Saturday, 26 September 2026
Anime, manga, and games, with a take · A Yukimedia publication

← all stories

Sonic

Sonic's 35th anniversary year has passed with no new mainline game announced. Sega's anniversary efforts consist of compilations, the Switch 2 version of Sonic Frontiers, crossover content for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and collaborations. A 35th anniversary short film, Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond, is set to debut in fall 2026.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated 3d ago

Sega reached the Sonic the Hedgehog series' 35th anniversary on June 23, 2026, with a livestream that announced two game compilations (Classic Sonic Collection and Modern Sonic Collection, both due in October), new Sonic Racing CrossWorlds characters, and a limited-edition Sega Genesis cartridge set. No new mainline game was announced. Producer Takashi Iizuka said at Tokyo Game Show 2026 that new game development runs from three to five years, which is why the anniversary year is filled with collaborations and spinoffs instead.

Alongside the collections, Sega surprise-released Sonic Frontiers Super Deluxe for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 24, 2026, with a physical edition following on September 17. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds continued to add content, including Classic Sonic, Axel from Crazy Taxi, Amigo from Samba de Amigo, and later Bayonetta. Iizuka spoke at Anime Expo 2026 about wanting to create a story-driven game, and Sega announced the short film Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond. Netflix and Sega also announced a partnership for three adaptations, including a Sonic children's series.

The anniversary also brought a wave of collaborations: a ROUND1 campaign, a Korean resort event, ULTRA STORE merchandise, a Sonic & Friends x Sanrio line, and a life-size DNA figure. Sonic joined esports team ZETA DIVISION for the summer and left in September. IDW began publishing the Sonic the Hedgehog: The Blade of Courage manga in English, though artist Yuki Imada criticized the app's reviews for misattributing his work.

Key facts

35th anniversary date
June 23, 2026 ↗
No new mainline game announced at anniversary livestream
No new mainline Sonic game was announced ↗
Compilations announced
Classic Sonic Collection and Modern Sonic Collection, both releasing in October ↗
Sonic Frontiers Super Deluxe Switch 2 launch
June 24, 2026 ↗
Sonic Frontiers Ultra Deluxe physical edition
September 17, 2026, priced at 5,990 yen ↗
Short film
Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond, debuting this fall ↗
Netflix and Sega adaptation partnership
Three projects in production, including a Sonic children's series and a live-action Crazy Taxi film ↗
Sonic Racing CrossWorlds character additions
Classic Sonic, Axel from Crazy Taxi, Amigo from Samba de Amigo, Bayonetta, Godzilla, and Evangelion ↗
Iizuka on development cycles
New game development can run from three to five years ↗
English manga release
IDW Publishing began releasing Yuki Imada's Sonic the Hedgehog: The Blade of Courage in English on July 29, 2026 ↗

Timeline

Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.

Facts

Noted
anniversary goods for Sonic the Hedgehog at 35 years · 2026-09-03

Connections

Staff change of
zeta division

Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/sonic. CC BY 4.0.

All coverage

5d ago

Sonic Producer Iizuka Marks 35th Anniversary At Tokyo Game Show 2026

Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog series reached its 35th anniversary in 2026, and general producer Takashi Iizuka discussed the milestone in interviews at Tokyo Game Show 2026 with 4Gamer and Denfaminicogamer. Iizuka, who became series producer in 2010 and moved to the United States in 2016, said unifying the role followed years in which each title had its own director and its own image of the character. He named Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic Adventure, and Sonic Frontiers as the most memorable projects of his run. No new Sonic game was announced at the show. The Sega booth instead featured Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, whose Season 2 adds Godzilla and Evangelion collaborations, and the indie-developed online puzzle game SONIC PICO PARK. Iizuka said new game development can run from three to five years.

6d ago

ZETA DIVISION Announces Sonic Is Leaving Its CREATOR Division

ZETA DIVISION announced on September 20 that Sonic the Hedgehog is leaving its CREATOR division, ending a run that began with a surprise July 2026 signing billed as for one summer only. The team thanked him for his contributions, and Sonic posted parting words thanking k4sen and everyone, saying the events and game showdowns were seriously fun.

Sep 17

Sega Launches Switch 2 Physical Edition Of Sonic Frontiers Ultra Deluxe

Sega released the physical edition of Sonic Frontiers Ultra Deluxe for Nintendo Switch 2 on September 17, 2026, priced at 5,990 yen including tax. The digital version arrived on June 24, 2026. The release includes all three free major updates, new modes and costumes, story content that makes Amy, Knuckles, and Tails playable, in-game items, and the Digital Art Book and Mini Soundtrack bonus.

