Sonic Turns 35: Frontiers Definitive Edition Hits Nintendo Switch 2 Today

SEGA of America turned the spotlight on the Blue Blur today, hosting a massive 35th-anniversary livestream that brought a wave of announcements for fans. The biggest surprise of the event was the immediate release of Sonic Frontiers – Definitive Edition, which is available today for the Nintendo Switch 2. This release bundles the original open-zone adventure with all previously released updates, featuring upgraded graphics and performance optimizations.

Racing Updates and World Championship

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is receiving a significant update today at 5 PM PT. Patch 4 adds the fan-favorite Classic Sonic character and his machine for free. Looking further ahead, SEGA confirmed that Axel and Amigo will join the roster in August and September, respectively. Fans can also look forward to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles DLC pack arriving on July 29, 2026, at 12 AM UTC.

For those looking to prove their skills, the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds World Championship qualifiers begin June 30. The top 24 players will head to New York City on October 9, 2026, for the live finals. Viewers watching the qualifiers on Twitch can also earn in-game rewards via drops.

Legacy Collections and New Hardware

To honor the franchise's history, SEGA announced two physical bundles for the Nintendo Switch arriving in October 2026 for $49.99 each. The Classic Sonic Collection features Sonic Origins, Sonic Mania, and Sonic Superstars, while the Modern Sonic Collection bundles Sonic Frontiers, Sonic Colors: Ultimate, and Sonic Forces. Both sets include special anniversary reversible covers and a logo patch.

Collectors can also pre-order the Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2: Legacy Cartridge Collection starting today. Published by iam8bit, these museum-grade, SEGA Genesis-compatible cartridges are priced at $99.99 each and feature specialized Blue Blur and Two Tail Amber casing designs.

Expanding the Sonic Experience

The 35th-anniversary celebration extends beyond traditional titles. SONIC PICO PARK received a new gameplay reveal, confirming that Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Pico Cat will be playable alongside the core cast. Additionally, SEGA is partnering with Nex to bring a new active-play game, Sonic Forces (Working Title), to the Nex Playground console later this year.

Mobile players haven't been left out; Sonic Forces (Mobile) is introducing the limited-time "Idol Sonic" character this month, complete with three unique abilities. For those who prefer music, a 35-song Spotify playlist is now live, and the Sonic Live in Concert tour has added over 30 new dates across the US, UK, and Canada, running through March 2027.

Finally, PC players can take advantage of a massive franchise sale on Steam, with discounts of up to 90% on titles like Sonic Mania and SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS, running until June 25, 2026.