Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary

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The 35th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, also known as Forever Fast, is a year-long celebration held throughout 2026 to commemorate 35 years since the release of the original Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991. The campaign spans the wider franchise, with anniversary activities encompassing video games, comics, animation and other media, music, merchandise, concerts, exhibitions, collaborations, promotional events and community-focused activities.

Early indications of the anniversary appeared in March 2025, when marketing material for the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary 2026 Wall Calendar with 4 Bonus Notecards surfaced ahead of its planned August 2025 release.^[1]Amazon.com: Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary 2026 Wall Calendar with 4 Bonus Notecards: 9781419784392: Sega: Books. Amazon. accessed 9 June 2025

SEGA formally began the anniversary campaign on 15 January 2026, launching a dedicated anniversary website and releasing a commemorative trailer looking back across the history of the series.^[2]Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic 35th Anniversary. YouTube. 15 January 2026 The celebrations were planned to continue throughout the year, with initiatives focused on bringing fans together through new and existing games, digital projects, community gatherings, retail and brand partnerships, limited-edition products, exhibitions, live performances and other anniversary experiences.

Takashi Iizuka described the anniversary’s various projects as sharing a common theme of allowing people to have fun together and experience games with their friends. By August 2026, Iizuka stated that further surprises for the 35th anniversary were still to come, while additional games, collaborations, merchandise and events continued to be announced as the campaign progressed through the latter half of the year.

On this page

Celebration content
Sonic games
Merchandise
Comics
Media
Events
Gallery
Artwork
References

Celebration content[edit]

Sonic games

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
- A series of downloadable and free collaboration packs were released or announced during the anniversary period, including:
  - NiGHTS into Dreams Pack
  - PAC-MAN Pack
  - Super Monkey Ball Pack
  - Tangle & Whisper Pack
  - Mega Man Pack
  - Angry Birds Pack
  - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack
  - Avatar Legends Pack
  - Godzilla Pack
  - Evangelion Pack
  - Classic Sonic Pack
  - Crazy Taxi Pack
  - Samba de Amigo Pack
  - SEGA Rhythm Games Pack
- Exclusive decals were distributed in celebration of the anniversary.
- The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds World Championship 2026 was organized as part of the anniversary celebrations. Online qualifiers were held through the game’s Legends Competition, with the top 24 registered racers advancing to the World Championship Finals in New York City on October 9, 2026. The finals were incorporated into the Club Chaos anniversary event in Brooklyn.
- A 1st Anniversary Event was planned for the game’s own first anniversary.
- A second Hatsune Miku Festival was also held as part of the game’s continuing post-launch content.
Sonic Blitz
Sonic Chaos and Sonic Drift were included as playable games in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties, with multiplayer support added to both titles for their appearance in the game.
Arcade1Up produced a Sonic the Hedgehog home arcade machine for the anniversary, containing Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine and Sonic 3D Blast.
Sonic Speed Simulator
- Classic Super Sonic Event
- Burning Blaze Event
- Pixel World Event
Sonic Dash
- Sonic’s 35th Anniversary & McLaren Racing: Miami Event
- Ice Cream Event
Sonic Forces: Speed Battle
- Idol Sonic was introduced on June 18, 2026 as part of the anniversary celebrations. The music-themed character uses the abilities Final Chorus, Amp It Up and Light Show.
Sonic Rumble Party
- The Sonic 35th Anniversary Event ran from June 10 through July 8, 2026. Its Event Pass included birthday-themed rewards such as the Birthday Balloons effect, a 35th Anniversary icon and stickers, while its Premium Pass offered Classic Sonic and a Lock-On Cartridge Buddy. King Sonic, King Shadow and Birthday Eggman were also made available through the Red Star Ring Shop during the event.
- A Sonic Symphony Commemorative Event later added Symphony outfits for Sonic, Tails, Amy and Knuckles, special missions and a Conductor Chao Buddy, alongside the return of NiGHTS and Reala content.
- A Sticks the Badger Tournament was also held during the anniversary period.
Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis hosted Sonic Super Festa 2026, beginning June 17. The collaboration included anniversary quests, login bonuses, Sonic decorations and statues in Central City, and themed Scratch Ticket content.
SONIC PICO PARK was announced as a new cooperative action puzzle game developed by TECOPARK with Sonic Team collaboration and published by PICO PARK Inc. The game supports two to eight players and incorporates Sonic mechanics such as Spin Dashes, Rings, loops, springs and speed-focused movement. It was identified as part of the 35th anniversary period, and was later confirmed to support online and cross-platform multiplayer.
Sonic X Shadow Generations was added to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogs during the anniversary period, becoming available in the United States, United Kingdom and Japan on June 10, 2026, followed by other regions on June 16.
Jersey Jack Pinball produced an officially licensed Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball machine in Collector’s Edition, Special Edition and Arcade Edition configurations. Starting at US$9,999, the machine includes seven Zones, boss battles, Chaos Emeralds, music from the series and more than 5,000 voice callouts.
Asphalt Legends brought back its Sonic collaboration for the anniversary, returning vehicle decals based on Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Doctor Eggman, Shadow and Chao while introducing a new Amy Rose decal.
The Epic Games X Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration continued with Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4: Override. An accompanying collaboration comic revealed Sonic, Shadow and Knuckles entering the Fortnite setting and opposing Doctor Eggman and Geno.
The Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Sale was held on Steam through June 25, offering discounts ranging from 50% to 90% across a selection of Sonic titles.
Sonic Frontiers - Definitive Edition
- Following Sonic Frontiers reaching five million copies sold worldwide, Sonic’s SOAP Shoes from Sonic Adventure 2 were made available free to all Sonic Frontiers players.
Sonic Forces: Rival Rush was announced during the anniversary period.
A new motion-controlled version of Sonic Forces was announced for Nex Playground. Designed around the system’s active-play motion controls, the project was introduced during Sonic’s 35th Anniversary Birthday Livestream and was planned for release through Play Pass later in 2026.
The Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Project introduced a series of physical game collections and legacy cartridge releases:
- Sonic Classic Collection, a physical Nintendo Switch compilation containing Sonic Origins, Sonic Mania and Sonic Superstars, was scheduled for October 2026.
- Sonic Modern Collection, also for Nintendo Switch, contains Sonic Frontiers, Sonic Colors: Ultimate and Sonic Forces.
- Both collections were priced at US$49.99 and include reversible 35th Anniversary coversheets and anniversary logo patches.
- iam8bit’s Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2 (35th Anniversary) – Legacy Cartridge Collection introduced newly manufactured, playable Sega Mega Drive cartridges of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, sold separately. Shipping was divided into three waves, beginning in Q3 2026, followed by Q4 2026 and Q1 2027.
The PlayStation Store received a dedicated Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary section highlighting games associated with the celebration.
On July 17, INFOLENS GEEK SHOP released an officially licensed miniature arcade game player containing Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic Spinball and Sonic 3D Blast.

