Product Overview
- Product Name: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- New or Used: Used
- In Case or Loose: In Case
- Overall Condition: Very Good
- Save Battery Status*: Not Applicable – Does Not Use Battery
- Notes: Genesis clamshell case is in very good condition (hang-tab intact), with vibrant and bright cover artwork showing no sun fading. The instruction manual exhibits light handling wear with intact pages and staples. Cartridge is in excellent shape, with only the faintest wear visible under angled light. Add this great CIB Genesis platforming game to your collection today!
Photos show actual product for sale — no stock images used.
What's Included
- Genesis Game Cartridge: Yes
- Manual / Instructions: Yes
- Case Artwork: Yes
- Case Type**: OEM/Original
- Extras:
Game Description
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 for the Sega Genesis is the dazzling platformer that elevated Sega’s blue mascot to new heights of 16-bit excellence. Released in 1994 and developed by Sonic Team, it continues the battle against Dr. Robotnik in a fast-paced, visually stunning adventure that introduced deeper level design, elemental shield power-ups, and expanded storytelling. Joined once again by Tails, Sonic races across massive multi-act zones — from the lush Angel Island to the fiery depths of Lava Reef — on a quest to reclaim the Chaos Emeralds and stop Robotnik’s latest mechanical fortress.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 pushed the Genesis hardware to its limits with larger stages, layered parallax backgrounds, and dynamic music that changed between acts. It also introduced the ability to play as Tails in full two-player cooperative mode, expanding the series’ replayability and multiplayer fun. With its refined physics, smooth animation, and cinematic presentation, Sonic 3 set a new standard for what a 16-bit platformer could achieve — balancing lightning-fast action with exploration and secrets hidden throughout each vibrant zone.
Long regarded as a collector’s favorite, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 represents the pinnacle of Sega’s platforming design and one of the most important titles in the Genesis library. Its eventual compatibility with Sonic & Knuckles via cartridge lock-on technology created one of gaming’s earliest “expanded editions” — the full Sonic 3 & Knuckles experience. For retro enthusiasts and Sonic fans alike, this title stands as a cornerstone of Sega’s golden age — fast, inventive, and endlessly replayable.
Gameplay Features
- Control Sonic and Tails across massive, multi-act levels in a high-speed Genesis platformer.
- Discover new elemental shields — fire, lightning, and water — each offering unique abilities and protection.
- Experience dynamic two-player split-screen and full co-op play for the first time in the series.
- Immersive sound design and adaptive stage music showcase Sega’s advanced FM audio capabilities.
- Hidden special stages and bonus rounds challenge players to collect all seven Chaos Emeralds.
- Compatible with Sonic & Knuckles for expanded gameplay in the combined Sonic 3 & Knuckles experience.
Historical Trivia or Fun Fact
Developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released during the peak of the console wars and was designed as the most ambitious Sonic adventure yet. Its soundtrack — composed by a team that included Jun Senoue and reportedly involved Michael Jackson’s creative input — remains one of the most discussed and celebrated in retro gaming.
The game’s technical polish, level complexity, and compatibility with Sonic & Knuckles helped it become a lasting fan favorite and a top-tier collectible for Genesis owners. Decades later, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continues to stand as a masterpiece of speed, design, and innovation — a cornerstone of Sega’s 16-bit legacy.
Additional Details
- Variant: Standard Release
- Genre: Platformer
- Year Released: 1994
- Publisher: Sega
- Developer: Sonic Team
- ESRB Rating: E - Everyone
- UPC: 010086010794
- SKU: 9791
- Format: Sega Genesis Video Game Cartridge
- Platform: Sega Genesis 16-Bit System
- Region: NTSC (North America, Canada)
Important Information
- *Save battery (if present) has been tested or replaced and is verified working at the time of listing.
- **Used cases may be replaced with a new aftermarket one if damaged. Listing above indicates if it's "OEM/Original" or "Aftermarket." Aftermarket cases typically differ in color &/or build quality from original Genesis cases. (See photos)
- Photos show the exact item for sale — we never use stock images for used games.
- All used items are cleaned, tested, and 100% guaranteed to work.
- Backed by Retro Game Fan’s 60-day warranty.
Shop Retro Video Games by Top Publishers
