Sonic fans across Japan are thrilled to finally be able to see Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in theaters. The popular series isn’t only finding success on the big screen, however, but also within the world of the Metaverse.  In April 2022, the Sonic Speed Simulator was uploaded to Roblox, a global game creator connecting tens of millions of people each day. The game has surpassed 500 million plays worldwide as of August 21, 2022. The official Sonic game is completely free and was created by Gamefam, a leading game developer and publisher, in collaboration with Sega.   The title attracted more than 6 million daily active users worldwide in its first week after launching on April 16, 2022. Sonic Speed Simulator is currently the top-ranked Roblox game of 2022.   The game takes place in six immersive 3D worlds. In addition to regular gameplay, events, and mini-games, users can unlock player skins of popular characters such as Tails and Knuckles as they progress through the game. Sonic Frontiers Teaser Sitehttps://sonic.sega.jp/SonicFrontiers In conjunction with the Japanese release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in theaters, the Japanese version of Sonic Speed Simulator has been unveiled. Japan had the highest daily active user growth on Roblox in the first quarter of 2022 among the 25 largest internet markets worldwide. Comment from Sonic Series Producer at SEGA, Takashi Iizuka“Since its launch in April, Sonic Speed Simulator has seen a massively positive response from the global Roblox community, and I’m so happy to see a new fanbase growing in the Metaverse. With Sonic's popularity spreading around the world with audiences both young and old following the release of the film series, I hope that more fans will enjoy the world of Sonic with the release of Sonic Frontiers later this year!”  A trial version of Sonic Speed Simulator has also been released on the Japanese App Store in cooperation with Apple Japan.

While Sonic the Hedgehog 2 isn’t coming to theaters until April 8, Paramount has confirmed that a third film is already in the works. A Paramount+ streaming series based on Sonic’s sidekick Knuckles is also coming soon, and will star Idris Elba.    The first Sonic the Hedgehog film is the highest-grossing movie based on a video game to ever be released in the US, grossing $320 million worldwide. The sequel is scheduled to release in the west on April 8 and in Japan this summer. The cast from the first film has returned for the second installment, with Jeff Fowler directing and Josh Miller and Pat Casey providing the screenplay.   Inspired by Sega’s video game franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog tells the story of Sonic, the world’s fastest hedgehog, and his adventures after arriving on Earth. The first live-action adventure comedy film was released in 2020 and starred Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, and Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik. ©SEGA

The Nintendo Switch™ title Ninjala finally rolled out its collaboration with Sonic the Hedgehog on Thursday (September 24). In the world of Ninjala, players blow bubble gum to craft different weapons and fight using the fighting style of ninjutsu. Players can also transform into nearby objects, and they must use parkour to traverse different landscapes while aiming to take down their opponents. Players can get their hands on Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles costumes for their avatars, as well as turn into a Dr. Eggman Gum Utsusemi. There are also IPPON decorations and stickers for players to use. All of these items are available to purchase via the in-game shop.   Enter the world of Sonic the Hedgehog in Ninjala today!   © SEGA© GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc.

It was revealed in Developer Diary #9 for the Nintendo Switch title Ninjala by both the game's director and game designer that the previously promised highly-anticipated Sega collaboration is really happening, with Sonic the Hedgehog set to speed his way into the gum world. In the world of Ninjala, players blow bubble gum to craft different weapons and fight using the fighting style of ninjutsu. Players can also transform into nearby objects, and they must use parkour to traverse different landscapes while aiming to take down their opponents. Released on June 25, 2020, the game has been downloaded over 4 million times worldwide. In the latest Developer Diary, the team revealed not only the Sonic collaboration—which comes in the form of costumes you can obtain in-game—but details on the upcoming "Featured Battle Mode" too The new game mode will first bring the "Beast Attack!" limited-time event which is an 8-player game of tag where one player becomes a Beast and must defeat other Ninjas to earn points. Likewise, Ninjas must avoid being defeated for themselves to earn points.   You can check out the full details in the Developer Diary episode below.

© GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc.©SEGA

In the latest developer's diary (Dev Diary #8) for the Nintendo Switch title Ninjala, it was revealed that the game will collaborate with Sonic the Hedgehog. In the world of Ninjala, players blow bubble gum to craft different weapons and fight using the fighting style of ninjutsu. Players can also transform into nearby objects, and they must use parkour to traverse different landscapes while aiming to take down their opponents. Released on June 25, 2020, the game has been downloaded over 4 million times worldwide.   More details about the Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration will be revealed at a later date. It will be the first in-game collaboration for the game.   © GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc.

Sonic the Hedgehog's 29th anniversary is set to fall on June 23, 2020, so to celebrate, SEGA has launched a new collection of merchandise called "Sonic the Hedgehog DJ Popcultcha."   The new Sonic The Hedgehog DJ Style "Party" mix album will also be released on June 17, 2020 as the first in a series of albums. All of this is part of the "SONIC 2020" project in which new Sonic content will be released each month.  

Sonic the Hedgehog DJ Popcultcha

The merchandise line-up features the Sonic the Hedgehog DJ Popcultcha artwork taken from the Sonic The Hedgehog DJ Style "Party" album cover. The collection includes a T-shirt, pin badge, and full colour acrylic stand.

Sonic the Hedgehog DJ Popcultcha T-Shirt: ¥3,000 (Tax Included)

The T-shirt features fluorescent colours in full DJ Popcultcha style, the perfect design to don while listening to music and enjoying the summer sun.

Sonic the Hedgehog DJ Popcultcha Pin Badge Set (2 Pins): ¥800 (Tax Included)

Add these pins to your bag, hat, or anywhere else to add some summertime Sonic spice to your items.

Sonic the Hedgehog DJ Popcultcha Acrylic Stand: ¥1,700 (Before Tax)

The acrylic stand features Sonic in full colour, ready to decorate your desk or shelf.   Click here to see the product page.  

Sonic The Hedgehog DJ Style "PARTY" Album

The DJ mix album features a list of 33 tracks from across the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The album cover design was illustrated exclusively for the album.   Click here to see the product page.