Sonic the Hedgehog is in the midst of its 35th anniversary year, with Sega pursuing a strategy of re-releases, cross-promotions, and live events rather than a new mainline game.
Sega's approach to Sonic's 35th anniversary has been defined by breadth rather than a single tentpole release. The company held a livestream on June 26, 2026, that announced two game compilations-the Classic Sonic Collection and the Modern Sonic Collection-both releasing in October, along with a Definitive Edition of Sonic Frontiers for the Switch 2 and new content for Sonic Racing: Crossworlds. No new mainline Sonic game was announced. The Crossworlds content includes characters from Crazy Taxi and Samba de Amigo, and the game will feature crossovers with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Godzilla, and Evangelion across Year One and Year Two. Sega acknowledged that Crossworlds has not sold as well as hoped.
Alongside the game announcements, Sega has rolled out a wide array of collaborations and merchandise. A life-size Sonic figure created with biotechnology firm LOM BABY, containing synthetic DNA encoding Sonic's traits, went on display at SEGA STORE TOKYO. The franchise partnered with Korean resort Paradise City for themed hotel rooms and goods, with Japanese bowling and amusement chain ROUND1 for a three-month campaign, and with the music festival SUMMER SONIC 2026. A Sonic Live in Concert global tour with over 30 stops across the U.S. and U.K. begins in September. The PSO2 New Genesis ver.2 collaboration runs through July 22, and a Sonic & Friends x Sanrio mascot line added Silver, Chao, and Rouge.
The anniversary also brought a new crossover game: Sonic Pico Park, announced at Summer Game Fest 2026, is a cooperative puzzle game developed by TECOPARK and published by PICO PARK. It supports 2 to 8 players locally and online with cross-play, and is confirmed for PC via Steam, with other platforms undecided. A POP UP PARADE figure based on Sonic's appearance in the 1996 arcade game Sonic the Fighters was also announced. The franchise's 35th anniversary special program on June 24 featured 12 guests including voice actress Aoi Yuki and developer appearances. Voice actor Bill Wise, who voiced Knuckles in the 1996 Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie OVA, died at age 61.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The June 28 live event "SONIC - LIVE! A Musical Odyssey of Sonic the Hedgehog" has announced S-seat bonus goods including a drawstring bag, muffler towel, and rubber band set. The band lineup features special guest Jun Senoue on guitar alongside Masashi Tsubakimoto, Junya Yamamoto, Rikuto Sakurai, and Yoshinori Ikeda.
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced seven titles joining the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium subscribers in June 2026. The lineup includes Final Fantasy XVI, Sonic x Shadow Generations, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Farming Simulator 25, Blades of Fire, and Black Desert: Standard Edition. Premium subscribers also get the PS2 classic Gitaroo Man.
Sega announced SONIC PICO PARK during the Summer Game Fest 2026 broadcast on June 6. The title is a collaboration between the cooperative action puzzle game PICO PARK and the Sonic the Hedgehog series, released as part of Sonic's 35th anniversary project. Development is handled by TECOPARK, with publishing in Japan by PICO PARK. Playable characters include Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and other series members, all depicted in pixel art sprites. Stages feature Sonic-style gimmicks such as Spin Dashes, rings, loops, and springs, while retaining the core PICO PARK goal of all players reaching the stage's goal plate. The game supports 2 to 8 players locally and online with cross-play. It is confirmed for PC via Steam; releases on other platforms are currently undecided. Price and release date remain unannounced. Director Shunsuke Miyake, a former 15-year Sega employee who originally created PICO PARK as a personal project, expressed delight at the collaboration. Separately, the PICO PARK series' new company, PICO PARK Co., Ltd., was established, with SONIC PICO PARK as its first announced title.
Sega announced new collaborations for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds at Summer Games Fest, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Avatar: The Last Airbender in Year One, and Godzilla and Evangelion in Year Two. The game is out now on multiple platforms, and a new indie title, Sonic Pico Park, was also teased.
During the Summer Game Fest 2026 stream on June 6, Sega announced two new Sonic projects. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds will feature collaboration content with Godzilla and Evangelion. Separately, a new action puzzle game titled SONIC PICO PARK was unveiled, a crossover between the Sonic the Hedgehog series and the cooperative puzzle game PICO PARK. SONIC PICO PARK supports 2 to 8 players and shows Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy rendered in pixel art. The game is in development for PC via Steam, with no release date set. It is part of the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th anniversary lineup. No platforms or release timing were given for the Sonic Racing CrossWorlds collaborations either.
Good Smile Company opened pre-orders on June 4 for a POP UP PARADE figure of Sonic the Hedgehog based on his appearance in the 1996 arcade fighting game Sonic the Fighters. The figure stands roughly 140mm tall and is sculpted to replicate the game's low-polygon, arcade-era visual style. Pre-orders run through July 1, with shipping planned for November 2026 at a price of 5,500 yen. The figure was sculpted by NEQ and colored by Hiroto Tanimoto. The POP UP PARADE series is positioned as an affordable, display-friendly line, and this release marks the first time the series has produced a Sonic the Fighters variant.
Sega announced a collaboration between "PSO2 New Genesis ver.2" and Sonic the Hedgehog, running from June 17 to commemorate Sonic's 35th anniversary on June 23, 2026. The event includes limited-time quests themed after Sonic, special scratches, and login bonuses. The announcement came alongside a separate update on June 3 that launched the fourth collaboration with virtual liver groups Nijisanji and NIJISANJI EN, which runs until July 1. That update also introduced the "True Super Star Chronicle Festival '26" season event for NGS's 5th anniversary, a new quest "Realm Survey: Ruins" with the boss Ruino Shreder Λ, a class level cap increase to Lv.120, new rarity ★15 weapons, new Tech Arts Customizations, and two new face variations. The Nijisanji collaboration offers avatar items for four livers: Rika Igarashi, Meloco Kyoran, Meruto Kuramochi, and Sofia Valentine, plus voice tickets and other items.
Sega announced a Sonic Live in Concert global tour commemorating the franchise's 35th anniversary, with over 30 stops across the U.S. and U.K. from September 20, 2026, to February 20, 2027. The tour will feature music from various Sonic games, with additional European dates to be announced later.
Bill Wise, known for English dub roles including Bunta Fujiwara in the Initial D: Legend trilogy, Hayato Jin in Getter Robo: Armageddon, and Knuckles in the 1996 Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie OVA, has died at age 61. His death was reported by the Austin Chronicle on May 5, with his agency and a friend confirming the news earlier that week.