Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates 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 about Sonic‘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.

1

A New 2D Sonic Game

Sonic the Hedgehog originated as a 2D platformer, but after the success of Sonic Adventure, we didn’t see a mainline entry go back to its roots for years. Games like Sonic Generations have 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 stellar Sonic Mania, a game that blends nostalgia and modern platforming mechanics, resulting in a tight, satisfying experience.

Sadly, despite its critical success, the only fully 2D Sonic game since then has been Sonic Superstars. Though it isn’t a bad game (I do enjoy the multiplayer), it’s not on the same level as Sonic Mania. SEGA could bring back the Sonic Mania developers 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 direct Sonic Mania sequel is ideal, though it’d be just as interesting if SEGA tried something else, like a new entry in the Sonic Advance series.

2

Sonic Adventure 3, Complete With a Chao Garden

It’s been almost 25 years since Sonic Adventure 2 launched, and we still don’t have a third game in the series. Interestingly, it was released around Sonic’s 10th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate a big milestone like 35 years than a game fans have spent decades begging for? The last 3D Sonic game came out in late 2022, and though opinions about it are mixed, I’d say Sonic Frontiers is a solid experience.

Sonic Frontiers could serve as the foundation for open areas like the ones present in the first Sonic 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 game and said that’s because it’s a part of the Sonic Adventure series. 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.

Related

Now Is the Perfect Time for the Return of Sonic’s Chao Garden

The Chao Garden hasn’t been seen in over 20 years.

3

A Spin-Off in a New Genre

Asking SEGA for a new 2D game and Sonic Adventure 3 is like asking Nintendo to make a new The 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 a Sonic equivalent of Super Mario Maker? The amount of creativity we’d see in a game like that promises to keep Sonic fans 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 of Sonic Superstars.

One of my favorite franchises is Metal Slug, a part of gaming’s most influential genre that went extinct, yet saw itself revitalized with Metal Slug Tactics. Sonic’s universe is rich with diverse characters that could all have unique kits for a tactical or strategy RPG.

If franchises like Metal Slug and Gears of War can deviate to something completely different from their core gameplay loop and be successful, Sonic can.

4

Crossovers With Other Platforming Giants

With video game crossovers becoming more popular than ever, now is the perfect time for Sonic to cash in on his rising acclaim, and not through his usual spin-off appearances. Whereas Super Smash Bros. is a fighting game series that has come to include more characters than you probably thought possible, it’d be incredible if Sonic had a true platformer crossover.

For example, Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto’s Rampage and Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy saw 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 the Sonic IP 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 with Crash Bandicoot since I love speedrunning games from both franchises, but I realize that’s a pipe dream.

5

An Unexpected Sequel

The sequel ideas I’ve mentioned aren’t really outlandish in any way, so a great curveball for Sonic‘s 35th anniversary could be one that no one sees coming. For instance, Sonic Battle for the Game Boy Advance differed greatly from traditional fighting games and was the first time the series revisited the genre after Sonic the Fighters in 1996. The Sonic franchise has expanded its character roster quite a bit since Sonic Battle launched 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 to Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood would be welcome as well. RPGs have seen a resurgence as of late, and one with deep, intricate mechanics set in the Sonic universe is something I’m sure fans would appreciate.

Conversely, I wonder how people would react if a Shadow the Hedgehog sequel 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.

The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise 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.