Merchandise

Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary 2026 Wall Calendar with 4 Bonus Notecards, one of the earliest products to use the anniversary branding, was released as a 2026 wall calendar accompanied by four bonus notecards.
A number of books were released or announced during the anniversary period:
- Meet Sonic!: A Sonic the Hedgehog Storybook: 35th Anniversary Edition
- Sonic The Hedgehog Annual 2027
- Sonic the Hedgehog: The Race Is On
- Sonic the Hedgehog: Allies In Action
- Love From Sonic
- Find Sonic. Released in Japan as Find SONIC! Sonic o Sagase!, the search-and-find book incorporates locations and imagery drawn from 35 years of the series and was accompanied by bookstore bonuses and promotional campaigns.
Jakks Pacific continued its Sonic the Hedgehog toy range with new figures, multipacks, plush toys and playsets released or revealed during the anniversary period.
First 4 Figures produced a resin statue of Knuckles, while additional Sonic Frontiers statues depicting Sonic and Super Sonic were also announced later in the year.
A series of Beanie Bouncers plush products featuring Sonic characters was released.
SEGA launched an official Lucky Lottery celebrating the shared 35th anniversaries of Sonic the Hedgehog and Puyo Puyo. The lottery was distributed through participating convenience stores and hobby retailers in Japan and offered a range of commemorative prizes.
A pair of miniature Sonic-themed arcade attractions, an Air Hockey Mini and Basketball Game Mini, were introduced for amusement venues in Japan.
The SEGA Shop launched the Sonic Rewind campaign, a merchandise initiative celebrating different periods of the series’ history. Anniversary products released through SEGA’s stores also included a new statue, pin set, varsity jacket, Sonic plush and journal.
TNOC hokkaido collaborated with Sonic the Hedgehog on a series of T-shirts depicting Sonic running through northern Japanese landscapes, incorporating fields, forests and local wildlife into the designs. The collection was released in stages on May 20 and June 29, 2026.
LOM BABY collaborated with SEGA on Artificial Alien DNA β SIMULATION, initially teased without revealing the nature of the product. It was later unveiled as an experimental Sonic figure presented as being created with “Sonic DNA” technology. The figure made its first public appearance at SEGA STORE TOKYO on June 23, with its development later discussed in an August 2 interview.
New Nendoroid figures of Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow the Hedgehog were announced during the anniversary period.
The SEGA Shop opened pre-orders for a limited-edition Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary commemorative ingot.
SEGA Japan partnered with Suntory on a range of specially labelled drink cans and collectible keychains featuring artwork from classic Sonic games. The promotion ran through participating Suntory vending machines from June 16 through July 20, 2026.
Insert Coin expanded its licensed Sonic apparel with a new clothing collection based on Shadow the Hedgehog.
Bushiroad Creative added Super Sonic to its PalVerse Palé figure series.
Dr. Squatch released the limited-edition Sonic Speed personal care collection for the anniversary. The range consisted of Sonic Speed Bar Soap and Sonic Speed Deodorant using the “Blue Blur Blast” scent, alongside a Super Pack combining citrus, lavender and earthy wood notes.
Karakuri Tamashii introduced licensed apparel including embroidered reversible sukajan jackets and T-shirts drawing on Hokusai-inspired imagery, Green Hill artwork and Chaos Emerald motifs.
Wendy’s released a set of Sonic Gamer Cards as part of its anniversary promotion. Each children’s meal included one of seven collectible character card cases and five cards, with 35 cards available to collect in total. The promotion was distributed through participating restaurants, the Wendy’s app and delivery services in different markets.
G FUEL revived its Sonic’s Peach Rings flavor for the anniversary in a new Collector’s Box. The package contained a 40-serving tub using Formula 2.0, a custom 24 oz metal shaker, exclusive Sonic the Hedgehog stickers and a holographic collector’s box.
The Woobles launched beginner-oriented crochet kits based on Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, along with a mystery Chaos Emerald accessory kit. The characters were also offered together through a Gotta Wooble Fast bundle.
SEGA operated a merchandise pop-up at Little Akihabara in the Little Tokyo Mall in Downtown Los Angeles from June 19 through July 19. The shop carried SEGA products including Cororo and Labbies plush toys, while nearby partner businesses offered Sonic-themed food and drinks. Visitors could complete a three-stop punch card campaign to receive an exclusive mini tote bag.
A collaboration with the Yomiuri Giants introduced Sonic accessories through the baseball team’s official online store.
