Sonic the Hedgehog is gearing up for a monumental 35th anniversary celebration in 2026, and Sega is already setting the stage with exciting new merchandise and a playful nod to its competition. Dive into the details of the upcoming Sonic 35th anniversary and Sega's latest moves in the gaming world.
Sega Teases Sonic 35th Anniversary Plans
New Calendar Features 35th Anniversary Logo and Art
Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary is on the horizon in 2026, and Sega is not holding back on the celebrations. An Amazon listing by Sega has unveiled pre-orders for the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary 2026 Wall Calendar, complete with 4 bonus notecards. This calendar is not just a timekeeper but a collector's item for Sonic enthusiasts.
The calendar boasts exclusive artwork featuring Sonic, adorned with a fresh 35th anniversary logo. The cover photo hints at a journey through Sonic's history, showcasing game art from 1991 to the present. The product description entices fans with, "Race into adventure and celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary with this 12-month retrospective calendar. Featuring original game art from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) to Sonic Frontiers (2022), this calendar is perfect for Sonic fans new and old. Gotta go fast!"
Alongside the calendar, buyers will receive 4 die-cut notecards featuring beloved characters like Sonic, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails, which can be transformed into 3D self-standing figures. The Sonic 35th Anniversary Wall Calendar is available for pre-order on Amazon and is set to ship starting August 19, 2025.
Sega Takes a Jab at Mario Kart World
In other news, the Sonic franchise is revving up for the release of Sonic Racing: Crossworlds in 2025. This comes at a time when Nintendo has announced Mario Kart World, set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. The competition between these two gaming giants is heating up, and Sega isn't shy about it.
On April 3, Sega took to Twitter (X) with a playful jab at Nintendo's announcement. Their post began with "Big day for worldly racing games!", seemingly celebrating Mario Kart World. However, Sega quickly pivoted, stating that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be the "ONLY upcoming kart racer you can play with your friends." This friendly rivalry between Sega and Nintendo continues to fuel excitement in the gaming community.
2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for kart racing fans, with two industry giants launching highly anticipated titles. While Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be available across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC, Mario Kart World aims to leverage the innovative features of the upcoming Switch 2.
Ultimately, fans are the real winners here, as both CrossWorlds and Mario Kart World promise high-quality, enjoyable gaming experiences. Although a specific release date for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has not been announced, the anticipation is palpable.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds by checking out our dedicated article below!