Sonic Celebrates 35 Years with New Calendar and Artwork

Sonic the Hedgehog is set to celebrate a major milestone in 2026—its 35th anniversary—and Sega is already laying the groundwork for the festivities. Recent revelations hint at exciting new merchandise and commemorative content, while the company also readies a competitive kart racer aimed at rivaling Nintendo’s latest release.

New Calendar Highlights Sonic's Legacy

As revealed through an Amazon listing, Sega is launching the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary 2026 Wall Calendar with 4 Bonus Notecards. This special edition calendar not only marks the passage of time but also pays tribute to Sonic's evolution from his debut in 1991 to the present day.

Featuring exclusive artwork and a newly designed 35th-anniversary logo, the calendar promises a visual journey through Sonic's storied history. According to the product description: “Race into adventure and celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary with this 12-month retrospective calendar. Featuring original game art from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) to Sonic Frontiers (2022), this calendar is perfect for Sonic fans new and old. Gotta go fast!”

In addition to the monthly visuals, the package includes four die-cut notecards featuring beloved characters such as Sonic, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails. These cards double as 3D self-standing figures—ideal for collectors or longtime fans looking to commemorate the occasion.

The calendar is currently available for pre-order on Amazon and is scheduled to begin shipping on August 19, 2025.

A Friendly Rivalry Heats Up: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds vs Mario Kart World

While the 35th-anniversary celebrations are building momentum, Sonic fans also have another major title to look forward to: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, expected to launch sometime in 2025.

Coincidentally, Nintendo recently announced Mario Kart World during its Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct presentation. Scheduled to arrive alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World looks to push the franchise into new territory with enhanced features tailored for the next-gen console.

Sega took a playful jab at Nintendo’s announcement via a post on April 3rd, 2025, on X (formerly Twitter). The message began lightheartedly: "Big day for worldly racing games!" before highlighting that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds would be the “ONLY upcoming kart racer you can play with your friends.” It’s all part of the long-standing yet friendly rivalry between the two gaming giants.

Despite the banter, both titles are generating excitement across their respective fanbases. While Mario Kart World is positioned as a showcase title for the Switch 2, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be widely accessible, launching on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Though no official release date has been confirmed for CrossWorlds, anticipation continues to grow.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and other Sonic-related news as 2025 unfolds.