SONIC & FRIENDS received a travel-themed merchandise range featuring plush keychains, acrylic stands, badges, ticket-inspired goods and luggage tags. The line was offered for pre-order through Joypolis Hong Kong ahead of a September 2026 release. Additional SONIC & FRIENDS products included new Silver, Chao and Rouge plush toys connected with a Sanrio collaboration.
Mexican sportswear manufacturer PIRMA released limited-edition football footwear based on Sonic and Shadow, sold through PIRMA’s online store and physical locations.
Dark Horse Direct released statues of Classic Sonic and Classic Tails around San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
Simple Modern announced a 35th anniversary back-to-school collection aimed at preschool and elementary-age children. The range included co-branded backpacks, lunch boxes and drinkware decorated with colorful Sonic designs.
SEGA and the International Olympic Committee launched the first Sonic the Hedgehog × Olympics “Let’s Move” merchandise collection for Olympic Day. Its artwork depicts Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy and Shadow participating in Olympic sports.
NERDS Clothing released a new licensed Sonic the Hedgehog apparel collection during the anniversary period.
Funko released a limited-edition Witch Sonic Pop! figure on July 22, 2026.
CptnAlex produced Sonic the Hedgehog controller customization kits for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 controllers.
Astromeda announced six portable batteries decorated with artwork from SONICPICT.
SEGA STORE TOKYO marked its first anniversary with new merchandise, exclusive novelties and special Sonic activities. A Sonic greeting event was held on July 18, the store’s anniversary date, while Romero Britto appeared on July 23 in connection with new Sonic “SEGA Cooro” merchandise. Prizes from the Sonic 35th Anniversary Celebration Campaign were also distributed as part of the celebration.
SEGA partnered with esports organization ZETA DIVISION for a limited-time summer collaboration tied to both Sonic’s 35th anniversary and ZETA DIVISION’s fifth anniversary. Sonic temporarily joined the organization’s Creator division, with collaborative merchandise featuring streamer k4sen among the projects planned for the campaign.
A special Sonic the Hedgehog anniversary admission ticket was offered in connection with Tokyo Game Show 2026 and the event’s 30th anniversary. The ticket featured Sonic artwork and was priced at ¥3.3 million.
Zen Monkey Studios and Federation Comix produced a series of convention-exclusive enamel pins. San Diego Comic-Con 2026 received designs featuring Sonic, Shadow, and Sonic, Shadow and Silver together, while additional Blaze the Cat and Silver the Hedgehog pins were later prepared as Anime NYC exclusives.
Monogram International released an exclusive Sonic the Hedgehog: Scrapnik Island 3D Foam Bag Clip set for San Diego Comic-Con 2026. Limited to 360 sets, it included Sonic, Scrapnik Mecha Sonic and Scrapnik Mecha Knuckles.
A Sonic Comic Collection apparel range was released featuring T-shirts based on notable Sonic comic book covers.
A commemorative coin produced for Sonic’s 35th anniversary was scheduled to go on sale on October 30, 2026.
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 featured a substantial range of new and upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog merchandise, including:
- A poster based on Sonic the Hedgehog: 35th Anniversary Special.
- A Costco-exclusive Sonic Prestige Jumpsuit.
- A large Metal Knuckles vs. Knuckles figure exclusive to Target.
- A Sonic 35th anniversary plush.
- Ice cream-scented plush toys styled after Sonic ice cream bars and featuring Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow and Doctor Eggman.
- A Tails Doll plush.
- A Metal Sonic collector figure.
- Plush toys of Ray, Classic Metal Sonic, Classic Amy and Classic Sonic.
- A large Metal Sonic vs. Sonic playset.
- Arcade1Up’s Sonic the Hedgehog Supreme and Deluxe Series arcade machines.
Several additional character figure sets and vehicles were unveiled around San Diego Comic-Con 2026, including products based on the DC X Sonic the Hedgehog crossover:
- A set featuring Digital Sonic, Classic Sonic and Sonic.
- A Friends Unite diorama featuring Classic Sonic, Classic Amy and Trip’s dragon form, with Black Onyx and Flame accessories.
- A set featuring Classic Sonic, Tails, Storm and Cream.
- A set featuring Sonic, Wave, Classic Knuckles and Fang.
- Die-cast vehicles based on Sonic, Silver and Doctor Eggman.
- A character pack featuring Sonic, Shadow, Amy, Metal Sonic and Doctor Eggman.
- Blind-pack figures of Green Lantern Silver, Batman Shadow and Flash Sonic, with Aquaman Big and a chase variant of Starfire Blaze also included in the assortment.
- A larger assortment featuring Catwoman Rouge, Green Lantern Silver, Flash Sonic, Wonder Woman Amy, Lex Luthor Doctor Eggman and Starfire Blaze.
- Character figure and plush multipacks pairing Sonic characters with their DC counterparts.
- A Shadow figure with a Deluxe Feature Batmobile, scheduled for release in fall 2026 as a GameStop exclusive.
Amazon introduced an anniversary merchandise collection centered on Shadow, Rouge, Silver and Doctor Eggman. The range included new character designs for Shadow, Rouge and Silver, with two additional designs specifically commemorating Silver’s 20th anniversary.
