Summary
Ahead of the 35th Anniversary ofSonic the Hedgehogin 2026, Sega has started taking pre-orders for a 2026 calendar featuring its titular mascot. The calendar’s cover featured variousSoniccharacters along with the Chaos Emeralds, with Sonic himself assuming a new pose. A new anniversary logo was also spotted on the calendar, which indicated that Sega’s 2026 plans could go beyond just one product.
First released in June 1991 on the Sega Genesis,Sonic the Hedgehogwas the Blue Blur’s first game release. Asone of the most influential Genesis games,Sonic the Hedgehogwas set across six unique zones laden with various pitfalls and robotic foes. Although the firstSonicgame lacked some of Sonic’s signature abilities, such as the Spin Dash and the Homing Attack, its focus on high-speed platforming and careful jumping laid the foundation for subsequent entries.Sonic the Hedgehog’s success was followed by several sequels, with 2024’sSonic X Shadow Generationsbeing the latest.
WhileSonic’s 35th Anniversary is a year away at the time of this writing, Sega’s early plans may provide some clues to fans eager for news.As reported by ComicBook, a 2026 calendar featuring game art across theSonicfranchise is now available forpre-order on Amazon for $16.99. The calendar will be released on June 17, 2025, and will also include four die-cut notecards as a bonus. The notecards can also be transformed into self-standing figures. When opened, theSonic2026 calendar will measure 12" x 24" and include some space for note-taking.
Sonic The Hedgehog’s 35th Anniversary Kicks Off With 2026 Calendar Pre-Order
The calendar’s cover art shows Sonic giving a thumbs up to the camera, asthe seven Chaos Emeralds encircle him. Each of the Emeralds has the reflection of characters such as Knuckles, Tails, and Doctor Eggman. However, the Green Emerald instead features cover art from variousSonicgames, including the first Genesis game andSonic Frontiers.
Each month on the calendar will feature cover art from differentSonicgames, ending withSonic Frontiers. While the complete order remains unknown, Amazon’s preview stated that the key art forSonic Spinballwould be includedin the March 2026 selection. Additionally, the calendar revealed a new logo for Sonic’s 35th Anniversary, which includes a silhouette of Sonic’s face next to a Chaos Emerald.
As for the franchise’s immediate future,Sonic Racing: CrossWorldsremains in developmentafter hosting a closed beta test for PS5 users in February. Only time will tell what surprises Sega has in store forSonicfans between now and the actual 35th anniversary date.
