Sonic the Hedgehog has been one of the most popular video game franchises ever since its first installment in 1991. And while there have always been Sonic fans of all ages, the number of younger children taking an interest (read: obsession) has soared in recent years.
These new fans are being drawn to Sonic video games via the film series that began in 2020. Young Switch players are begging their parents for a Sonic the Hedgehog game, bringing back memories of ancient arcade games featuring the reckless yet loveable hedgehog!
But if you aren’t intimately familiar with the current world of Sonic the Hedgehog games, you may wonder which is the best Switch game to buy. Should you get a racing game? The old-school-looking Sonic Mania? Or the highly contemporary Sonic Frontiers?
| 💡Pro tip: If you’re buying for a preschooler, choose something with simple mechanics that isn’t too fast-paced, as Sonic games tend to operate at supersonic speeds. In contrast, elementary schoolers tend to love fast-paced adventure-packed games. If you struggle to find a Sonic video game for a preschooler, then perhaps a coloring page or a toy would be best. Make sure to look at the Sonic coloring pages we commissioned or our list of the best Sonic toys for kids. |
Whether you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch game for a 4-year-old, a 10-year-old, or the whole family, Sonic has got you covered. The list we have put together features all the top-rated Sonic games beloved by kids and adults alike.
These are all supersonic games – you just need to find the one that suits your little Sonic fan best!
The Top 3 Sonic Games for Nintendo Switch
![SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://thetoyzone.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TlRGWGFsVTVaMUF3TkV3dWFuQm58MTc0Mjg0MTY2NA=)
Those are our top three picks, but there are lots more awesome Sonic games to discover. Dive into the reviews below to learn about all this spiky blue animal has to offer and find the best game for your little Sonic enthusiast!
We’ve also included some sweet Sonic-themed Switch accessories at the end of this article, which make great gifts for Sonic fans who have played everything there is to play already.
1. Best for Older Kids: Sonic Frontiers
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, adventure-packed game that also has a compelling narrative, Sonic Frontiers is for you. This game features five overworld islands with challenges and secrets to uncover. Race, battle, solve puzzles and uncover the mysteries of an ancient civilization as you go! While this isn’t a game for young kids, it does offer a range of modes to suit different levels.
| Recommended age: 10 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ There are a range of modes to suit different skill levels
❤️ Highly engaging and unique narrative
❤️ Gameplay is fast and smooth
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It takes a while to get the hang of the controls
💔 A little too complex for younger players
2. Best for Younger Kids: Sonic Mania Plus
Sonic Mania Plus is a widely beloved game that captures the essence of older Sonic games while offering a wealth of things to discover. If kids can get over the pixelated graphics, they will love battling foes, discovering new characters and playing mini-games. This is a winner as it is simple enough for younger kids but packed with enough content to make it replayable for adults!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ So much to discover on each level gives this excellent replayability
❤️ Great soundtrack and fun graphics
❤️ Features familiar and new zones
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Multiplayer competition mode is a little clunky
💔 Not all kids will enjoy the old school pixel graphics
3. Best Budget Option: SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog
If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank, SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog is great. It is fun and simple enough for little ones to play and will also provide adult Sonic fans with a nostalgia hit. With its simple mechanics and range of actions to experiment with, this is a fun and accessible game for players of all ages.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ A fun game for kids and nostalgic for parents
❤️ Easy enough for beginners and young kids
❤️ Very budget friendly
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Does not fill up the whole screen
💔 It is download only
4. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
Can’t pick between a Mario Bros or Sonic game? Now you don’t have to! This is a great option for playing as a family as its co-op mode is excellent, and kids and adults alike will enjoy it. Choose from a vast range of Olympic sports to compete in, from running to archery to surfing and do it as any character you like from the Mario and Sonic universes!
| Recommended age: 10 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ Lots of fun to play as a family
❤️ Features all your favorite Sonic and Mario characters
❤️ Includes a wide range of Olympic sports to compete in
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It spends a bit too much time on cut scenes and menus
💔 The storyline doesn’t have as much depth as other Olympic titles
5. Sonic Colours Ultimate
Kids and adults who enjoy visually striking and speedy games will love Sonic Colors Ultimate. This game features six unique worlds, each with astounding visuals. The game’s core action is to free the alien Wisps from the evil Dr. Eggman’s amusement park and unleash their incredible powers. Along the way, you can explore the park, from Sweet Mountain to the gorgeous aquarium!
