
Sonic the Hedgehog is revving up for a monumental 35th anniversary in 2026, and Sega has already started the festivities with an exciting announcement. Dive into the details of the new art and merchandise, and catch a glimpse of Sega's playful rivalry with Mario Kart World.
Sega Teases Sonic 35th Anniversary Plans
New Calendar Features 35th Anniversary Logo and Art

Sonic the Hedgehog is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2026, and Sega is not waiting around to get the party started. An Amazon listing by Sega reveals that pre-orders for the Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary 2026 Wall Calendar with 4 Bonus Notecards are now open.
The calendar is a visual journey through Sonic's legacy, featuring exclusive artwork and a new 35th anniversary logo. The cover photo of the listing promises a nostalgic trip from 1991 to the present, with game art spanning from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) to Sonic Frontiers (2022). The description entices fans with, "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!"
Moreover, the calendar comes with a delightful bonus: 4 die-cut notecards featuring beloved characters like Sonic, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails, which can be transformed into 3D self-standing figures. The Sonic 35th Anniversary Wall Calendar is available for pre-order on Amazon and is set to ship starting August 19, 2025.
Sega Takes a Jab at Mario Kart World
The Sonic universe is also accelerating towards the release of Sonic Racing: Crossworlds in 2025, amidst a competitive landscape. Nintendo has also announced Mario Kart World, set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.
In a light-hearted rivalry, Sega posted on Twitter (X) on April 3, "Big day for worldly racing games!", seemingly congratulating the announcement of Mario Kart World. However, Sega quickly pivoted, asserting that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be the "ONLY upcoming kart racer you can play with your friends." This friendly banter continues the long-standing, playful competition between Sega and Nintendo, set to intensify with the release of CrossWorlds and Mario Kart World.

2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for kart racing enthusiasts, as two industry giants roll out their beloved franchises. While Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be available across multiple platforms, Mario Kart World aims to leverage the innovative features of the Switch 2.
Ultimately, fans stand to gain the most from this competition, with both games promising high-quality, enjoyable experiences. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is slated for release in 2025 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC, though an exact date has yet to be announced.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds by checking out our dedicated article below!