Sep 16

Bayonetta Joins 'Sonic Racing CrossWorlds' Year 2 Crossover Lineup

Sega's new trailer for Year 2 of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds confirms Bayonetta as a newly announced addition alongside Godzilla and Neon Genesis Evangelion. The Year Two showcase will detail more during the Sonic Racing CrossWorlds World Championship Finals livestream on Twitch and YouTube on October 9. Year Two also adds new worlds. Avatar: The Last Airbender arrives in October as part of Year One.

Sep 14

Netflix and Sega Plan Live-Action Crazy Taxi Film and Sonic Kids Anime

Netflix and Sega announced a partnership on September 15 to adapt Sega game properties into film and television. Three projects are in production. A live-action comedy film based on Crazy Taxi is the first, with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand writing the script. Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher, who produced the Sonic the Hedgehog films, produce with Sega's Toru Nakahara. A new animated Sonic the Hedgehog children's series is aimed at upper preschoolers, with Carlos Stevens and Nakahara producing. A live-action crime film based on Stranger Than Heaven, the Ryu ga Gotoku Studio game set in early 20th-century Japan, is also in development, with Nakahara producing. Genres span live-action comedy, kids anime, and live-action crime action. No distribution dates were announced.

Sep 14

Sega Sets Sonic Cup 2026 Skateboarding Final for December 13

Sega will hold the U-15 skateboarding competition JSPF x SONIC'S RISING ATHLETES Presents "SONIC CUP 2026" on December 13 at Murasaki Park Tachihi Tachikawa. The Tokyo final brings together 48 skaters chosen through Instagram video qualifiers, and the top three finishers plus one SONIC Award winner get a 5-night, 7-day training tour in Los Angeles.

Sep 3

ULTRA STORE Limited Shop With Sonic, Puyo Puyo, Persona Goods Opens in Odaiba

ULTRA PLANET opens ULTRA STORE at LED DAIBA STUDIO in DECKS Tokyo Beach from September 4 to 23, 2026. The limited shop carries over 500 products from five works, including anniversary goods for Sonic the Hedgehog and Puyo Puyo at 35 years and the Persona series at 30 years. A large LED screens work videos and original content themed on THE MOON, produced by Shuhei Matsuyama of enigma.

Aug 17

Sonic & Friends Marks 3rd Anniversary With Kanahei Collab and Pop Up Store

Sega announced a special collaboration between the short anime Sonic & Friends and illustrator Kanahei's Kanahei's Small Animals to celebrate the series' third anniversary in August 2026. The collaboration illustration and new concept art were unveiled, and a pop up store will run at Shibuya MODI from October 2 to October 12.

Aug 8

Polaporipospo CG Band WAKAZO to Play Summer Sonic 2026

Bandai Namco Experience's original IP project Polaporipospo will make its music festival debut at Summer Sonic 2026. The CG character band WAKAZO performs on August 15 at the Tokyo venue's Club Que Sera Sera stage, with live vocals by voice actors and live instrumentation by professional musicians.

Aug 4

IDW Licenses Sonic the Hedgehog: The Blade of Courage Manga

IDW Publishing began releasing Yuki Imada's Sonic the Hedgehog: The Blade of Courage manga in English through the IDW Comics app on Wednesday, July 29. The manga, which follows Sonic teaming up with a slow human named Yuta to travel through a jungle and save the world, originally launched in Shogakukan's Monthly CoroCoro Comic magazine in June 2025. Shogakukan shipped the single compiled book volume on December 26. The English release is the first official translation of the series, made possible through partners at Sega and Shogakukan. However, shortly after the debut, Imada expressed frustration on X, sharing a screenshot of the app's review section where several reviews credited other Sonic creators, such as Ian Flynn and Tracy Yardley, instead of Imada. Imada wrote that he drew the art and wrote the story himself, and that he had never felt so insulted. IDW's Sonic editorial team said they were thrilled to bring the official English release to readers, noting fans had been looking forward to Sonic and Yuta's quest to stop Dr. Eggman.

Jul 22

Anime and Manga Worlds Celebrate Marine Day 2026

On July 20, 2026, numerous anime, manga, and game franchises posted Marine Day greetings on social media. The Japanese national holiday, which honors the ocean and marks the end of the rainy season, prompted official accounts and creators to share beach-themed illustrations, character birthday messages, and promotional content. Among the posts, the official Kaiju No. 8 account promoted an upcoming original short anime titled "Narumi's Weekday" with a pun on the character's name and the kanji for sea. The MAPPA studio released a new illustration by Rie Nishimura for the soccer series DAYS, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026. The Sound! Euphonium account reminded followers that the film Sound! Euphonium: The Final Part 2 opens on September 11. Classroom of the Elite noted that July 20 is also the birthday of character Honami Ichinose. The That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime account promoted the streaming of its movie Tears of the Azure Sea on U-NEXT. The Chiikawa movie account promoted the July 24 release of Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu. Voice actor Yuki Kaji posted a personal greeting, and the band Orange Range shared a summer song. The roundup, compiled by Anime News Network, spanned three articles covering dozens of entries.

