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| (Image Source: Impulse Gamer/YouTube/Sonic The Hedgehog) |
SEGA of America hosted a Birthday Livestream show last June 23, 2026 in celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th Anniversary via the official Sonic the Hedgehog Twitch and YouTube channels. Throughout the multi-hour stream, fans were treated to guest appearances from Sonic himself, familiar faces from the community, as well as a number of surprises fitting for a birthday party, including the announcement and release of Sonic Frontiers – Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch™ 2, available now.
Here are all the Sonic gaming and 35th Anniversary news announced during the birthday livestream.
Sonic Frontiers – Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2
Fans were treated to a shadow-drop of the popular 2022 open-zone adventure, Sonic Frontiers – Definitive Edition! It includes the base game, and all previously released game updates and boasts improved graphics and performance. Sonic Frontiers – Definitive Edition is now available digitally and physically on Nintendo Switch 2.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Patch Update + Free Characters
The Patch 4 Update for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds includes the free Classic Sonic character and machine where players will now get to compete as the Blue Blur in his classic 90’s form. Axel and Amigo were also revealed as free characters to be released in August and September of 2026, respectively. Viewers were also treated to live gameplay of the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles DLC Pack which will be coming to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on July 29, 2026.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds World Championship 2026
Racers from around the world will now have the opportunity to compete and show who’s got Sonic speed in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds World Championship. The Online Qualifiers kicked off last June 30 and runs until July 19 which will then culminate in the World Championship Finals happening in New York City later this year on October 9. The Top 24 racers will have the chance to compete live in front of a global viewing audience for first place. Throughout the Qualifiers, fans will also be able to earn Twitch Drop rewards for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds by watching participating streamers on Twitch. To register, visit https://www.sega.com/sonic-racing-crossworlds-world-championship-2026.
SONIC PICO PARK Gameplay And New Characters
Fans were treated to new gameplay from the recently announced SONIC PICO PARK as well as the reveal of two new characters: Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Pico Cat. Both will be joining Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy as playable characters and fans able to speed into SONIC PICO PARK later this year for some chaotic fun.
Sonic Steam Franchise Sale
Going until June 25, 2026, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is currently on sale via Steam. Fans can enjoy major price cuts – up to 90% off! – to popular titles including Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Sonic Frontiers, Sonic Mania, SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS, and more.
Sonic Forces (Working Title) x Nex Playground
Get ready to experience Sonic in a whole new way! Nex, the maker of the Nex Playground, the active play system, together with SEGA created Sonic Forces (Working Title) for the Nex Playground. As seen on the livestream, the Nex Playground ensures players will be moving and staying active throughout their game experience. Sonic Forces (Working Title) will be available for Nex Playground consoles later this year.
Sonic Forces (Mobile)
Taking center stage in Sonic Forces is Idol Sonic to celebrate 35 legendary years. Players will now able to unlock Idol Sonic during this limited-time event and leave rivals speechless with three brand new abilities.
Sonic Live In Concert
Announced during the livestream, Sonic Live In Concert is adding over 30 more shows for folks to experience around the US and the world. These include the following:
• December 18, 2026 – London, United Kingdom
• February 18, 2027 – Indianapolis, Indiana
• February 19, 2027 – Detroit, Michigan; Birmingham, United Kingdom (Matinee Added)
• February 20, 2027 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• February 21, 2027 – Manchester, United Kingdom
• February 21, 2027 – Chicago, Illinois
• February 22, 2027 – Sheffield, United Kingdom
• February 23, 2027 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• February 24, 2027 – Brussels, Belgium
• February 24, 2027 – Waukee, Iowa
• February 25, 2027 – Kalamazoo, Michigan
• February 26, 2027 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• February 27, 2027 – Cincinnati, Ohio
• February 28, 2027 – Columbus, Ohio
• March 2, 2027 – Cleveland, Ohio
• March 3, 2027 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• March 4, 2027 – Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• March 5, 2027 – Syracuse, New York
• March 6, 2027 – New York, New York
• March 7, 2027 – Wallingford, Connecticut
• March 9, 2027 – Portsmouth, New Hampshire
• March 10, 2027 – Schenectady, New York
• March 11, 2027 – Boston, Massachusetts
• March 12, 2027 – Newark, New Jersey
• March 13, 2027 – Washington, D.C.
• March 14, 2027 – Hershey, Pennsylvania
• March 16, 2027 – Red Bank, New Jersey
• March 18, 2027 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• March 19, 2027 – Durham, North Carolina
• March 20, 2027 – Knoxville, Tennessee
• March 21, 2027 – Richmond, Virginia
• March 23, 2027 – Chattanooga, Tennessee
• March 25, 2027 – Memphis, Tennessee
• March 26, 2027 – Kansas City, Missouri
• March 27, 2027 – Tulsa, Oklahoma
For more information, visit sonicliveinconcert.com.
Sonic The Hedgehog 35th Birthday Spotify Playlist
Together with Spotify, fans can now listen to a playlist of 35 songs that Sonic would want to listen to on his birthday! To celebrate with Sonic, head to Spotify, search “Sonic’s 35th Birthday” and also exclusive artwork from illustrator Natalie Haines.
Sonic x Olympic Collection Celebrates OLYMPIC DAY And Sonic The Hedgehog’s 35th Anniversary
Aside from the announcements made during the special Sonic 35th Anniversary livestream, he International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SEGA have unveiled their first co-branded merchandise collection, bringing together the two symbols of movement, perseverance and excellence for a special-edition collection, launched in honour of Olympic Day and Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary. The Sonic x Olympic collection features a specially crafted graphic uniting the Olympic rings and Sonic the Hedgehog and friends, with Let's Move – the IOC’s global sports participation initiative and the theme of Olympic Day. Five unique and colourful T-shirt and hoodie designs have been created, each featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails, Knuckles, Amy and Shadow trying out the Olympic sports of basketball, skateboarding, weightlifting, tennis and football. Olympic Day is celebrated annually to mark the founding of the modern Olympic Games in 1894, and this year carries a simple message: You Can Do This, to inspire and empower young people to take that first step – reminding them that feeling awkward, imperfect or uncertain is normal, one session is all it takes start, and with each movement self-belief will grow. Confident, determined and known for his speed, Sonic embodies the spirit of Olympic Day – which also coincides with his 35th anniversary last June 23. This is the first release in the multi-year licensing framework between the IOC and SEGA CORPORATION to appoint licensees to launch a co-branded merchandising programme bringing together the Olympic rings and Sonic the Hedgehog in uniquely crafted designs and highlighting shared values including friendship, excellence and respect. The agreement forms part of the IOC’s Global Licensing Strategy which aims to connect fans with the Olympic brand throughout the year through official licensed products. The Sonic x Olympic collection is available now at the Olympic Shop (shop.olympics.com).