SEGA expanded its collaboration with Brazilian artist Romero Britto through a Sonic the Hedgehog × BRITTO collection sold through the Ebten online store. The range included T-shirts, hoodies and keychains incorporating Britto’s artwork.
Funko expanded its Bitty Pop! range with two additional mini-sets scheduled for August 2026, pairing Sonic with Amy and Knuckles with Shadow.
A new pair of Shadow the Hedgehog high-top canvas sneakers was revealed through the SEGA Shop newsletter.
Farshore announced three children’s books for publication in 2027: Sonic’s Big Adventure!, A Day With Knuckles! and Amy to the Rescue!.
WOLFpak released a Sonic the Hedgehog 35th anniversary collection on August 14, 2026. The range included backpacks, duffle and sling bags, character T-shirts, collectible patches and bundled products. A promotional giveaway was also held for customers in the United States.
M&S launched the first dedicated apparel collection produced through SEGA and McLaren Racing’s partnership. The children’s range combined Sonic the Hedgehog artwork with McLaren Racing branding.
Fanattik announced a metal replica of Sonic’s shoes limited to 5,000 units, alongside a series of commemorative metal medallions also limited to 5,000 pieces.
Primark collaborated with Sonic the Hedgehog and the NBA on an apparel collection combining Sonic and Shadow with NBA teams. Products included clothing based on the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat.
As part of the third anniversary of SONIC & FRIENDS, SEGA announced a crossover with Kanahei’s Small Animals and a dedicated SONIC & FRIENDS 3rd Anniversary POP UP STORE. The store was scheduled to operate on the second floor of Shibuya MODI in Tokyo from October 2 through October 12, 2026.
Baseballism released an officially licensed baseball-themed Sonic the Hedgehog clothing collection on September 1, 2026. The lineup consisted of a Team Sonic Tee, Youth AeroFleece Short Sleeve Hoodie, Sonic Blue Hoodie and Sweatpants, Sonic x Baseballism Cap, Sonic the Hedgehog Diamond Pro Mesh Shorts, No Risk No Rings Tee and Sonic Stolen Bases Tee.
Carl’s Jr. introduced a new Star Pals toy series based on the DC X Sonic the Hedgehog crossover.
MEDICOS Entertainment organized officially licensed Sonic the Hedgehog pop-up shops built around newly drawn hip-hop-themed artwork of Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles and Shadow. Merchandise included mini acrylic dioramas, acrylic key holders, can badges, stickers, card stands, a T-shirt, tote bag and pouch. Purchase bonuses included one of six random clear cards, along with separate Tokyo and Osaka-exclusive illustration cards. The Tokyo shop operated at MEDICOS SHOP Shibuya from August 27 through September 8, followed by an Osaka location at Abeno Hoop from September 11 through September 20.
LEGO offered the Badnik Skorp as a free gift with qualifying gaming purchases of US$40 or more in the United States, with the promotion running through August 24.
Funko announced additional Sonic the Hedgehog products, including a glow-in-the-dark set containing Sonic with a Ring, Tails, Amy and Shadow, as well as a Bitty POP! Sonic keychain.
Porcelain brand YOYOYO announced an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration.
Japanese fashion label Favorite released a six-character clothing collection inspired by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, Silver and the Werehog. The designs consisted of character-themed jackets and hoodies, with pre-orders opening on August 28, 2026.
Sonic and Shadow were featured in a set of official LINE stickers produced for Tokyo Game Show 2026.
New products announced for SEGA Store Osaka included a Sonic plush, a Super Sonic figure and a shopping bag depicting Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy in front of Osaka’s Tsūtenkaku tower.
A Digital Amy figure was released as part of Series 25 of the Sonic minifigure collection.
Panini America announced an officially licensed Sonic the Hedgehog trading card collection featuring characters from the classic and modern eras. The premium collection included Kaboom! and Color Blast inserts, numbered Prizm cards and unique one-of-one cards.
A new panel-themed merchandise collection featuring Sonic characters was announced.
ULTRA PLANET organized a limited-time Sonic the Hedgehog 35th anniversary merchandise shop as part of its ULTRA STORE at DECKS Tokyo Beach. Operating at LED DAIBA STUDIO from September 4 through September 23, 2026, the store combined anniversary merchandise with large LED installations and a free digital stamp rally. Visitors who collected stamps from three locations around Odaiba could redeem prizes that included admission tickets to Tokyo Joypolis.
Disguise expanded its officially licensed Sonic the Hedgehog costume range for the 2026 Halloween season with its first Amy Rose costumes, including child and adult versions. Sonic, Tails and Knuckles costumes returned, while additional designs commemorating Sonic’s 35th anniversary were also planned for the range.

