
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2d ago
REJECT ran a collaboration project with Panasonic's Korikoran home-use high-frequency treatment device in September 2026. The push included a video from September 15 featuring STREET FIGHTER division player Daigo Umehara, a special page published September 14 where Umehara and streamer Haitani try the Korikoran Loop, a segment on REJECT's Rijepo program, and a REJECT corner at the Panasonic booth at TOKYO GAME SHOW 2026 from September 17 to 20.
Oct 16
Sega is taking made-to-order orders for the "SONIC THE HEDGEHOG DNA FIGURE" through November 1, 2026 on Sega Store Online, with orders subject to closing once the planned quantity is reached. The figure is priced at 3,000,000 yen in Japan and USD 20,000 overseas, stands 250mm tall, and ships with a DNA certificate, base, and box.
Oct 13
Union Creative is re-releasing its Super Sonico White cat ver. figure, listed on Amazon.co.jp at 20,636 yen with tax included and a scheduled release of June 30, 2027. The non-scale painted PVC and ABS figure stands about 270mm including the base. Sculpting is credited to Minheru of Blond Parrot, with paint by Nana Moriyama. The glasses come off, giving the cat-ear and white swimsuit version a second look.
Oct 12
Sega announced a roadmap for Year Two of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, launching November 3 with Duel Mode, a Gadget System upgrade, new characters Bayonetta and Aigis, and two new machines. Collaborations follow through 2027, including Godzilla, Evangelion, Sanrio Puroland, a Final Fantasy VII Remake Midgar Pack, and a Persona Reload pack, plus a Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond short film debuting November 12.
Oct 10
Sega launched Season 2 of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds on October 10, adding Duel Mode, a one-on-one format played online and offline, plus the Grand Master Plate gadget upgrade and 15 new gadgets. Bayonetta and Aigis join as racers, unlocked by beating them in Rival Duel. Collaboration DLC runs from November through next December, starting with the Godzilla Pack on November 4 at 660 yen.
Oct 10
Sega released a trailer for 'Memories and Beyond ~To the Future of Memory~', a new short anime tied to the Sonic series' 35th anniversary, with a release date of November 12. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Rouge appear in the video, fighting Metal Sonic. The YouTube description states a Japanese dub is also in preparation.
Oct 9
Sega's Sonic 35th anniversary exhibition, SONIC the Exhibition -ACROSS GENERATIONS, runs from October 9 to November 1, 2026, at Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building 7F PARCO FACTORY. The show approaches the series through games, characters, design, music, and art, with archive displays, production materials, and collaboration works by 16 contemporary artists including Yusuke Nakamura and Taku Inoue.
Oct 8
Sega confirmed the paid DLC Vol. 6 "Avatar Legends" for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds releases Wednesday, October 14, 2026, alongside an introduction video. The World Championship Finals take place Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 with 24 players, streamed on Twitch and YouTube, where Season 2 information will be revealed. Twitch Drops run from 1:00 to 6:00 that day, and the trial version adds the Extreme Gear machine.
Oct 7
Sega will release "Sonic The Hedgehog DJ Style 'MOSAIC'," a non-stop DJ mix album produced by Sonic series sound director Tomoya Ohtani, on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. The 29-track CD collects Sonic series music arranged into one continuous mix. It follows "Sonic The Hedgehog DJ Style 'PARTY'," released in 2020. Two mashups previously heard only at the live event SONIC MUSIC EXPERIENCE will be included as audio recordings for the first time. The album costs 2,800 yen including tax, with music distribution services, subscription included, available simultaneously.
Oct 7
Sega opened an official Sonic the Hedgehog Discord server on Monday, with 13 channels covering rules, news, games, movies, IDW comics, and clips. One day after the announcement, the server had nearly 100,000 members. Several users said on social media that they were banned, and the server's Launch Day Update Q&A page said an aggressive auto-mod may have accidentally banned users, with reviews to follow.
Oct 6
Global porcelain brand YOYOYO will sell Sonic the Hedgehog Arita ware "Infinite Blue," limited to 50 pieces worldwide at 1 million yen each, tax included. Five pieces go on sale first come, first served at the Sonic exhibition at Ikebukuro PARCO starting October 9. Online lottery applications open the same day, with results emailed from late October.
Oct 5
Panasonic announced the Technics EAH-A1000 on September 30, a high-end wireless headphone with an independently developed driver that uses magnetic fluid in the voice coil gap. The price is open, with an expected street price around 60,000 yen. Release is planned for November 19 in two colors: Platinum Gray Beige and Black.
