Published Jun 23, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT
Kyle Gratton is an editor and writer based out of Kansas City. He received a bachelor's degree, dual majoring in English and History with a minor in Film and Media Studies, and has been a senior staff writer and reviewer for Screen Rant's Gaming section since 2021, with roles in editorial, and various freelance projects.
A terminal Midwesterner who graduated from the University of Kansas, Kyle also has knowledge and interest in literature, film, film adaptions of literature, and history.
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Sonic the Hedgehog is turning 35 this month, and Sega's iconic franchise is celebrating with a brand-new game. The Blue Blur first debuted in 1991 with Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Genesis, has remained among gaming royalty since, and more recently hit the big screen with three major film adaptations.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary, Sega is once again taking the franchise into new territory: the first-ever Sonic the Hedgehog pinball machine. Produced by pinball manufacturer Jersey Jack Pinball and designed by famed pinball developer Steve Richie, Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball brings modern accouterments like a 27-inch LCD screen and Bluetooth-pairable audio while striving to deliver a classic pinball flipper feel. Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball is available for purchase today, June 23, from Jersey Jack Pinball, per a press release.
Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball has players progress through adaptations of seven different stages from the franchise's history: Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant, Rooftop Run, City Escape, Speed Highway, Sky Sanctuary, and Seaside Hill. The machine's soundtrack includes songs from Sonic Generations, which was originally released for the franchise's 20th anniversary in 2011. Tracks players can expect are "Green Hill," "Escape from the City," and many other "fan favorites." Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball features "Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, Amy and friends as they race through iconic levels, collect rings, and face off against Dr. Eggman."
Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball isn't for casual hobbyists, though; this pinball machine comes at a premium. There are three versions available for purchase:
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Arcade Edition – $9,999
- "Built for high-traffic play"
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Special Edition – $12,000
- Special cabinet artwork: Green Hill Zone Battle
- "Sonic Blue" Armor
- Dual-Layer RGB-Acrylic Battle Topper
- Shaker Motor with Haptic Feedback
- Non-Reflective Invisiglass
- "And more"
-
Collector's Edition – $15,000
- Special cabinet artwork: Super-Sparkle
- "Knuckles Red" Metallic Laser-Cut Armor
- Sonic vs. Dr. Eggman Mechanical Topper with Super-Wide LCD Screen
- Gold Ring Shooter Knob
- Collector’s Edition Plaque
- "And more"
It's a bit hard to believe this is the first pinball machine in Sonic's 35-year history, but it's evident that all stops have been pulled to make it a notable celebration. The vertically looping ball tracks are a nice touch, mimicking iconic Sonic video game level design, and the boss battles against Dr. Eggman appear to have an impressive number of moving parts, not to mention that they seem to take place on a separate, elevated playfield.
Sonic has been on a roll in recent years. Sonic Frontiers was divisive, but ultimately sold well and shows how the series may continue to evolve, while Sonic x Shadow Generations simultaneously revived a classic and introduced a much-needed story about the Blue Blur's rival. Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball may be a pricey new release, but it's fittingly extravagant for Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary.
Movie(s) Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie (1996), Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
First Film Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie (1996)
Character(s) Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails Prower, Knuckles the Echidna, Amy Rose, Dr. Eggman, Mighty the Armadillo, Ray the Squirrel, Vector the Crocodile, Charmy the Bee, Espio the Chameleon, Shadow the Hedgehog, Big the Cat, Rouge the Bat, Metal Sonic
Comic Release Date 229797,248991,248992
English (US) ·