Comics

Sonic and the Blade of Courage
- Sonic and the Blade of Courage Chapter 8
- Sonic and the Blade of Courage Chapter 9
- Sonic and the Blade of Courage 1 received an international release during the anniversary period.
- IDW Publishing and Shogakukan subsequently partnered with SEGA to begin the manga’s first officially licensed English translation through the IDW Publishing App. The English release began with Chapter 1, with subsequent translated chapters scheduled at three-week intervals.
The Jet Black Hedgehog: Shadow the Hedgehog
- The tankōbon received an international release.
- An official English translation was also confirmed by IDW Publishing for a later date following the launch of the English edition of The Blade of Courage.
IDW Publishing’s ongoing Sonic the Hedgehog comic series continued throughout the anniversary year with:
- Sonic the Hedgehog #84
- Sonic the Hedgehog #85
- Sonic the Hedgehog #86
- Sonic the Hedgehog #87
- Sonic the Hedgehog #88
- Sonic the Hedgehog #89
- Sonic the Hedgehog #90
- Sonic the Hedgehog #91
- Sonic the Hedgehog #92
- The issues formed part of IDW’s wider “Road to #100”, with the interconnected mini-arcs beginning in this period building toward the series’ 100th issue. Issue #84 also brought elements of Sonic Frontiers into the comic’s continuing storyline, while later arcs shifted focus between different members of the supporting cast.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds One-shot was published by IDW Publishing on March 4, 2026 as a tie-in to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
Comics Giveaway Day 2026: Sonic the Hedgehog #1 was distributed through participating comic shops as part of Comics Giveaway Day 2026. The anniversary-year promotion coincided with Free Comic Book Day, which also featured a special-edition reprint of DC X Sonic the Hedgehog #1.
Sonic the Hedgehog: 35th Anniversary Special was released by IDW Publishing as a dedicated 48-page anniversary comic on July 8, 2026. Written by Iasmin Omar Ata with artwork by Thomas Rothlisberger, the issue returned to the Classic Sonic setting and follows Sonic, Tails and Amy visiting Knuckles on Angel Island, where the arrival of a mysterious meteor draws the attention of Doctor Eggman.
Sonic the Hedgehog X Godzilla was produced by IDW Publishing in collaboration with SEGA and Toho as a four-issue crossover miniseries for the anniversary year. Written by Nick Marino with artwork by Jack Lawrence and colors by Reggie Graham, the story brings Godzilla and other kaiju into Sonic’s dimension following a series of dimensional disturbances.
- The first issue was released in May 2026.
- The second issue was originally scheduled for September 2 before being delayed to September 9 after a delivery truck carrying several IDW releases was involved in an accident. No injuries were reported.
Humble Bundle and IDW Publishing launched the Sonic 35th Anniversary Megabundle, collecting a large selection of the publisher’s Sonic comics. The bundle included:
- Sonic the Hedgehog Volumes 1 through 21.
- Tangle & Whisper.
- Bad Guys.
- Imposter Syndrome.
- Scrapnik Island.
- Fang the Hunter.
- Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Deluxe Edition.
A new crossover comic connected with Fortnite was distributed during the New York City stage of Sonic's Chaos Hunt on August 15, 2026. Attendees at the Blue Chaos Emerald activation were among the first to receive the comic, which was subsequently revealed to depict Sonic, Shadow and Knuckles entering the Fortnite setting, with Tails supporting them from Sonic’s world as Doctor Eggman joins forces with Geno.

