SEGA Celebrates 35 Years of Sonic the Hedgehog With New Anniversary Plans

Sonic the Hedgehog 35th anniversary artwork featuring Sonic and the Chaos Emeralds
SEGA celebrates 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog with new anniversary artwork and plans for 2026.

By Jon Scarr

SEGA has officially kicked off celebrations for Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary, marking another major milestone for one of gaming’s most recognizable characters. To start the year-long celebration, SEGA released a new anniversary trailer highlighting Sonic’s legacy across games, animation, film, and pop culture.

First introduced in 1991, Sonic quickly became one of the defining characters of the 16-bit era and has remained a central part of SEGA’s identity for more than three decades. Since then, the franchise has expanded far beyond games, spanning animated series, blockbuster films, merchandise, music, and global fan events.

A Year of Sonic Celebrations Planned

According to SEGA, the 35th anniversary will be marked by a full slate of activities throughout 2026. Planned initiatives include:

  • Digital content celebrating Sonic’s history and evolution
  • Fan events and community gatherings
  • Exclusive merchandise and brand partnerships
  • Museum-style pop-ups and art exhibits
  • Live music and concert experiences
  • A new narrative podcast set within the Sonic universe

SEGA says the goal is to celebrate both the franchise’s legacy and its future, bringing together longtime fans and newer audiences alike.

Looking Back, and Ahead

“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 35 years of our beloved Sonic franchise with our fans,” said Marcella Churchill, Vice President of SEGA/ATLUS Brand Marketing at SEGA of America. “This milestone is not just a reflection of our past, but also a look toward the future as we continue to innovate and grow.”

While specific game announcements tied to the anniversary have not yet been announced, SEGA confirmed that additional collaborations, collectibles, and experiences will be revealed throughout the year.

Fans can view the anniversary trailer now and follow ongoing updates through SEGA’s official 35th anniversary hub.


About the author
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Jon Scarr

4ScarrsGaming Owner / Operator & Editor-in-Chief

Jon covers video game news, reviews, industry shifts, cloud gaming, plus movies, TV, and toys, with an eye on how entertainment fits into everyday life.

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