Oct 4
Sega announced a Sonic the Hedgehog 35th anniversary project with Tokyo Metro starting October 5, 2026. A wrapped Tozai Line 15000 series train with six Sonic era designs runs through November 4. A free digital stamp rally runs October 9 to November 1 at four Tokyo spots, a 24-hour commemorative ticket goes on sale for 700 yen, and the exhibition "SONIC the Exhibition -ACROSS GENERATIONS-" is set for Ikebukuro PARCO.
Oct 4
Ikebukuro PARCO will hold "SONIC the Exhibition -ACROSS GENERATIONS-" at PARCO FACTORY on the building's seventh floor from October 9 to November 1, 2026. The show looks back at the Sonic series through archive displays, development materials, and music, with curation by R11R Inc. and new works from 16 creators including Yusuke Nakamura and Taku Inoue. Admission is 1,500 yen.
Oct 3
Sega opened SEGA STORE OSAKA on October 2, 2026, on the sixth floor of Shinsaibashi PARCO in Osaka. It is the company's first permanent SEGA STORE in the Kansai region and follows SEGA STORE TOKYO, which opened in July 2025. The store carries exclusive merchandise, including Osaka-only items such as a monochrome Sonic plush designed with collage artist Kosuke Kawamura at 3,960 yen including tax, a shopping bag showing Sonic and friends with Tsutenkaku at 1,100 yen including tax, and rubber straps that dress Jack Frost from the Shin Megami Tensei series and Morgana from Persona 5 The Royal as takoyaki at 1,320 yen each including tax. Apparel includes Like a Dragon T-shirts made with fashion brand glamb in Kazuma Kiryu, Goro Majima, and Ichiban Kasuga versions, each 9,900 yen including tax. An opening ceremony was held on October 1, with Sega president and COO Shuji Utsumi, Transmedia head Justin Scarpone, and PARCO store manager Takashi Sugawara taking part. Entry from October 2 to 4 is by timed admission with numbered tickets.
Oct 3
Nex will launch its controller-free console Nex Playground in Japan in 2027, the company said at Tokyo Game Show 2026. The device uses a built-in camera and on-device motion tracking, with no cloud processing, so players control games by moving their bodies. Nex has established a Japanese subsidiary, Nex Japan LLC, and appointed Emiko Yamamoto as its general manager. Yamamoto previously worked at Sega, Walt Disney Japan, and Amazon Games. Ahead of the Japan launch, Sega will release Sonic Forces: Rival Rush and Bandai Namco Entertainment will release Pac-Man in Japan this fall. The console has been on sale in North America since late 2023 and is sold at more than 7,000 retail stores there. In the US, the unit costs $299 with five games included, and the Play Pass subscription is $49 for three months or $89 for a year.
Oct 2
A Sonic & Friends 3rd anniversary pop up store is open at the Shibuya Modi 2F event space, running from October 2 to October 12, 2026, with business hours of 10:00 to 21:00. Goods include a slider pouch at 1,760 yen, clear files and stickers at 825 yen, an acrylic slide mirror at 1,650 yen, puffy label charms and glitter-pattern can badge collections at 880 yen each, and umbrella charm collections at 770 yen each. An original short anime tied to the anniversary released on Instagram, following Sonic's suggestion to open a shop as his friends bring out goods and build it together, with the ending connecting to the store's key visual.
Sep 21
Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog series reached its 35th anniversary in 2026, and general producer Takashi Iizuka discussed the milestone in interviews at Tokyo Game Show 2026 with 4Gamer and Denfaminicogamer. Iizuka, who became series producer in 2010 and moved to the United States in 2016, said unifying the role followed years in which each title had its own director and its own image of the character. He named Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic Adventure, and Sonic Frontiers as the most memorable projects of his run. No new Sonic game was announced at the show. The Sega booth instead featured Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, whose Season 2 adds Godzilla and Evangelion collaborations, and the indie-developed online puzzle game SONIC PICO PARK. Iizuka said new game development can run from three to five years.
Sep 20
ZETA DIVISION announced on September 20 that Sonic the Hedgehog is leaving its CREATOR division, ending a run that began with a surprise July 2026 signing billed as for one summer only. The team thanked him for his contributions, and Sonic posted parting words thanking k4sen and everyone, saying the events and game showdowns were seriously fun.
Sep 17
Sega released the physical edition of Sonic Frontiers Ultra Deluxe for Nintendo Switch 2 on September 17, 2026, priced at 5,990 yen including tax. The digital version arrived on June 24, 2026. The release includes all three free major updates, new modes and costumes, story content that makes Amy, Knuckles, and Tails playable, in-game items, and the Digital Art Book and Mini Soundtrack bonus.
