It Took 35 Years, but Sonic Is Finally Getting Something Fans Never Thought They’d See

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It’s been 35 years since the original Sonic the Hedgehog game debuted on the Sega Genesis in 1991, quickly becoming a beloved and expansive franchise. Many Sonic games, including some of the most popular platformers ever made, have been released and played on countless systems. Now, Sonic is coming to a new and unexpected piece of hardware – one that few fans ever imagined seeing Sega’s speedy blue hero on.

Basic Fun!, the owner of Arcade1Up, announced on February 14, 2026, that they’re releasing a new series of home arcade cabinets, and one of them will feature the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog. This is exciting news for both Sonic and Arcade1Up enthusiasts! Until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated arcade cabinet in North America focused on classic Sonic games. While Sonic has appeared in arcade games, especially in Japan like SegaSonic the Hedgehog, and through related titles, this will be the first of its kind. It’s also a positive sign for Arcade1Up fans, demonstrating the brand continues to deliver quality products.

Sonic the Hedgehog Is Coming to Arcade1Up

Arcade1Up is taking a leap forward with its latest cabinet – it’s the first time the company has created a completely original arcade machine, rather than replicating a classic. While the game itself isn’t new, the cabinet’s design is unique and a departure from previous Arcade1Up models, especially since being acquired by BasicFun! The company recently announced this new line, which also includes updated versions of Pac-Man and Sonic. According to Arcade1Up, these machines are meant to appeal to both longtime arcade fans and a new generation of players, paying tribute to the classics.

Arcade1up and Basic Fun are releasing a new Sonic the Hedgehog arcade cabinet in 2026. Here’s a preview from Toy Fair.

— Elite Gaming News (@EliteGamingNews) February 14, 2026

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, a new arcade game featuring the iconic character has been created. This marks Sonic’s first appearance in arcades, coming long after the original game. The arcade cabinet is a high-quality, full-size machine with classic graphics and controls reminiscent of the original Sonic game on the Sega Genesis, and it doesn’t require coins to play. The cabinets were first previewed at Toy Fair 2026 in New York City (February 14-17), and early reactions suggest they are excellent.

The new Sonic the Hedgehog arcade cabinet from Arcade1Up is significantly larger than previous models, standing at 69 inches tall and designed to be a focal point in your home arcade. Instead of a traditional CRT screen, it uses a 19-inch BOE display. It comes pre-loaded with four classic Sonic games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3D Blast, and Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine. With its three-button layout and two controllers, it’s perfect for Sonic fans looking to revisit these beloved titles. The cabinet is expected to be released in Fall 2026, though the price hasn’t been announced yet.

Excited about the new, larger Sonic the Hedgehog arcade machine? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-20 17:13