Would you have thought that brand new games would be released for a console from the 90s? This will be the case next autumn: for the 35th anniversary of the blue hedgehog, Sega is bringing back the classics “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”. Not for any next-gen consoles or on Steam – but as physical modules for the original Sega Mega Drive.
But before you get the old tube television out of the attic: a little patience is required. The publication is only for that third quarter of 2026 planned. The pre-orders have already started now. Here you can find the “Legacy Cartridge Collections” for the legendary jump’n’runs.
35 Years of Sonic The Hedgehog: What’s in the Legacy Cartridge Collections?
For this special new edition, Sega has teamed up with the collector specialists from iam8bit teamed up. The company is known in the scene for extremely high-quality and lovingly designed physical editions of games. So these are not cheap copies, but real collector’s items. Iam8bit itself describes the new editions as “a carefully crafted, fully playable reimagining of the legend that started it all“.
This is exactly what awaits you in the box:
- Fully functional game modules: The cartridges are compatible with the European Mega Drive and the American Genesis. On the shop page there is only talk of “Sega Genesis”, on Sega’s birthday page But compatibility with Mega Drive is also mentioned.
- Elegant design: The modules are in transparent housings. “Sonic the Hedgehog” shines in hedgehog blue, while “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” has an amber “Two-Tail Amber” look.
- High quality packaging: The games are delivered in an elaborately designed folding box, including a newly illustrated manual with restored artwork and other retro additions.
For collectors: The hunt for the Chaos Emeralds
Sega and iam8bit are clearly targeting lovers and collectors with this campaign. A special gimmick is intended to ensure a real hunting instinct: every eighth cartridge produced is a so-called “Chaos Emerald Energy” variant – a kind of rare collector’s edition with a special color effect.. These rare modules have a unique, colorful shimmering interior that is intended to be reminiscent of the powerful gemstones from the Sonic universe.
Price and release: This is what you need to know
If you want to secure a piece of video game history for your shelf, you can now purchase the modules on the official website of iam8bit pre-order. But it won’t be cheap.
feature | information |
Price | 99.99 US dollars per game (approx. 93 euros) |
Additional costs | Keep in mind that there are additional shipping costs and import duties. |
Release date | 3rd quarter 2026 |
compatibility | Sega Mega Drive & Genesis |
Delivery will take place in waves from the 3rd quarter. A second wave will be announced for the 4th quarter, with further orders scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
Why the hedgehog still runs after 35 years
Sonic’s return to the Mega Drive isn’t just a clever marketing move. It is part of a retro trend that has been booming for years and shows how lasting the fascination with the gaming era of the 90s is. For an entire generation, the blue hedgehog was the answer to Nintendo’s Super Mario and the decisive reason to buy a Mega Drive.
Martin Maciej (Own opinion):
This makes my gamer heart beat faster
Sonic: The Hedgehog was actually one of the first games I remember playing. Back then, I mostly sunk hours into the Game Gear. I was only able to play the Mega Drive version at a friend’s house. Maybe it’s time to bring some youth back.
With successful films and new games, the brand has managed to remain relevant decades after its debut and delight old and new fans alike. This new edition is a nod to the roots and a rare chance to relive a piece of gaming culture. If you want to shorten the waiting time, you can find the Sonic film from 2020 in the stream here:
Elsewhere we like to remember the legendary football game Sensible Soccer.