Product Overview
- Product Name: Sonic the Hedgehog
- 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 (hang-tab intact) shows moderate shelf wear, case artwork is well-preserved with bright colors and no sun fading. Instruction manual is good condition, showing moderate handling and complete pages with intact staples. Cartridge is virtually perfect with intact label and looks fantastic. Own this CIB Genesis platforming classic!
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: Sega "Welcome to the Next Level" advertisement poster included!
Game Description
Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis is the game that defined an era — a lightning-fast platformer that made Sega’s blue mascot an international icon. Released in 1991 by Sonic Team, it introduced players to Green Hill Zone, the sparkling loops, springs, and rings that would forever symbolize the golden age of 16-bit gaming. Taking the role of Sonic, the world’s fastest hedgehog, players race through colorful landscapes to stop the evil Dr. Robotnik from turning animals into mechanical slaves.
What set Sonic the Hedgehog apart was its unprecedented sense of speed and smooth scrolling, pushing the Genesis hardware to its limits. The combination of momentum-based physics, multi-path level design, and upbeat FM-synth soundtrack created a kinetic energy never before seen on a home console. Its iconic blend of blistering velocity and precise control turned every loop-de-loop and hidden bonus stage into a showcase of both artistry and engineering brilliance from Sega’s in-house developers.
More than just a game, Sonic the Hedgehog became the defining symbol of Sega’s identity and a must-own title for collectors. It spawned sequels, cartoons, and an enduring global legacy that continues to shape platformers today. Whether revisiting it for nostalgia or adding a cornerstone title to your collection, Sonic the Hedgehog remains one of the most important and influential games ever released on the Sega Genesis.
Gameplay Features
- Control Sonic, Sega’s iconic mascot, in the definitive 16-bit platformer adventure.
- Run, spin, and dash through seven vibrant zones filled with secrets and high-speed challenges.
- Experience groundbreaking momentum-based gameplay with multiple paths and hidden areas.
- Battle Dr. Robotnik in creative boss encounters that test precision and timing.
- Legendary FM-synth soundtrack composed by Masato Nakamura of Dreams Come True.
- A cornerstone of retro gaming — fast, fluid, and endlessly replayable for collectors and fans alike.
Historical Trivia or Fun Fact
Sonic the Hedgehog was developed by Sonic Team under programmer Yuji Naka and designer Naoto Ohshima, who created Sonic’s iconic look and physics engine. The game’s speed was designed to showcase the Genesis’ superior processing power — a direct challenge to Nintendo’s dominance at the time.
Its success not only propelled the Sega Genesis to mainstream victory in the early ’90s but also made Sonic one of gaming’s most recognizable characters worldwide. Collectors value original releases as cornerstone pieces of Sega history — a symbol of innovation, artistry, and the blue blur’s unstoppable rise.
Additional Details
- Variant: Standard Release
- Genre: Platformer
- Year Released: 1991
- Publisher: Sega
- Developer: Sonic Team
- ESRB Rating: E - Everyone
- UPC: 010086010091
- SKU: 9789
- 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.
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