SEGA’s iconic blue blur, Sonic the Hedgehog, celebrates an impressive 35 years. He started his grand sprint, showing the world the true meaning of blast processing, taking on exciting world adventures, and always willing to do something different; the Sonic franchise has touched the hearts of many.
To celebrate an impressive milestone, SEGA and Sonic Team shared a few announcements to give the blue blur a fun birthday bash.
Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition Announced for Switch 2
One of my personal favorites, Sonic Frontiers, gets its much-overdue Switch 2 Edition. Or rather, a Definitive Edition, featuring options for Performance and Quality Mode (similar to Shadow Generations on Switch 2), all the free updates, and the major Final Horizons campaign.
Stay tuned for our review of this Switch 2 release, but when I played the adventure on Series X and other platforms, Sonic Frontiers is a strong foundation that stands on its own as a solid game. Combining enjoyable free-form platforming, giant boss encounters, and a powerful soundtrack, it’s one of the series best adventures, full stop.
It puts Sonic in a bold new direction, and I can’t wait to see what Sonic Team does for the follow-up to Frontiers. If releases like Shadow Generations and Sonic Racing CrossWorlds are any indication, we are in for a great time in the future.
Speaking of crossing worlds though…
Sonic Racing CrossWorlds – Classic Sonic & More Revealed
While we knew that the next waves of paid DLC are on the way, there was no indication of the final wave of free DLC racers for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Year 1 Roadmap.
That was answered today, with Crazy Taxi’s Axel and Amigo from Samba De Amigo coming to the game later this year. And to celebrate the big 35th Anniversary, Classic Sonic joins the race… Today!
And coming with him are a few new songs to race to, including…
Sonic 35th Anniversary Theme – Speed is My Life
For a franchise known for amazing music, it’s only fitting that to celebrate the big 35th anniversary, SEGA releases ‘Speed is My Life’, a song honoring Sonic’s positive attitude and ‘let’s go’ spirit.
Combining the musical talents of Jun Senoue, NateWantsToBattle, Tee Lopes, and Takahiro Kai, it’s beautiful seeing all the eras of Sonic honored in one awesome music track.
Asphalt Legends X Sonic 35th Anniversary – Rerun Update
Asphalt Legends teams up with Sonic once again, this time to celebrate the franchise’s big 35th anniversary! Here’s all you need to know about that below via official press statement.
Running from June 18, 2026, to July 21, 2026, the event will bring back the fan-favorite Sonic-themed Collector Mode, where players race through the tracks collecting rings while enjoying the franchise’s iconic music and sound effects, unlocking a variety of rewards along the way. Players will also be able to hit the tracks with exclusive decals inspired by their favorite Sonic characters, including brand-new designs available in the shop for a limited time!
Sonic Birthday Livestream – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Closing out the celebrations, SEGA teamed up with various members in the Sonic community to celebrate Sonic’s special day. And what better way, then to give back to people in need?
You can donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital here while enjoying the celebrations.
