We’re all Old: Sonic the Hedgehog is 35

I don’t feel so good, Mr. Robotnik, I say as I crumble to dust. Yeah, you heard that headline correctly. This year marks the 35^th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog’s 1991 debut. As expected, however, SEGA has plenty of plans to ring in the anniversary year. Could this be the year we get Sonic Adventure 3 or Sonic Chronicles 2? I doubt it, but a fan can dream, I suppose.

To kick off the celebration, SEGA released a small anniversary video to amp up fans and take a quick walk back through Sonic’s history. Here is what the press release says about the Anniversary announcement.

“Sonic the Hedgehog, one of the most iconic and beloved brands in the industry, is thrilled to announce its 35th anniversary this year! Since his debut in 1991, Sonic has defined generations with his signature speed, attitude, and style, expanding far beyond his innovative video game origins into new characters and worlds, blockbuster films, animated television, music, merchandise, and more. To commence the festivities, SEGA released a new anniversary trailer to build hype and rewind through Sonic’s best moments over the last 35 years.

Throughout the upcoming year, SEGA will roll out a high-energy slate of anniversary programs designed to celebrate Sonic’s legacy while bringing fans together around the world. Planned activities include digital content highlighting Sonic’s evolution across the decades, fan meet-ups and community gatherings, exclusive brand and retail partnerships featuring limited merchandise, museum pop-ups and art exhibits, live concert celebrations, and a brand-new narrative podcast.

Marcella Churchill, Vice President of SEGA/ATLUS Brand Marketing at SEGA of America, commented on this milestone, stating: “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 35 years of our beloved Sonic franchise with our fans. This milestone is not just a reflection of our past, but also a look toward the future as we continue to innovate and grow. We want to bring our community together and create memorable experiences for all our fans throughout 2026!”

According to the press release, “Additional 35th anniversary-inspired content, partnerships, collectibles, and fan experiences will be revealed throughout the year.” However, I would be very surprised if we don’t get at least one new game announcement. Since Sonic Frontiers and Shadow Generations, the franchise has been flourishing, and the 35^th anniversary is a perfect time to keep that momentum going.