Summary

  • The original 2011 title Sonic Generations will still be available to purchase after the release of Sonic X Shadow Generations in October.
  • However, the game will only be available in bundles containing other Sonic titles.
  • Sonic X Shadow Generations is a remaster of the game, and will also include a brand-new story campaign starring Shadow the Hedgehog.

Sega has announced that the original Sonic Generations will still be available for Xbox and PC owners to purchase and download, even after the launch of Sonic X Shadow Generations. The upcoming Sonic X Shadow Generations is an enhanced remaster of the 2011 title, which was previously released on PC via Steam, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The remaster not only brings the original game to new systems, but also touts a brand-new story campaign starring Shadow the Hedgehog, one of Sonic's iconic rivals.

While many fans were excited about Sonic Generations getting a remaster, the announcement was also met with some concerns. Many worried about the fate of the original version of Sonic Generations, and wondered if Sonic X Shadow Generations would replace it. These concerns were raised further when Sega suddenly delisted the original Sonic Generations from the Xbox 360 store ahead of the marketplace's closure on July 29. Fans were wary that the original Sonic Generations would also be delisted from Steam, just like the classic games were after Sonic Origins was released. Sega recently addressed these fears, simply stating that the original version will still be available after the launch of Sonic X Shadow Generations.

Sonic X Shadow Generations Screenshots Sonic and Shadow
Sonic X Shadow Generations Screenshots Reveal Closer Look at Classic Sonic ‘06 Stage

New Sonic X Shadow Generations screenshots highlight a classic stage from the infamous Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) that Shadow once ran through.

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A recent thread on the official Sonic the Hedgehog Twitter account confirmed that the original Sonic Generations will be removed from storefronts as a standalone title on September 9, 2024, ahead of Sonic X Shadow Generations' October 25 launch. However, after listening to fan feedback, the post notes that it's important to preserve the original game as well. As such, while Sonic Generations will be delisted as a standalone title, it will still be available for purchase through bundles of other Sonic titles on both Steam and Xbox storefronts. Existing owners of Sonic Generations will still be able to download and play the original version as well.

Original Sonic Generations Will Be Delisted, But Still Available For Download And Purchase

  • The original Sonic Generations will be delisted on September 9, 2024.
  • The original Sonic Generations will still be available via bundles of other Sonic games on Xbox and Steam.
  • Mods will still work with the Steam version.

Another big concern for the fandom were the preservation of mods for Sonic Generations, as the delisting of the original game could render many of them obsolete. Sonic Generations still has an incredibly prolific modding community over a decade after its launch, with several mods adding in new playable characters, stages, and tweaks to gameplay. The tweet confirms that mods on the Steam version will not be affected, meaning the modding community won't need to worry about them being incompatible with the remaster.

Fans were ecstatic to hear that the original Sonic Generations would still be available for purchase, though many were understanding of the compromise needed to keep the old version around by including it in a bundle. Usually, older versions of games are delisted so that the new release is the only option available to maximize profit, so this is a big victory in terms of game preservation.

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Sonic X Shadow Generations Tag Page Cover Art
9 /10

Sonic X Shadow Generations
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Systems
super greyscale 8-bit logo PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
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Released
October 25, 2024
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Sonic Team
Publisher(s)
Sega
Engine
Hedgehog Engine 2
Franchise
Sonic the Hedgehog
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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THE RETURN OF SHADOW
In this new standalone campaign, Shadow's nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.


SHADOW EVOLVED
Harness Shadow's new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONS
Experience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow's abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!

EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACE
Stretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!

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