Sep 16
Sega's new trailer for Year 2 of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds confirms Bayonetta as a newly announced addition alongside Godzilla and Neon Genesis Evangelion. The Year Two showcase will detail more during the Sonic Racing CrossWorlds World Championship Finals livestream on Twitch and YouTube on October 9. Year Two also adds new worlds. Avatar: The Last Airbender arrives in October as part of Year One.
Sep 14
Netflix and Sega announced a partnership on September 15 to adapt Sega game properties into film and television. Three projects are in production. A live-action comedy film based on Crazy Taxi is the first, with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand writing the script. Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher, who produced the Sonic the Hedgehog films, produce with Sega's Toru Nakahara. A new animated Sonic the Hedgehog children's series is aimed at upper preschoolers, with Carlos Stevens and Nakahara producing. A live-action crime film based on Stranger Than Heaven, the Ryu ga Gotoku Studio game set in early 20th-century Japan, is also in development, with Nakahara producing. Genres span live-action comedy, kids anime, and live-action crime action. No distribution dates were announced.
Sep 14
Sega will hold the U-15 skateboarding competition JSPF x SONIC'S RISING ATHLETES Presents "SONIC CUP 2026" on December 13 at Murasaki Park Tachihi Tachikawa. The Tokyo final brings together 48 skaters chosen through Instagram video qualifiers, and the top three finishers plus one SONIC Award winner get a 5-night, 7-day training tour in Los Angeles.
Sep 3
ULTRA PLANET opens ULTRA STORE at LED DAIBA STUDIO in DECKS Tokyo Beach from September 4 to 23, 2026. The limited shop carries over 500 products from five works, including anniversary goods for Sonic the Hedgehog and Puyo Puyo at 35 years and the Persona series at 30 years. A large LED screens work videos and original content themed on THE MOON, produced by Shuhei Matsuyama of enigma.
Aug 18
Epic Games released the trailer for Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 7 Season 4 "Override," which teases characters from Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Pac-Man, Crash Bandicoot, Mega Man, Spyro, Mortal Kombat, and Tetris. The season launches August 20.
Aug 17
Sega announced a special collaboration between the short anime Sonic & Friends and illustrator Kanahei's Kanahei's Small Animals to celebrate the series' third anniversary in August 2026. The collaboration illustration and new concept art were unveiled, and a pop up store will run at Shibuya MODI from October 2 to October 12.
Aug 8
Bandai Namco Experience's original IP project Polaporipospo will make its music festival debut at Summer Sonic 2026. The CG character band WAKAZO performs on August 15 at the Tokyo venue's Club Que Sera Sera stage, with live vocals by voice actors and live instrumentation by professional musicians.
Aug 7
Sega announced a special collaboration between the short anime Sonic & Friends and idol group Kyururin tte Shitemite to celebrate the anime's third anniversary in August 2026. The group's four members appear in new visuals and a dance video with Sonic. A signed photo giveaway campaign on Instagram is planned.
Aug 4
IDW Publishing began releasing Yuki Imada's Sonic the Hedgehog: The Blade of Courage manga in English through the IDW Comics app on Wednesday, July 29. The manga, which follows Sonic teaming up with a slow human named Yuta to travel through a jungle and save the world, originally launched in Shogakukan's Monthly CoroCoro Comic magazine in June 2025. Shogakukan shipped the single compiled book volume on December 26. The English release is the first official translation of the series, made possible through partners at Sega and Shogakukan. However, shortly after the debut, Imada expressed frustration on X, sharing a screenshot of the app's review section where several reviews credited other Sonic creators, such as Ian Flynn and Tracy Yardley, instead of Imada. Imada wrote that he drew the art and wrote the story himself, and that he had never felt so insulted. IDW's Sonic editorial team said they were thrilled to bring the official English release to readers, noting fans had been looking forward to Sonic and Yuta's quest to stop Dr. Eggman.
Jul 22
On July 20, 2026, numerous anime, manga, and game franchises posted Marine Day greetings on social media. The Japanese national holiday, which honors the ocean and marks the end of the rainy season, prompted official accounts and creators to share beach-themed illustrations, character birthday messages, and promotional content. Among the posts, the official Kaiju No. 8 account promoted an upcoming original short anime titled "Narumi's Weekday" with a pun on the character's name and the kanji for sea. The MAPPA studio released a new illustration by Rie Nishimura for the soccer series DAYS, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026. The Sound! Euphonium account reminded followers that the film Sound! Euphonium: The Final Part 2 opens on September 11. Classroom of the Elite noted that July 20 is also the birthday of character Honami Ichinose. The That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime account promoted the streaming of its movie Tears of the Azure Sea on U-NEXT. The Chiikawa movie account promoted the July 24 release of Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu. Voice actor Yuki Kaji posted a personal greeting, and the band Orange Range shared a summer song. The roundup, compiled by Anime News Network, spanned three articles covering dozens of entries.
