Sonic the Hedgehogcelebrates a big milestone today, with it being 34 years since the first game released on the Sega Genesis. Though that is certainly a long time, SEGA is already releasing merchandise to prepare for his big 35th anniversary, and one can’t help but wonder what’s in store for 2026.
It’s safe to say we’ll get news aboutSonic’s future concerning games and other forms of media, but I have my own wish list of announcements I’d love for SEGA to make.
1A New 2DSonicGame
Sonic the Hedgehogoriginated as a 2D platformer, but after the success ofSonic Adventure, we didn’t see a mainline entry go back to its roots for years. Games likeSonic Generationshave dedicated 2D sections, which is nice, but it doesn’t come close to scratching that distinct platforming itch. Luckily, in 2017, we were treated to the stellarSonic Mania, a game that blends nostalgia and modern platforming mechanics, resulting in a tight, satisfying experience.
Sadly, despite its critical success, the only fully 2DSonicgame since then has beenSonic Superstars. Though it isn’t a bad game (I do enjoy the multiplayer), it’s not on the same level asSonic Mania. SEGA could bring back theSonic Maniadevelopers for a sequel or use its accomplishments as a blueprint to make a new 2D game entirely. The fans clearly want more games like that, so hopefully something is in the works.
In my eyes, a directSonic Maniasequel is ideal, though it’d be just as interesting if SEGA tried something else, like a new entry in theSonic Advanceseries.
2Sonic Adventure 3, Complete With a Chao Garden
It’s been almost 25 years sinceSonic Adventure 2launched, and we still don’t have a third game in the series. Interestingly, it was released aroundSonic’s10th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate a big milestone like 35 years than a game fans have spent decades begging for? The last 3DSonicgame came out in late 2022, and though opinions about it are mixed, I’d saySonic Frontiersis a solid experience.
Sonic Frontierscould serve as the foundation for open areas like the ones present in the firstSonic Adventure. Other characters like Knuckles, Tails, Amy, and even Big the Cat can have their own action stages, as well as areas and activities that are exclusive to them.
Of course, it goes without saying the Chao Garden would also finally make its return.Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka told VGC they won’t make a standalone Chao gameand said that’s because it’s a part of theSonic Adventureseries. Basically, you cannot have one without the other.
This explains why the iconic virtual pet simulator hasn’t been seen in so long, despite the overwhelmingly positive reception. Takashi Iizuka also acknowledged several times that the team knows “everyone wants it,” in reference to the Chao Garden, so I feel like it’s only a matter of time before we’re graced with it again.
3A Spin-Off in a New Genre
Asking SEGA for a new 2D game andSonic Adventure 3is like asking Nintendo to make a newThe Legend of Zelda. It’s not a matter of if it’s going to happen, but when. Because those are safe choices, I’d love to see Sonic do something completely different. He’s been in his fair share of racing games, but he’s starred in unexpected spin-offs as well, like the RPG,Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, and even a third-person shooter,Shadow the Hedgehog.
Can you imagine if we had aSonicequivalent ofSuper Mario Maker? The amount of creativity we’d see in a game like that promises to keepSonicfans busy until the next major release and beyond. A roguelite or roguelike would work really well too, especially if it took inspiration from the multiplayer component ofSonic Superstars.
One of my favorite franchises isMetal Slug, a part ofgaming’s most influential genre that went extinct, yet saw itself revitalized withMetal Slug Tactics. Sonic’s universe is rich with diverse characters that could all have unique kits for a tactical or strategy RPG.
If franchises likeMetal SlugandGears of Warcan deviate to something completely different from their core gameplay loop and be successful,Soniccan.
4Crossovers With Other Platforming Giants
Withvideo game crossovers becoming more popular than ever, now is the perfect time forSonicto cash in on his rising acclaim, and not through his usual spin-off appearances. WhereasSuper Smash Bros.is a fighting game series that has come to include more characters than you probably thought possible, it’d be incredible ifSonichad a true platformer crossover.
For example,Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto’s RampageandSpyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracysaw the two iconic characters collaborate on the Game Boy Advance. Though the gameplay was made up mostly of mini-games, the proof of concept is an interesting one to explore.
Perhaps Sonic could appear in the Mushroom Kingdom and lend Mario a hand, or maybe he could team up with Mega Man to take out Dr. Wily and Doctor Eggman after they join forces. The beauty of theSonicIP is that it has a rich history of 2D and 3D games, providing a lot of flexibility regarding gameplay.
I’d personally love to see him in a game withCrash Bandicootsince I love speedrunning games from both franchises, but I realize that’s a pipe dream.
5An Unexpected Sequel
The sequel ideas I’ve mentioned aren’t really outlandish in any way, so a great curveball forSonic’s 35th anniversary could be one that no one sees coming. For instance,Sonic Battlefor the Game Boy Advance differed greatly from traditional fighting games and was the first time the series revisited the genre afterSonic the Fightersin 1996. TheSonicfranchise has expanded its character roster quite a bit sinceSonic Battlelaunched back in 2004, and I’d love to see what could be done with a sequel, even if it was just a small-scale project or side game.
A sequel toSonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhoodwould be welcome as well. RPGs have seen a resurgence as of late, and one with deep, intricate mechanics set in theSonicuniverse is something I’m sure fans would appreciate.
Conversely, I wonder how people would react if aShadow the Hedgehogsequel were to be announced. The gameplay may have been lacking, but the branching story paths and grittier tone could be expanded on, if that’s a route SEGA wants to explore. You never know, the developers could take it in a completely different direction and make it a hack-and-slash game or something.
TheSonic the Hedgehogfranchise is one that is as rich with history as it is with potential. Though SEGA can play it safe with 2D and 3D games, and no one would complain, I’d love to see them flex their creative muscles, too. Whether it be a game in an entirely new genre, a crossover with another industry giant, or a sequel we never knew we wanted, I can’t wait to see what will happen in 2026.
