Sonic Celebrates 35 Years with New Calendar and Artwork

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Sonic the Hedgehog is preparing for a major milestone: its 35th anniversary in 2026. Recent details uncovered via an Amazon listing suggest that Sega is already rolling out commemorative merchandise, including a special wall calendar and exclusive artwork. Read on to discover more about the upcoming Sonic 35th-anniversary celebrations and Sega’s playful rivalry with Nintendo.

Sega Hints at Sonic 35th Anniversary Celebrations

New Calendar Highlights 35th Anniversary Logo and Exclusive Artwork

As Sonic the Hedgehog approaches its 35th anniversary in 2026, Sega has begun teasing what’s in store for fans. One notable item recently listed on Amazon is the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary 2026 Wall Calendar, which is now available for pre-order. This limited-time collectible includes four bonus die-cut notecards and promises to offer fans a visual journey through Sonic's history.

The calendar features a fresh 35th-anniversary logo and never-before-seen illustrations of Sonic. Based on the product image from the listing, it will highlight key moments and art from the franchise spanning from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) to Sonic Frontiers (2022). According to the official 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 artwork, the package also comes with four themed notecards featuring fan-favorite characters such as Sonic, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails. These cards are designed to fold into 3D self-standing figures—making them a unique keepsake for collectors. The calendar is expected to start shipping on August 19, 2025.

Sega Takes a Friendly Jab at Mario Kart World

Meanwhile, the Sonic franchise is also ramping up for the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds in 2025. However, competition is heating up as Nintendo announced Mario Kart World during its Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct event. That title is scheduled to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.

On April 3, Sega posted on X (formerly Twitter), appearing to acknowledge the excitement around racing games. The post began with "Big day for worldly racing games!"—a nod to Nintendo’s announcement. But Sega didn’t stop there, adding that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds would be the "ONLY upcoming kart racer you can play with your friends."

This lighthearted rivalry between Sega and Nintendo has been ongoing for decades, and it seems the spirit continues with these two anticipated kart racers. While Mario Kart World aims to leverage the power of the next-gen Switch 2 hardware, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be available across multiple platforms, ensuring broader accessibility.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to launch in 2025 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. No official release date has been confirmed yet.

With both titles generating significant buzz, 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for kart racing enthusiasts. Whether you're Team Sonic or Team Mario, one thing is certain—fans win when iconic franchises deliver high-quality, competitive experiences.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and other Sonic 35th-anniversary events by checking back regularly.