Sega is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog by re-releasing the original two games in a premium, albeit costly, format. Retailer iam8bit has announced the "Sonic the Hedgehog (35th Anniversary) – Legacy Cartridge Collection," offering replica Sega Genesis cartridges for Sonic 1 and Sonic 2. Each of these collector's items is priced at $100, bringing the total for both games to $200.
The collection includes a replica cartridge compatible with original NTSC Genesis consoles, a replica case, and a premium booklet. Iam8bit expects the first wave of shipments to begin before the end of the third quarter of 2026.
While $100 per cartridge may seem steep, iam8bit points to historical pricing for context. In 1991, the original Sonic the Hedgehog cost approximately $50, which would equate to about $125.49 in today's dollars when adjusted for inflation. The current high cost is attributed to the limited production runs typical for such retro memorabilia, which increases the per-unit price. However, the price also reflects the demand from consumers willing to pay a premium for nostalgia. For comparison, a loose used copy of the original Sonic the Hedgehog can currently be purchased for around $15, with a complete-in-box version fetching about $30. It is also possible to acquire an original Sega Genesis console along with the first two Sonic games for less than the price of a single replica cartridge.