Sonic the Hedgehog is at the heart of the gaming industry, and now Hollywood too. The Blue Blur has been the mascot of Sega for decades now, and even though the company stopped making consoles a long time ago, Sonic never stepped down as the face of Sega, something that countless fans are grateful for.

6 Best Sonic Collaborations in Other Games

Sega loves to show off its star mascot in different games, and these 6 Sonic collaborations have been the best so far.

Even though Sega tends to mess up Sonic Games more often than not, they keep trying new ideas which keeps things fresh. On Nintendo’s newest console, there aren’t a lot of Sonic games available, but out of them, these are thebest ones.

Lego Dimensions and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games

8Team Sonic Racing

Sonic Behind a Wheel

Team Sonic Racing

As one of the few games that compete withMario Kart 8 Deluxe,Team Sonic Racingis Sega’s attempt at pitting Sonic and his friends against Nintendo’s favorite plumber and his kart. Instead of going all out for individual glory, Team Sonic Racing is all about coordinating with teammates to share power-ups and draft behind each other for speed boosts, something that makes this kart racer different from all the others on Nintendo eShop.

It’s a refreshing twist on the kart racing formula, but the gameplay doesn’t quite reach the depth or chaos of its competitors (cough-Mario-Kart-8-Deluxe-cough).

Sonic and Shadow driving side by side in Team Sonic Racing

While the track designs and character-specific abilities shine, the game’s limited roster and lack of memorable features hold it back. It’s still a fun racer for Sonic fans, but it feels like it’s running in the shadow of bigger, faster competitors.

7Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Hedgehog Vs. Plumber

Mario & Sonic at The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

If there was anyone who was built to be an athlete, it was Sonic, and this crossover extravaganza pits Sonic and his friends against Mario and his squad in a variety of Olympic events, from archery to surfing. Released on the Switch in 2020, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 offers a colorful andfamily-friendly experience.

The mini-games are easy to pick up and fun to play, and while the game is far more polished than its previous brethren, the game doesn’t have a lot of staying power. The retro 2D events are a delightful nod to the series’ history, but they can’t carry the experience alone. It’s great for short bursts of fun, especially with friends, but it’s not a gold-medal-worthy experience.

Characters from Sonic and Mario games standing on the starting like of a race in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

6Sonic Frontiers

An Open-World Sonic Game

Sonic Frontiers

Sonic Frontiers, released in 2022, boldly reimagined the Sonic formula by introducing open-zone gameplay. Players explore expansive islands filled with puzzles, enemies, and towering challenges, blending classic Sonic speed with modern exploration mechanics. While anopen worldin the traditional sense, the game’s open-ended zones give players a sense of freedom that’s new for the series.

Critics were divided on the execution; some loved the new direction, while others found the environments mostly empty and the controls occasionally clunky. Still, Frontiers marked an exciting evolution for the franchise, and its high-speed gameplay shines on the Switch.

Sonic grinding on rails in Sonic Frontiers

5Sonic Origins

Reliving The Glory Days

Sonic Origins Plus

For fans of Sonic’s 2D roots,Sonic Originsis a must-play. This 2022 compilation bundles Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD into one package, complete withenhanced visualsand added features like cutscenes that tie the games together.

The remastered graphics look crisp on the Switch, and the addition of an “anniversary mode” with widescreen support makes these classics more accessible than ever. While the collection isn’t without its flaws (some bugs and the removal of certain original tracks), it’s a love letter to Sonic’s golden era that every fan should experience.

Sonic running through a loop in Green Hill Zone in Sonic Origins

4Sonic Colors: Ultimate

A Very Underrated Sonic Title

Sonic Colors: Ultimate

Originally released in 2010 on the Wii, Sonic Colors was remastered for the Switch in 2021, bringing its vibrant worlds and fast-paced gameplay to a new generation. The game introduces Wisps, alien creatures that grant Sonic temporary abilities like drilling through the ground or zipping through the air as a laser.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3: 10 Hidden Easter Eggs and References in the Film

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a treat of a movie for fans, especially with these nods to the source material!

The levels are a joy to speed through, and the remaster adds visual polish and quality-of-life improvements such as improved controls. However, the port wasn’t without its hiccups, as early versions were plagued by performance issues. Most of these were later patched, leaving behind a colorful and satisfying adventure that holds up well.

3Sonic Superstars

Modern Sonic Meets Retro Charm

Sonic Superstars

Released in 2023, Sonic Superstars brings the classic 2D Sonic formula into the modern era with stunning, 2.5D visuals and co-op multiplayer. The game retains the feel of the original Genesis titles but adds new mechanics, like the Chaos Emerald powers, which let Sonic and his friends perform unique abilities like swimming up waterfalls.

The art style of the game is gorgeous, and the level design strikes a great balance between nostalgia and innovation. Playing with friends adds a chaotic yet fun layer to the experience, making this one of the most enjoyable Sonic games in years.

2Sonic X Shadow Generations

The Rivalry That Never Gets Old

Sonic X Shadow Generations

With the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in cinemas and the entry of Shadow into Sonic’s world, Team Sonic went ahead and remastered the 2011 Sonic Generation, but added Shadow to the game as well. Shadow’s sections take players back toall his appearances in the franchisebut with better visuals and more polished controls.

For newcomers who missed out on the original Generations, this is the ultimate way to experience it. And for long-time fans, Shadow’s brand-new campaign feels like a fresh, perfectly timed addition that celebrates his big Hollywood debut in style.

1Sonic Mania

The Best Modern-Retro Sonic Games

Sonic Mania

Released on the Switch in 2017,Sonic Maniamanages to do so many things correctly. Since it was developed by Sonic fans who had chosen a career in game development just so they could create a Sonic game themselves, it’s no wonder Sonic Mania was a massive hit. The game captures the magic of the Genesis-era titles, featuring beautifully remastered levels and entirely new zones.

The pixel art is stunning, the soundtrack is iconic, and the gameplay is buttery smooth. Every stage feels like a playground for Sonic’s speed and acrobatics, and the game’s attention to detail makes it a joy to replay. There’s no doubt that Sonic Mania is the pinnacle of the franchise on the Switch.

8 Most Memorable Levels From Sonic The Hedgehog Games

Across all the Sonic the Hedgehog games released over the years, these levels live rent-free in fans’ minds.