Key Facts
- ✓ A total of ten Sonic games have been released for the Nintendo Switch.
- ✓ Sonic Mania was developed by PagodaWest Games and Christian Whitehead.
- ✓ Sonic Frontiers is the first open-world game in the franchise.
- ✓ Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the next major release scheduled for the platform.
Quick Summary
The Nintendo Switch has served as a primary platform for Sega to release Sonic the Hedgehog titles since 2017. The library consists of ten distinct games released between 2017 and 2025.
With the launch of the Switch 2, backward compatibility allows players to continue enjoying these titles. The collection includes new entries, remasters, and compilations of classic Genesis titles.
The Modern Sonic Library
Since the system's arrival in 2017, Sega has consistently released titles for the hybrid console. A total of ten Sonic games have been released for the Nintendo Switch, spanning from the system's first year to the most recent release in 2025.
The library is defined by a mix of new adventures and nostalgic returns. Sonic Mania, released in 2017, was developed by PagodaWest Games and Christian Whitehead. It serves as a love letter to the classic titles on the Sega Genesis and Sega CD, remixing eight iconic levels and introducing five new ones.
Following this, Sonic Forces also arrived in 2017. This title features a resistance effort against Dr. Eggman, utilizing three distinct gameplay modes: third-person Boost gameplay with Modern Sonic, side-scrolling with Classic Sonic, and a mode featuring a custom avatar character.
Racing and Crossovers
Beyond standard platforming, the Switch hosts several unique spin-offs. Team Sonic Racing, released in 2019, differentiates itself with cooperative mechanics. Instead of racing strictly against one another, players work in teams of three to share power-ups and win collectively.
The platform also features major crossover events. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 brings the platform rivalry to the world stage. The game includes a story mode that transports characters back to the Tokyo 1964 Olympics, featuring 2D sprite versions of the characters alongside modern events like surfing and karate.
In 2021, Sonic Colors: Ultimate was released as a remastered version of the original game. This update enhanced graphics and introduced a new Jade Ghost Wisp, allowing Sonic to phase through walls and ceilings.
Compilations and Open-World
For fans seeking history, Sonic Origins (2022) compiles the first four classic games released on the Sega Genesis and Sega CD. The remaster allows players to choose between Classic Mode, which preserves the original 4:3 aspect ratio, and Anniversary Mode, which removes the life limit and allows the use of Drop Dash.
The most significant evolution in the franchise recently is Sonic Frontiers (2022). This title marks the first open-world—or open-zone—entry in the series. Inspired by trends in the genre, Sonic explores the vast Starfall Islands, fighting cybernetic enemies and solving puzzles.
Looking forward, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the next major release. It is scheduled to launch on the original system, with backward compatibility ensuring it remains playable on the new hardware.
Future Outlook
The transition to the Switch 2 has officially begun. While Sega continues to support the original system with titles like Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the new hardware guarantees that the existing library of ten games remains accessible via backward compatibility.
This ensures that players can maintain their collection as they upgrade. The consistent release schedule suggests that more Sonic titles will likely be announced for the new platform in the coming years.