Jul 17
Inversenet's FRONTIER brand began selling a recommended gaming PC for Sega's Sonic Racing CrossWorlds on July 16. The top configuration pairs an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D with a Radeon RX 9070 XT in the new FREX∀R Z-series chassis. The system passed game verification for stable frame rates from Full HD to higher resolutions. The game itself features cross-world travel, machine customization, and online play.
Jul 16
MediaOCD announced on July 15, 2026, the next wave of titles for its Discotek Deep Dives initiative, adding 29 Blu-ray releases for July pre-order. The lineup spans multiple franchises, including extensive Lupin III collections, all five seasons of Symphogear, Mazinger Z parts 1 and 2, and the Saint Seiya Classic Movie Collection. Other notable additions include Sonic X (Japanese subtitled), Monster Rancher (English dub), Ultimate Muscle (English dub), Kiss×sis (TV and OAD), Marmalade Boy, and live-action adaptations of Dororo and Uzumaki. The initiative, which began in January 2026, aims to make Discotek Media's back catalog more accessible by adding 20 to 30 titles monthly, prioritizing releases that are becoming hard to find. All July titles are available for pre-order now and are expected to ship in the coming weeks.
Jul 15
In an interview at Anime Expo 2026, Sonic lead producer Takashi Iizuka discussed the 35th anniversary, the surprise release of Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition on Switch 2, and the sales disappointment of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. He stated he wants to create a story-driven game that appeals to both gamers and fans who discovered Sonic through movies and anime, while declining to reveal the next mainline project.
Jul 10
At Anime Expo 2026, representatives from TV Asahi, Dentsu, and SEGA described a shared strategy of lowering barriers for overseas audiences. TV Asahi's Akane-banashi anime released episodes on YouTube in three languages, while Dentsu's Gachiakuta campaign built a global community narrative. The panel argued that the content itself does not need to change; the key is improving access and engagement.
Jul 8
Sega's mascot Sonic the Hedgehog has joined the CREATOR division of professional esports team ZETA DIVISION for a limited summer period, the team announced on July 8, 2026. The surprise addition follows a February event called 'Sonic Racing CrossWorlds The k4sen,' where Sonic won a race and caught the attention of popular streamer k4sen. According to the announcement, Sonic and k4sen both celebrate their 35th anniversary this year, which served as a catalyst for the collaboration. Sonic reportedly said he could not sit still when hearing about hot challenges on the best stage. ZETA DIVISION is also marking its own 5th anniversary with a pop-up event in Tokyo from July 31 to August 2. Additional merchandise includes a collaboration gaming PC and LINE stamps featuring the team's mascot ZETA-kun. The team plans to develop various content with Sonic's involvement during the summer period.
Jul 4
Sega announced the Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond 35th anniversary short film at Anime Expo 2026, releasing a sneak peek video. The full short debuts this fall. The story involves Dr. Eggman upgrading Metal Sonic using Sonic's life-data and the Chaos Emeralds, with Sonic and friends relying on their friendship to win.
Jun 29
The latest mobile gaming column covers Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th birthday and his history on mobile platforms, including the early Sonic Cafe service and Java-based games. It also touches on Fate/Grand Order's upcoming summer event requirements and other industry updates.
Jun 27
The globally popular IP Skater JOHN, created by Shiba-Chan, is collaborating with the Japanese music festival SUMMER SONIC 2026. The first step is a specially drawn flyer released on June 25, 2026, with two versions for the Tokyo and Osaka venues. The collaboration will also include official goods, venue decorations, and performances.
Jun 27
ROUND1 will host a Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration campaign from July 10 to October 12, 2026, at stores nationwide. The campaign includes collaboration menus with exclusive novelties, collaboration packs, crane game prizes, a themed room at the Machida store, bowling score monitor effects, a score registration campaign, and a special frame for the Rism print machine.
Jun 27
Sega is offering over 40 titles at discounted rates during the Steam Summer Sale starting June 26, 2026. The sale includes major series such as Yakuza and Sonic the Hedgehog, with discounts reaching up to 75% on some titles. The promotion is aimed at both longtime fans and newcomers to Sega's classic franchises.
