All Sonic games on Nintendo Switch 2023

Sonic Frontiers: Fishing minigame
(Image credit: iMore)

Although Sonic used to have a rivalry in the video game industry as Sega's competition to Mario, they now run on the same console! In addition to some classic titles once enjoyed on Sega consoles, there are many great new Sonic titles on your Nintendo Switch. Whether you're new to this speedy hedgehog or ready to relive some of your favorite games, this is your Sonic selection.

Sonic Frontiers

As I said in my Sonic Frontiers review, the Switch version of the game might have some bad visuals, but it is a fun adventure and by far one of the best 3D Sonic games in recent years. The game starts with Sonic, Amy, and Tails flying toward the Starfall Islands. However, their trip is interrupted by a strange phenomenon and Sonic wakes up alone on the ground. Now it's up to him to explore the various islands and save his friends. The game offers "open-zone" exploration, which means that each of the huge islands he runs around on feels open-world and there are plenty of things to do. 

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Sonic Frontiers

Sonic finds himself on the Starfall islands separated from his friends. He must go on a journey to explore massive ruins, collect the Chaos Emeralds, fight robots, and save everyone. 

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Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania keeps everything you love about the classic 16-bit style he started in with the 2D platform style, only it adds a modern HD graphic. Although the style is the same, the bosses are new! Players can choose between Sonic himself or his lovable counterparts, Tails or Knuckles. Play multiplayer or solo! 

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Sonic Mania

Classic Sonic style with a modern HD twist! Power through these levels as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles and take down Dr. Eggman again.

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SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog 2

SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog 2 screenshot

(Image credit: Sega)

If you're in the mood for a classic Genesis title, but not up for getting the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass membership to play it, you could always pay a few dollars to play it off the eShop! This port is very true to the Genesis rendition and will easily take you back to the early days of Sonic. This title is where players were introduced to Tails, and the Switch version still offers that two-player mode, rankings, and time trials.

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SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic and Tails team up for the first time in this Genesis title! They're on a mission to get the Chaos emeralds before Dr. Eggman gets to them and uses them for his evil plot.

Buy from: Nintendo

Sonic Forces

Sega has always had a very close relationship with fan-created materials related to Sonic. In Sonic Forces, they took this a step further, allowing players to customize their very own character. Choose from the classic 2D play mode or modern 3D! Additionally, Classic Sonic joins Modern Sonic and friends on their joint quest to put an end to Dr. Eggman's evil plans. 

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Sonic Forces

Create a hedgehog all your own and stand by Sonic's side to save the day! Dr. Eggman has teamed up with a new villain, Infinite, and now it's up to you and the Sonic forces to stop them both.

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Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

It's only natural that with a merge after years of competition, this would come into a video game all its own. With Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, there's a healthy competition Olympic style! Choose your favorite character from either the Mario or Sonic worlds and play in the games to see who is truly the best.

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Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Let the games begin! Mario and Sonic have a healthy competition to see who can win the Olympics. Can you bring home the gold?

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SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog

Where it all began, Sonic's debut game is available on the eShop in its classic form. It also boasts some new features like stage select, Drop Dash as seen in Sonic Mania, and Ring Keep Mode. If you're wondering where to start, to put it quite simply, there's no better place than the beginning of it all.

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SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog

The original Sonic The Hedgehog game was brought to a modern console in its original form. Play Sonic as it was initially created, or enjoy a few modern updates to a classic.

Buy from: Nintendo

Team Sonic Racing

When you think of Sonic, it's easy to think of speed. Although the cars may seem unnecessary given the hedgehog's natural speed, his association with being quick makes it very natural to think of Sonic and his friends in a racing game all their own. Unlike other racing games, you are part of a team in Team Sonic Racing. You share advantages like speed boosts and extraordinary powers as you all race to beat the other teams.

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Team Sonic Racing

Team Sonic Racing is all about speed, as any Sonic game is. But it's also about teams! Work together to beat the other teams to the finish.

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Sonic Colors: Ultimate

Sonic Colors Ultimate

(Image credit: Sega )

Originally released on the Wii, this was one of the best Sonic games to hit the market. Unfortunately, the Switch port, Sonic Colors: Ultimate, just didn't quite do it justice. Still, the game has an open world feel. Plus, it has a unique story, with the wisps sharing special powers with Sonic as he rescues them. It gives this game something new. However, the Switch version was a little glitchy and disappointing to those who loved it on Wii.

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Sonic Colors: Ultimate

Full of color and action, Sonic Colors: Ultimate gives a visual that's new to the Sonic name. Sonic must save wisps from Dr. Eggman, and in return, they thank him with unique abilities.

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

While Super Smash Bros. Ultimate isn't strictly a Sonic title, we would be remiss not to mention it. Sonic has been a regular Smash Bros. fighter since 2007. Just as he is in his own platformer adventures, he is still about speed in battle. Choose Sonic as your fighter and see how he stacks up against other Nintendo favorites.

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

It's a battle of the best! All your favorite Nintendo characters, including the blue hedgehog himself, are in one big brawl to be the best fighter of them all.

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Sonic games on Switch

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There is plenty of Sonic to be had and still yet to come to Nintendo Switch. Sonic has remained a video game industry favorite from his very first game. Although the Sonic Colors Ultimate port didn't live up to what had hoped it would be, there are still many Sonic games worth playing and plenty of reason to be excited about what's to come. 

If you don't want to start at the beginning, Sonic Mania is a great pick. It was led by fans and stays true to the classic playstyle, music, and visual of Sonic's origins. Of course, if you want the latest that Sega has to offer, then you should check out Sonic Frontiers, which is the first "open-zone" game in the franchise.

However, if you've never played Sonic before, the SEGA AGES titles of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 are musts. They play just like they did originally and will guide you on a journey of how Sonic became the beloved name he is now. They are some of the best 2D platformers you can buy on the Nintendo Switch.

Alex Huebner
Contributor

Alex has been working with iMore as a Freelance Gaming Writer for three years. You can also find a few articles of hers on Android Central and Windows Central. She regularly covers Nintendo Switch games and accessories as well as iOS game apps. In addition to the Nintendo Switch, you may also find her playing on the PlayStation and PC. When she doesn’t have a controller in hand she likes to spend her time with her husband, son, and dogs, exploring new places, or hiding away with a book (or comic book). A few of her favorite games include the Zelda franchise, Little Nightmares, and Animal Crossing.