SEGA is delisting Sonic titles ahead of Sonic Origins

Editor’s note (4.27.22): SEGA has recently responded to news outlets clarifying which titles will no longer be available for digital distribution following the release of Sonic Origins. It appears that the Xbox 360, PS3/PS Now, and Steam versions of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles will be delisted from their respective storefronts. Sonic CD and the SEGA AGES version will not be affected. Find out more here.

Original Article: When SEGA finally announced the long-rumored Sonic Origins, fans were quickly overjoyed. But that joy turned to caution for some (and for others, outright disgust) when SEGA revealed its plans for the game’s downloadable content. Now, there’s another cause for worry: in preparation for Sonic Origins’ launch, SEGA is delisting the standalone versions of the included titles.

Starting in May, you won’t be able to purchase Sonic 1, 2, 3, or CD through digital distribution platforms. The only way to play these games on modern systems will be through Sonic Origins when it launches in June.

It’s yet another strange move from SEGA that put another sour taste in fan’s mouths. And while it’s not like we’ll never get to experience these classic Sonic titles again, the decision to nix them in favor of Origins feels… off.

What Sonic games is SEGA delisting?

Standalone versions of Sonic 1, 2, 3 & Knuckles, and CD will no longer be available for purchase come May 20. The only way to experience these titles (without going for physical cartridges) is to purchase Sonic Origins when it becomes available on June 23.

There are some exceptions, however. The versions of Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2 available on Nintendo Switch via SEGA Ages will remain available. Additionally, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is still unlocked for players with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.

You could argue that SEGA and the Origins team are releasing the definitive versions of these games. By that logic, why should it matter that SEGA is delisting the old Sonic games? Thing is, whether or not Sonic Origins does become the de facto way to play Sonic’s classic adventures, not having the older versions available anymore speaks more to corporate control rather than making the best experience for players. It seems like SEGA wants to squeeze Origins for everything it’s worth, even at the cost of player freedom.

Are you still looking forward to Sonic Origins? Which game are you most excited to revisit? Let us know!

Via Kotaku.