Media

Sonic the Hedgehog Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles was released as an episodic audio series centered on Team Chaotix, following Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon and Charmy Bee as they investigate a larger mystery involving the Red Specter. Produced by SEGA in partnership with Realm, the series was written by Dan Jolley and directed by Ian Jones-Quartey, with an original score by Charlie Rosen and additional music from members of the SEGA Sound Team. By the release of its finale, the series had accumulated nearly two million downloads and plays across more than 120 countries.
- Chaotix Are on the Case!
- The Case of the Two-Faced Thief
- The Case of the High-Stakes Heist
- The Case of the Malicious Museum Misdirection
- Assault on G.U.N. Base X
- The Case of the Catastrophic Copter Crash
- The Case of the Solitary Sage Siege
- The Case of the Red Specter (Part 1)
- The Case of the Red Specter (Part 2), which concluded the series and revealed the identity of the Red Specter.
SEGA produced a new series of short stop-motion videos featuring its Cooro mascot toys.
Forever Fast - 35th Anniversary of Sonic The Hedgehog was released as the first album from the newly established SEGA MUSIC label. The two-disc anniversary compilation contains 22 vocal themes spanning the 3D games from Sonic Adventure through Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, including a newly recorded version of “Escape From The City” performed by Nathan Sharp. The physical edition was released in Japan on June 24, 2026, followed by a digital release on June 25.
Music from Shadow the Hedgehog was re-released in Japan during the anniversary period.
Nathan Sharp, also known as NateWantsToBattle, released the Sonic-themed album Gotta Go Faster & Knuckles. The 18-track album collects Sharp’s covers of music from throughout the franchise and includes “Take Control”, his first original song inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog. The album was offered on CD and double vinyl, while “Take Control” received a separate digital release.
“Speed Is My Life” was created as an original theme for Sonic’s 35th anniversary and debuted during Sonic’s Birthday Livestream. Performed by Nathan Sharp, the song features music by Jun Senoue, lyrics and vocal arrangement by Tee Lopes, and arrangement by Senoue and Takahiro Kai. It was also included on Forever Fast – 35th Anniversary of Sonic The Hedgehog.
- A Japanese-language version, “Beyond the Speed of Sound”, was also produced as part of the anniversary music project.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 formed part of SEGA’s wider anniversary-period transmedia plans. SEGA Sammy stated that major promotional activity connected with both Sonic’s 35th anniversary and the film was expected to increase from October 2026 and continue toward the film’s release in March 2027.
SonicMe was launched as an official Sonic-inspired avatar creator for the anniversary. The web application allows users to assemble personalized avatars from thousands of possible combinations and share their creations online using the hashtag #SonicMe.
A set of anniversary-related LINE stamps was released for purchase and use through the LINE messaging service.
Sonic's 35th Birthday Mixtape was released through Spotify as a 35-song playlist celebrating Sonic’s birthday and anniversary. The selection was presented around music Sonic himself might listen to at a birthday celebration and was accompanied by original artwork illustrated by Natalie Haines.
“Here We Go ~ Run For The Future”, a new Chinese-language Sonic song, was released during the anniversary celebrations.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond was announced as a ten-minute animated short for release in fall 2026. The story features Metal Sonic and the Chaos Emeralds and centers on the friendships Sonic and his allies have developed throughout their adventures.
The anniversary songs “Speed Is My Life” and “Beyond the Speed of Sound”, along with the SONIC & FRIENDS theme featuring Reje-kun, were selected for karaoke distribution through JOYSOUND.

