Sonic the Hedgehog is preparing major celebrations for its upcoming 35th anniversary, as evidenced by a new Amazon listing. The blue blur's milestone year will feature commemorative merchandise and some playful competition with Nintendo's kart racing titles.
Sega Teases Sonic 35th Anniversary Plans
New Calendar Features 35th Anniversary Logo and Art
Sonic fans can mark their calendars for 2026 when the iconic hedgehog celebrates 35 years of high-speed adventures. Sega has already unveiled plans through an Amazon listing for a special 2026 wall calendar featuring never-before-seen artwork and a brand anniversary logo.
The commemorative calendar takes players on a visual journey through Sonic's history, showcasing game artwork from the 1991 original through 2022's Sonic Frontiers. The product description promises a "12-month retrospective" perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. Each purchase also includes four collectible character notecards that transform into 3D figures of Sonic, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails.
Pre-orders are currently available on Amazon, with shipments beginning August 19, 2025 - giving fans nearly a full year to anticipate Sonic's big anniversary celebrations.
Sega's Playful Challenge to Mario Kart
In other Sonic news, Sega couldn't resist injecting some friendly competition into the kart racing scene. The company playfully acknowledged Nintendo's upcoming Mario Kart World announcement with a cheeky social media post on April 3.
While recognizing it as a "big day for worldly racing games," Sega quickly pointed out that their forthcoming Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds would be "the ONLY upcoming kart racer you can play with your friends." This marks the latest chapter in the good-natured rivalry between the two gaming giants.
The 2025 racing game landscape promises exciting competition between these beloved franchises. While Mario Kart World will debut alongside Nintendo's next console, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds aims to capture audiences across all major platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Though specific release dates remain unannounced, fans can look forward to experiencing both titles' innovations. With high-quality gameplay expected from both franchises, racing enthusiasts ultimately stand to benefit from this friendly console competition.
For the latest updates on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, stay tuned for future announcements and details about this highly anticipated title.