Sega is gearing up for a landmark year in 2026, with two of its most beloved franchises hitting major milestones. Sonic the Hedgehog will celebrate his 35th anniversary, while the puzzle classic Puyo Puyo reaches its 35th year. Rather than treating these anniversaries as separate occasions, Sega is weaving them together into a shared celebration that highlights the company’s legacy and creative spirit.
The festivities for Sonic are expected to be global in scale. June 23, 2026 marks the official anniversary of the blue blur’s debut, and Sega has teased new projects that blend nostalgia with fresh innovation. Fans are anticipating announcements of new games, commemorative artwork, and perhaps even multimedia ventures that continue Sonic’s tradition of crossing into comics, animation, and film. The company’s messaging suggests that this anniversary will not only honor Sonic’s past but also set the stage for his future.
Meanwhile, Puyo Puyo is receiving a dedicated campaign under the banner of the “Dairensa!” project. This initiative includes livestreams featuring voice actors, updates for Puyo Puyo!! Quest, and pop-up stores in Yokohama, Osaka, and Tokyo offering exclusive merchandise. A special anniversary visual has already been unveiled, signaling that Sega intends to spotlight the puzzle series throughout the year.
Sonic × Puyo Puyo Collaboration
The most intriguing part of Sega’s plan is the crossover event that unites both franchises. Dubbed the “Soni × Puyo Festival in Hankyu Sanbangai,” the collaboration will run from February through March in Osaka’s Hankyu Sanbangai complex. The venue will be transformed with joint anniversary visuals, themed decorations, and interactive exhibits. Fans can expect exclusive merchandise that blends Sonic’s high-speed world with the colorful charm of Puyo Puyo, creating a rare fusion of platformer and puzzle culture.
This collaboration is more than a marketing stunt—it reflects Sega’s broader strategy of reinforcing its brand identity by connecting different fan communities. Past experiments like Puyo Puyo Tetris showed how crossover content could resonate with audiences, but this anniversary festival is positioned as a cultural celebration rather than a single product launch. By pairing Sonic’s global reach with Puyo Puyo’s strong domestic following, Sega is testing the waters for future cross-franchise projects while honoring its history.
For fans, 2026 promises to be a year of nostalgia, surprises, and shared celebration. Sonic and Puyo Puyo may come from different corners of Sega’s universe, but together they embody the company’s enduring creativity and its ability to bring people together through games.