Events

Fan meet-ups and community gatherings were held throughout the anniversary year.
- A joint Sonic the Hedgehog and Puyo Puyo 35th anniversary event was held at Hankyu Sanban Gai in Osaka from February 1 through March 31, 2026.^[3]https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/569034
- SEGA organized the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary Official Fan Meeting Tour in Tokyo on June 21. The free event featured appearances by Kazuyuki Hoshino and Tomoya Ohtani and required advance applications.
Several live concert projects were organized for the anniversary:
- SONIC – LIVE! A Musical Odyssey of Sonic the Hedgehog.
- Sonic Live in Concert.
- More than 30 additional Sonic Live in Concert performances were announced across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe as the tour expanded during 2026.
SEGA and iam8bit announced Sonic 35 Years of Speed, an anniversary art initiative combining physical exhibitions with a worldwide fan art showcase. The project was designed to celebrate artwork from across the franchise’s history alongside contributions from the fan community.
The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Creator Tournament Cup was held during the anniversary period.
Sonic Spirit Week was held from February 2 through February 6 as an online community celebration, with a different fan activity assigned to each day:
- February 2: Enjoy your favorite Sonic content.
- February 3: Fan music.
- February 4: Cosplay.
- February 5: Collections.
- February 6: Fan art.
Sonic Birthday Party 2026 was held at Joypolis from June 22 through June 28, 2026 as part of the celebrations surrounding Sonic’s birthday.
SEGA and Atlus partnered with Animate on a global promotional project involving eight SEGA and Atlus properties across approximately 140 Animate stores. The campaign included exhibitions, merchandise and themed café products, including “Graphic Lattes” and cookies printed with Sonic characters.
Sonic the Hedgehog was represented at Good Smile Fest 2026 Tokyo on June 6 and 7. The event included the reveal and opening of pre-orders for a figure based on Sonic the Fighters.
SEGA launched the Sonic Speed Circuit in Shoreditch, London as an anniversary running and art installation. The project consisted of a 10 km route shaped like Sonic, seven Sonic-themed murals and a shorter 500-metre art route. Participants could record the route through Strava and take part in promotions offering 35th anniversary prizes. The murals were also made available as limited-edition anniversary prints through Moor-Art Gallery.
Sonic made a special appearance at Tokyo Dome during the Yomiuri Giants’ June 5 game against the Chiba Lotte Marines as part of the baseball team’s collaboration with the franchise.
Famitsu marked its 40th anniversary with a Sonic feature that included a new celebratory illustration of Sonic and Tails produced by SEGA.
Yura no Sato and Kirari held an anniversary collaboration in Japan from June 8 through June 28. Participating facilities offered a Sonic Blue Bath, exclusive augmented-reality photo frames, a coloring competition and themed prizes.
Kiddy Land Osaka Umeda hosted a Sonic the Hedgehog pop-up shop from June 27 through July 7. The shop carried anniversary merchandise, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds products and collectibles, with bonus stickers distributed with qualifying purchases.
Sonic’s official 35th birthday livestream was broadcast on June 23. The program featured guests, gameplay, activities, music and anniversary announcements while also serving as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ultimately raising more than US$55,500.^[4]https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxPdrMFGkWDyjh-PMNYxQWVTTcrV3PTnCK?lc=UgyYHiz4rloM0wlTMIZ4AaABAg
Anime Expo 2026 hosted several anniversary activities:
- SEGA operated a dedicated Sonic the Hedgehog 35th anniversary presence at the convention with displays, giveaways and promotional activities.
- A “frame-by-frame retrospective” examined the franchise’s animated shorts, with participants including Takashi Iizuka, Tyson Hesse and Evan Stanley.
- Four new posters were distributed, including artwork connected with the Godzilla and Evangelion collaborations.
A special anniversary edition of Sonic Station Live! was livestreamed on June 24. The broadcast featured behind-the-scenes stories, franchise updates, quizzes, giveaways and a special DJ performance.
SEGA held its first official session at Cannes Lions by a Japanese video game company as part of the anniversary campaign. The presentation focused on Sonic’s 35-year creative evolution and relationship with his fanbase, with SEGA Corporation president and COO Shuji Utsumi and Takashi Iizuka appearing on stage.
SEGA partnered with ROUND1 on a nationwide Japanese Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration campaign. The promotion featured prizes and products based on Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy and Shadow, including figures, cards and keychains, alongside themed food and other limited-time offerings.
Paradise City in Incheon, South Korea held the Sonic Check In Adventure anniversary collaboration. The resort, operated by Paradise Sega Sammy, offered Sonic-themed hotel packages, exclusive merchandise, themed food, photo zones, character greeting events and other limited-time experiences.
Sonic's Chaos Hunt was launched as an alternate reality campaign leading toward Club Chaos: A Sonic 35th Anniversary Celebration. Fans were challenged to recover the seven Chaos Emeralds through a series of activations across the United States and online.
- Physical stages of the hunt took place in Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago and New York before the campaign moved into a final online phase.
- The San Diego stage was held during San Diego Comic-Con 2026 and centered on the fourth Chaos Emerald.
- Chicago featured the Cyan Chaos Emerald and an appearance by Shadow the Hedgehog.
- The New York activation on August 15 centered on the Blue Chaos Emerald and included appearances by Sonic and Shadow, limited merchandise and distribution of an exclusive Sonic collaboration comic.
- The seventh Chaos Emerald was recovered by August 22, completing the hunt and activating the countdown to Club Chaos.
Club Chaos: A Sonic 35th Anniversary Celebration was announced as the culmination of the Chaos Hunt and was scheduled for October 9, 2026 at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, New York. The one-night event combines live music, gaming, food, merchandise, character appearances, developer meet-and-greets and the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds World Championship Finals across seven themed areas.
- The main stage lineup consists of Thundercat, Austin Millz and Tee Lopes, with Thundercat scheduled for a live musical performance and Millz and Lopes performing DJ sets.
- The event marks the first New York appearance of the Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Café, with exclusive products created for the event.
- Other attractions include a retro art and gaming lounge, Chao Garden relaxation area, interactive fan spaces, exclusive merchandise and Sonic-themed food and drinks.
- Sonic, Tails and Shadow are scheduled to appear for photo opportunities. Takashi Iizuka, members of the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds development team and Tee Lopes are also scheduled for meet-and-greets.
- The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds World Championship Finals are scheduled as a pre-show event from 12:00 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by the opening of Club Chaos at 7:00 p.m. and the main show at 8:30 p.m.
