Visitors in SegaA shop in Tokyo will soon be able to see the life-size statue Sonic the Hedgehog which contains synthetic DNA. Since his debut in 1991, Sonic has been Sega's main mascot and is quickly becoming an international icon. The blue blur has stayed relevant with a steady stream of video games, TV shows, movies, comics, and more. There are few characters in games that have managed to remain so popular over the years, and Sonic helped make Sega a household name.
In 2026 it will be 35 years Sonic the Hedgehogand Sega is celebrating the occasion in many different ways. A new DLC has been revealed for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds at the Summer Game Fest, which will add content based on Godzilla and Evangelion. Sega also pulled back the curtain on a new spin-off game titled Sonic Pico Park.
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Synthetic DNA in the Sonic Statue
New video game content isn't surprising for the anniversary of a major gaming icon, but Sega's collaboration with LOM BABY is certainly unique. Using biotechnology, LOM BABY created an artificial DNA chain composed of all the basic elements Sonic the Hedgehog. These staples include Sonic's spin dash, his heroics, and even his water fights. This spring was then placed into a green Chaos Emerald in the statue's transparent chest. LOM BABY has done similar artistic collaborations with gaming companies, including recreation Resident Evil T-Virus earlier this year.
Who is that character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
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Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s) Medium (5.0s) Hard (2.5s) Permadeath (2.5s)
It is unclear if Sega will bring the LOM BABY collaboration to other countries or if it will remain exclusive to Japan. The statue can be found at Sega's Tokyo Store starting June 23rd. This is just two days after the 35th anniversary of the original Sonic the Hedgehog releasing the game on the Sega Genesis so the timing is pretty good. The whole thing is pretty unusual, but it should be an interesting piece of display Sound fans who are in the area.
While 2026 marks a major milestone for the character, it looks like next year could be even bigger for the franchise. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 hits theaters in 2027 and continues Paramount's highly successful film franchise. The film will seemingly put a heavy emphasis on Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, two characters who debuted on the big screen at the end of the year Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The movies helped introduce the franchise to many new fans, and Sega capitalized on that by releasing new games to match. This is exactly what happened in 2024 when Generation Sonic x Shadow it was released on multiple platforms around the same time Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was in theaters.
Find the odd one before the timer reaches zero.
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Find the odd one before the timer reaches zero.
Easy (15s) Medium (10s) Hard (5s) Permadeath (5s)
Sega's plans for future games are a mystery at this point, but a Sonic CD there was talk of a remake. Amy and Metal Sonic debuted in this game, so the timing could have coincided with the theatrical release. Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds it will also continue to be supported in 2027, and the developers have indicated that even more characters and tracks may be added if there is enough demand from players. The Sound the series may be celebrating its 35th birthday this year, but it doesn't seem like it's slowing down with age.
Source: Sega PR