Jun 26
Sega held a livestream on June 26 to mark Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary, announcing two game compilations, new content for *Sonic Racing: Crossworlds*, and a limited-edition cartridge set. The Classic Sonic Collection, releasing in October, bundles *Sonic Origins*, *Sonic Mania*, and *Sonic Superstars*. The Modern Sonic Collection, also out in October, compiles *Sonic Frontiers*, *Sonic Colors: Ultimate*, and *Sonic Forces*. A Definitive Edition of *Sonic Frontiers* for the Switch 2 was announced separately. For *Sonic Racing: Crossworlds*, Sega revealed that August from *Crazy Taxi* and Amigo from *Samba de Amigo* will join the roster, along with Classic Sonic. The game has not sold as well as Sega hoped, according to the company. Sega also announced a worldwide *Crossworlds* competition with qualifiers starting June 30. Two limited-edition Sega Genesis cartridges of the original *Sonic the Hedgehog* and its sequel will cost US$100 each, with a one-in-eight chance of receiving a "Chaos Emerald" variant. A new *Sonic Pico Park* update adds Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Pico Cat. A Sonic Live in Concert tour begins in September. The article notes that no new mainline Sonic game was announced.
Jun 24
Sega has unveiled a life-size Sonic the Hedgehog figure created in collaboration with art unit LOM BABY, using biotechnology to synthesize DNA representing Sonic's traits. The 100cm-tall figure, plated with silver and containing a Chaos Emerald, is on display at SEGA STORE TOKYO. The project is part of Sonic's 35th anniversary. LOM BABY, known for biotech art like edible 'dragon meat,' worked with Sega to encode characteristics such as blue body color and supersonic leg power into synthetic DNA.
Jun 24
Sega released Sonic Frontiers Super Deluxe for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 24, 2026, as a surprise launch. The download version is available now on the Nintendo eShop for 5,990 yen, with a physical version scheduled for September 17. This version of the 2022 action-adventure game is optimized for the Switch 2, offering players a choice between a graphics-focused mode and a frame rate-focused mode. It includes all three free major updates-"Spring Journey," "Summer Festival," and "Super Complete Final Battle"-along with free DLC and bonuses from the original Digital Deluxe Edition. Save data from the original Switch version can be transferred. Sega also revised prices for the game on other platforms: the standard edition dropped to 4,990 yen and the Digital Deluxe to 5,990 yen. The release follows the Sonic series' 35th anniversary on June 23.
Jun 23
SEGA released Sonic Frontiers Super Deluxe for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 24, 2026, the same day it was announced. The download version costs 5,990 yen and includes the base game, three major free updates, in-game items, a digital art book, and a digital mini soundtrack. Save data from the original Switch version can be transferred, and the game features improved graphics and performance.
Jun 23
Sega announced new free Sega characters for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds during its Sonic's Birthday livestream: Classic Sonic launches immediately, Axel from Crazy Taxi in August, and Amigo from Samba de Amigo in September. The game also adds music from several Sega franchises and will feature crossovers with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Godzilla, and Evangelion as part of Year One and Year Two content.
Jun 22
Sega launched "SONIC CHECK IN ADVENTURE" on June 22, a collaboration with the Korean integrated resort Paradise City in Incheon. The project runs through September 6 and includes themed hotel rooms, limited merchandise, exclusive food menus, photo zones, and character greetings at Hyatt Regency Incheon Paradise City and Paradise Hotel & Resort.
Jun 21
Sega announced new Fluffy Figures and mascot additions for the Sonic & Friends x Sanrio Characters collaboration. The Fluffy Figure Enjoy/Relax series features Sonic characters in Sanrio costumes, including a secret Shadow x Hangyodon variant. Silver, Chao, and Rouge join the mascot series. First-wave collaboration goods go on general sale July 17.
Jun 19
Sega will stream a Sonic series 35th anniversary special program on YouTube on June 24, 2026. The show features 12 guests including voice actress Aoi Yuki, YouTuber Reje-kun, Vocaloid P Yuno-suke, and developers. It will include behind-the-scenes talk, a DJ live, gameplay, and new information on Sonic Pico Park, Sonic Rumble Party, and Sonic Racing CrossWorlds.
Jun 17
Sega launched a Sonic collaboration in PSO2 New Genesis ver.2 on June 17, 2026, running through July 22. The event includes limited-time quests, a special scratch, a login bonus, and an updated seasonal exchange shop. The collaboration commemorates Sonic's 35th anniversary on June 23.
Jun 16
Sega will display a life-size "SONIC THE HEDGEHOG DNA FIGURE" at SEGA STORE TOKYO in Shibuya PARCO from June 23 as part of the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th anniversary project. The figure uses DNA figure technology to encapsulate synthetic DNA designed from Sonic's characteristics such as blue body, supersonic speed, love of adventure, and free personality. A panel explaining the DNA blueprint will also be on display.