- Both Club Chaos and the World Championship are planned to be livestreamed through the official Sonic YouTube and Twitch channels, with Jacki Jing serving as host and master of ceremonies.
- General admission includes an exclusive Sonic 35th anniversary coin, while the higher Emerald Tier includes expedited entry, rooftop access, drink tickets and an Emerald-themed merchandise bag.
In August 2026, SEGA partnered with Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture on a special anniversary collaboration centered on the Akiu area. The campaign included Sonic the Hedgehog street decorations and limited-edition merchandise.
SEGA and iam8bit organized 35 Years of Speed: The Sonic Art Exhibit, a pair of anniversary art exhibitions combining newly commissioned works with artwork from SEGA’s archives. More than 30 artists contributed pieces inspired by characters, locations, moments and memories from throughout the series’ history. The first exhibition was scheduled for September 4 through September 6 at 210 Gallery in Seattle during PAX West weekend, followed by a second at ARK/8 in Los Angeles on September 26 and 27.
- The accompanying Sonic Fan Art Showcase invited fans worldwide to submit original artwork inspired by the franchise. Selected works were to be featured through SEGA’s official website and social media, with a smaller selection displayed at the Seattle and Los Angeles exhibitions.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds served as an official partner of MADEIN’s Link Up 2026 concert on July 31 at Kobe World Memorial Hall in Japan. Promotional artwork paired members of the K-pop group with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy, with additional collaboration activities planned around the concert.
- The collaboration later expanded through a strategic partnership between MADEIN’s agency 143 Entertainment, SEGA and GAKU. MADEIN’s music was confirmed to be incorporated into Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, although the specific tracks and method of inclusion had not initially been announced.
Morio Kishimoto launched the six-part It’s a Column, but I Want to Talk With Everyone! series in connection with Sonic Frontiers - Definitive Edition. The feature examines the development of Sonic Frontiers through behind-the-scenes information and previously undisclosed details while allowing fans to submit questions and comments about the game, its development and Kishimoto’s work as director. Strong reader participation led the second installment to focus on additional fan questions before returning to the originally planned development discussion.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Project ONSOKU participated in The VOCALOID Collection 2026 Summer through an official remix contest held online from August 20 through August 24. Creators were given official STEM data from five Project ONSOKU tracks:
- “Denkou Sekka”
- “Treasure Garden”
- “Jet Black”
- “We Are Piko Piko Hammers!!!!”
- “Saiai Jinsei Runner”
- Participants could create remixes using any of the five songs, with selected entries planned for inclusion in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds in-game Jukebox.
As part of Sonic's Rising Athletes, Sonic and Shadow were appointed support ambassadors for the Sports Darts Competition 2026, scheduled for September 20 and 21.
Japanese magazine CONTINUE dedicated Volume 90 to Sonic’s 35th anniversary, marking Sonic’s first appearance on the magazine’s cover. The issue includes a major anniversary feature with interviews involving Takashi Iizuka, Kazuyuki Hoshino, Jun Senoue and original Sonic the Hedgehog composer Masato Nakamura.
SEGA featured SONIC PICO PARK and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds at gamescom 2026, held from August 26 through August 30. Both games were available as playable demonstrations at the company’s booth alongside its wider lineup. Visitors could collect stamps from participating attractions, with five or more stamps redeemable for an exclusive SEGA Coin. The event also featured new Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds downloadable-content information and an interview with the producer of SONIC PICO PARK.
Sonic was announced to appear in the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the new Macy’s Parade All-Stars float.
The October 2026 issue of Nintendo DREAM, released on August 21, included a special feature commemorating both Sonic Frontiers - Definitive Edition and Sonic’s 35th anniversary. SEGA opened its development archives for the feature, publishing previously unreleased design material covering Sonic’s cyber corruption, Sage, the Koco and the digitized forms of Sonic’s friends. The issue also included a 35th anniversary mini-interview with Kazuyuki Hoshino and Tomoya Ohtani.
Sonic and Shadow were announced to participate in Korokoro Soul Festival 2026.
Sonic was featured in ODAIBA DRONE SHOW 2026, a free nighttime event held around Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo. More than 1,000 synchronized drones were used alongside lighting, lasers and the Tokyo Aqua Symphony fountain to create large-scale aerial displays based on several Japanese entertainment properties. Sonic and Puyo Puyo were represented as part of their respective 35th anniversary celebrations. The event was held from September 4 through September 6 and again from September 18 through September 22, with Sonic appearing as part of the Track A presentation.
SEGA and ATLUS featured SONIC PICO PARK and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held at Makuhari Messe from September 17 through September 21.
- SONIC PICO PARK was represented with a playable demo, activities, novelties and stage programming. New merchandise for the game was also scheduled for advance sale at the event.
- Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds received a playable demo, novelties and stage events.
- SEGA planned to livestream its stage programming through YouTube, including reveals, performances and gameplay presentations.
A sealed North American Genesis copy of Sonic the Hedgehog, graded PSA 9.8 A++, was featured in Heritage Auctions’ August 28–29 Video Games Signature Auction. Heritage described it as the highest-graded copy of the original Sonic the Hedgehog it had brought to public auction across all variants.
SEGA ATLUS FEST 2026 was held at The Block Atrium in SM North EDSA, Quezon City, Philippines from September 1 through September 13. Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds were among the featured SEGA properties, with the event including game trials, exclusive merchandise, themed booths and a large Sonic inflatable.
Sonic appeared as a special guest during the DONPEN Birthday Celebration Commemoration on September 6, 2026.
Sonic the Hedgehog and Puyo Puyo collaborated with Shimokitazawa Curry Festival 2026 in celebration of both series’ 35th anniversaries. The festival was scheduled to take place throughout Shimokitazawa, Tokyo from October 8 through October 25, encompassing 135 participating locations. The collaboration included themed food, anniversary artwork, exclusive prizes distributed through a stamp rally and a special commemorative T-shirt.
The Japan Association for Diabetes Education and Care and Taisho Pharmaceutical partnered with Sonic the Hedgehog on the Learn About Diabetes Correctly With Sonic! awareness campaign leading into World Diabetes Day on November 14. The initiative included a dedicated website with newly created Sonic artwork, educational material about diabetes, a quiz and a photo contest.