Sonic the Hedgehog burst onto the Sega Genesis in 1991 and has been running ever since, through 16-bit classics, the Dreamcast's jump to 3D and a modern revival. Here is every main Sonic game in release order, the handheld entries worth knowing about, and the best places to start.
Sonic games in release order
| Year | Game | Original system |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Sonic the Hedgehog | Genesis |
| 1992 | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Genesis |
| 1993 | Sonic CD | Sega CD |
| 1994 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Genesis |
| 1994 | Sonic & Knuckles | Genesis |
| 1996 | Sonic 3D Blast | Genesis and Saturn |
| 1999 | Sonic Adventure | Dreamcast |
| 2001 | Sonic Adventure 2 | Dreamcast (Battle on GameCube, 2002) |
| 2003 | Sonic Heroes | GameCube, PS2 and Xbox |
| 2005 | Shadow the Hedgehog | GameCube, PS2 and Xbox |
| 2006 | Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) | Xbox 360 and PS3 |
| 2007 | Sonic and the Secret Rings | Wii |
| 2008 | Sonic Unleashed | Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and PS2 |
| 2009 | Sonic and the Black Knight | Wii |
| 2010 | Sonic Colors | Wii and DS |
| 2011 | Sonic Generations | Xbox 360, PS3 and 3DS |
| 2013 | Sonic Lost World | Wii U and 3DS |
| 2017 | Sonic Mania | Switch, PS4 and Xbox One |
| 2017 | Sonic Forces | Switch, PS4 and Xbox One |
| 2022 | Sonic Frontiers | Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox |
| 2023 | Sonic Superstars | Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox |
Years are the first North American release. This list covers the main console series; racing games, party games and the Mario & Sonic Olympic games are left out. On handhelds, Sonic Advance (2001), Sonic Advance 2 (2002) and Sonic Advance 3 (2004) on Game Boy Advance, and Sonic Rush (2005) on DS, are all excellent 2D Sonic games in their own right.
Classic Sonic vs. modern Sonic
Fans usually split the series in two. Classic Sonic means the 2D Genesis games: fast, momentum-based platforming across zones with multiple routes, and a soundtrack people still hum. Sonic Mania (2017) is a modern game made in that classic style. Modern Sonic starts with Sonic Adventure on Dreamcast: fully 3D, with a bigger cast, voice acting and stories that range from goofy to dramatic. Sonic Generations is a fun bridge, giving you both styles in one game.
The classic Sonic games worth owning
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 · $24.97
The fan-favorite Genesis Sonic, and the debut of Tails and the spin dash.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 · $56.97
Bigger zones and Knuckles' first appearance. Lock it onto Sonic & Knuckles for the full adventure.
Sonic and Knuckles · $54.97
The famous lock-on cartridge that combines with Sonic 3 into one huge game.
Sonic Adventure 2 Battle · $109.97
The GameCube release of Sonic Adventure 2, with extra multiplayer and Chao garden features.
Sonic Generations · $21.97
Classic and modern Sonic team up in remixed stages from across the series.
Which Sonic game should you play first?
For the classic experience, start with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Genesis. It's quick to pick up and shows off everything that made Sonic a star. For 3D, Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast or the GameCube Battle version) is the fan favorite. For a modern console, Sonic Mania Plus captures the Genesis feel, and Sonic Colors is the friendliest 3D Sonic for kids.
Sonic on original hardware
The Genesis games are the heart of the series, and they play best on the console they were built for, with its distinctive sound chip and a real 6-button or 3-button pad. Dreamcast discs are the way to play the original Sonic Adventure games as they first appeared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first Sonic game?
Sonic the Hedgehog, released for the Sega Genesis in June 1991. Sega built the game to give it a mascot fast enough to rival Mario.
How many Sonic games are there?
There are around 20 main-series Sonic games, plus dozens of spin-offs, racing games and handheld entries.
What is the best Sonic game?
Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic Mania are the most common picks for 2D, and Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Generations for 3D.
How does the Sonic & Knuckles lock-on cartridge work?
Sonic & Knuckles has a slot on top. Plug Sonic 3 into it and you get Sonic 3 & Knuckles, the complete combined adventure. Plugging in Sonic 2 lets you play as Knuckles in Sonic 2.
Which Sonic games are on GameCube?
Sonic Adventure DX, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle, Sonic Heroes, Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Riders, Sonic Mega Collection and Sonic Gems Collection.
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