Jul 17

FRONTIER Launches Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Recommended Gaming PC

Inversenet's FRONTIER brand began selling a recommended gaming PC for Sega's Sonic Racing CrossWorlds on July 16. The top configuration pairs an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D with a Radeon RX 9070 XT in the new FREX∀R Z-series chassis. The system passed game verification for stable frame rates from Full HD to higher resolutions. The game itself features cross-world travel, machine customization, and online play.

Jul 16

MediaOCD Expands Discotek Deep Dives With July 2026 Blu-ray Lineup

MediaOCD announced on July 15, 2026, the next wave of titles for its Discotek Deep Dives initiative, adding 29 Blu-ray releases for July pre-order. The lineup spans multiple franchises, including extensive Lupin III collections, all five seasons of Symphogear, Mazinger Z parts 1 and 2, and the Saint Seiya Classic Movie Collection. Other notable additions include Sonic X (Japanese subtitled), Monster Rancher (English dub), Ultimate Muscle (English dub), Kiss×sis (TV and OAD), Marmalade Boy, and live-action adaptations of Dororo and Uzumaki. The initiative, which began in January 2026, aims to make Discotek Media's back catalog more accessible by adding 20 to 30 titles monthly, prioritizing releases that are becoming hard to find. All July titles are available for pre-order now and are expected to ship in the coming weeks.

Jul 15

Takashi Iizuka Hints at Story-Driven Sonic Game After 35th Anniversary

In an interview at Anime Expo 2026, Sonic lead producer Takashi Iizuka discussed the 35th anniversary, the surprise release of Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition on Switch 2, and the sales disappointment of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. He stated he wants to create a story-driven game that appeals to both gamers and fans who discovered Sonic through movies and anime, while declining to reveal the next mainline project.

Jul 10

Anime Expo Panel: Japanese Content Strategy Emphasizes Access Over Content

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.

Jul 8

Sonic the Hedgehog Joins Esports Team Zeta Division for One Summer

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.

Jul 4

Sega Reveals Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond Short Film at Anime Expo 2026

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.

Jun 29

This Week in Mobile Games: Sonic, Summer Events, and More

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.

Jun 27

Skater JOHN and SUMMER SONIC 2026 Announce Collaboration With New Artwork

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.

Jun 27

Sonic the Hedgehog and ROUND1 Announce Collaboration Campaign Starting July 10

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.

Jun 27

Sega Puts Over 40 Titles on Sale for Steam Summer Sale 2026

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.

Jun 26

Sega Announces Sonic Collections, Crossworlds Content for 35th Anniversary

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.

Jun 24

Sega and LOM BABY Create Life-Size Sonic Figure With Synthetic DNA

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.

Jun 24

Sonic Frontiers Super Deluxe Surprise Launches on Nintendo Switch 2

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.

Jun 23

Sonic Frontiers Super Deluxe Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 With All Content

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.

Jun 23

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Adds Classic Sonic, Crazy Taxi's Axel, Samba de Amigo's Amigo

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.

Jun 22

Sonic the Hedgehog Teams With Korean Resort Paradise City for 35th Anniversary

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.

Jun 21

Sega Adds Silver, Chao, Rouge to Sonic & Friends x Sanrio Mascot Line

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.

Jun 19

Sega Announces Sonic 35th Anniversary Special Program With 12 Guests

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.

Jun 17

Pso2 New Genesis Ver.2 Kicks Off Sonic 35th Anniversary Collaboration

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.

Jun 16

Sega to Display Life-Size Sonic DNA Figure for 35th Anniversary

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.

Jun 12

Sonic 35th Anniversary Live Event Reveals S-Seat Goods and Band Lineup

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.

Jun 11

PS Plus June Game Catalog Adds Final Fantasy Xvi, Sonic X Shadow Generations, and 5 More

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.

Jun 7

Sonic Pico Park Announced as Sonic 35th Anniversary Collaboration

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.

Jun 6

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Adds Godzilla, Evangelion, and More Collaborations

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.

Jun 5

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Adds Godzilla and Evangelion, Sonic Pico Park Announced

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.

Jun 4

Sonic the Fighters Design Gets POP UP PARADE Figure

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.

Jun 3

PSO2 New Genesis ver.2 Holds Sonic 35th Anniversary Collaboration From June 17

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.

May 27

Sega Announces Sonic Live in Concert Global Tour

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.

May 18

Voice Actor Bill Wise Dies at 61

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.