Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary celebrations are underway, with a surprise Amazon listing revealing exclusive merchandise. Discover fresh anniversary artwork and Sega's playful rivalry with Mario Kart World.
Sega Unveils Sonic's 35th Anniversary Strategy
Exclusive Anniversary Calendar Reveals New Artwork
As Sonic speeds toward his 35th anniversary in 2026, Sega has already kicked off preparations. The publisher recently revealed a special 2026 wall calendar featuring limited-edition artwork through an Amazon listing.
This collector's item displays previously unseen Sonic artwork alongside a new anniversary logo. Preview images suggest the calendar will chronicle Sonic's evolution through game art spanning from his 1991 debut to modern titles. According to the official description: "Commemorate Sonic's 35-year legacy with this 12-month retrospective calendar featuring iconic artwork from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) through Sonic Frontiers (2022). Perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike - the ultimate tribute to gaming's fastest hedgehog!"
The package includes four collectible notecards depicting fan-favorite characters like Sonic, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails, which cleverly transform into 3D standees. Pre-orders are currently live on Amazon, with shipping scheduled to begin August 19, 2025.
Sega Playfully Challenges Mario Kart World
The Sonic franchise is accelerating toward another major release—Sonic Racing: Crossworlds—expected in 2025. This timing coincides with Nintendo's announcement of Mario Kart World during their Switch 2 Direct presentation, slated for a June 5, 2025 launch.
Sega couldn't resist joining the conversation on social media. On April 3, their official Twitter account posted: "Big day for worldwide racing games!"—initially appearing to congratulate Nintendo. However, they swiftly clarified that Sonic Racing: Crossworlds would be "the ONLY upcoming kart racer you can play with your friends," reigniting their friendly rivalry. This ongoing competition between gaming's blue mascots continues to delight fans worldwide.
2025 shapes up to be a thrilling year for racing game enthusiasts as industry titans prepare to launch major titles. While Crossworlds will enjoy multiplatform availability, Nintendo aims to leverage Switch 2's capabilities for Mario Kart World. Regardless of platform preferences, gamers ultimately benefit from this healthy competition between two beloved franchises.
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds arrives in 2025 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. While the exact release date remains unconfirmed, anticipation continues building.
For continuous updates on Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, explore our detailed coverage below!