| Recommended age: 7 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ A fast-paced and exciting game
❤️ Stunning visuals
❤️ Features 6 unique colorful worlds
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It can be a bit repetitive
💔 May be too fast-paced for new players
6. Sonic Forces
If you’re struggling to choose between a classic or contemporary Sonic Game, this is the best of both worlds. It has everything you love about classic Sonic games with some great additions. Kids will love that you get to customize your avatar and all the powerful gadgets you can play with! Sonic Forces is also great for speedy gamers as it is packed with enough content to keep kids occupied.
| Recommended age: 7 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ All the fun of the classic game with some great additions
❤️ Lots of varied content to keep kids occupied
❤️ You get to make your own avatar
What We Don’t Love:
💔 May be too easy for experienced players
💔 A couple of customers experienced glitches in the final level
7. Team Sonic Racing
Sonic is a speedy hedgehog, so racing games are where he shines and nowhere better than in Team Sonic Racing! You can play this solo, but co-op mode is extra fun. When you play as a team, you can use various moves to assist your teammates, knock out opponents and more. There is also a story-based adventure mode and a range of characters and classes to choose from!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ A highly polished game with precise controls
❤️ Lots of fun to play both individually or as a team
❤️ Great music and graphics
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The controls take some getting used to
💔 There is no intro cinematic
Best Sonic Switch Accessories
1. HORI Split Pad Pro (Sonic)
If your little one is a Sonic superfan and needs a new Switch controller, this Split Pad Pro controller is the perfect gift. This controller has a larger grip and ergonomic design to keep your hands comfortable as you play. It features responsive buttons and super cute Sonic graphics so you can proclaim your love for this speedy hedgehog to the world!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ Extremely comfortable grip
❤️ Very reliable with responsive buttons
❤️ Super cute Sonic graphics
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Might be too big for small hands
💔 It isn’t compatible with all Switch games
2. Protective Sonic Case for Nintendo Switch
If you have a Switch and Joy-Con but need more Sonic to spruce it up, why not go for this protective case? This makes the perfect companion gift for Sonic Mania, as that is what the graphics showcase. The detachable design allows you to remove the Joy-Con without removing the casing and the sturdy TPU construction means you can protect your Switch in style for a long time!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ Fits the Switch perfectly and protects it well
❤️ The Sonic Mania graphics look great
❤️ Durable, high-quality construction
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Has a slightly gritty texture
💔 Doesn’t fit in the charging / TV play dock
3. Boorsed Sonic Skin Cover Decals for Nintendo Switch
Want Sonic on your Switch but prefer a more contemporary aesthetic? These SonicSkin Cover Decals portray some of the most fantastic visuals from newer Sonic games. Their rugged PVC construction protects against scratches, and the high-quality stickers promise no bubbling, peeling, or residue. Customers love that the design fits perfectly on the Nintendo Switch and looks so smooth that the graphics appear as part of the Switch itself!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
What We Love:
❤️ Prevents scratches and lasts a long time
❤️ Easy to apply and fits perfectly
❤️ Awesome colorful design
What We Don’t Love:
💔 No option to fit an OLED Switch
💔 Only looks good if you apply the sticker perfectly
Frequently Asked Questions About Sonic The Hedgehog
🙋 Why is Sonic so popular right now?
After debuting in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog skyrocketed in popularity and has retained a solid fan base. Part of this can be attributed to the game’s mechanics, which are all about getting from point A to point B as fast as possible.
The fast-paced excitement coupled with Sonic’s “bad boy hero” personality never fails to captivate! However, while Sonic has always been beloved, his popularity has spiked in the last few years. This is primarily due to the movie franchise introducing a new generation of young fans to the blue hedgehog. With the third installment set to come out in 2024, the hype is not about to decline!
🙋 What age group is Sonic the Hedgehog aimed at?
The Sonic the Hedgehog movie is aimed at elementary school-age kids ages 6-10. Kids around 8 years old will likely enjoy it most, especially if they are familiar with Sonic video games.
For kids around this age, Sonic the Hedgehog is an adventure-filled romp emphasizing friendship and helping others. Although the film is animated, with frequent action and violence, they are unsuitable for children under 6. For kids between 6 and 8, parental guidance is recommended.
So… What Sonic Game For Nintendo Switch Should You Get?
While I have my favorites, you should get the Sonic game you think your kiddo will enjoy the most. Consider the age rating, the type of action it involves and whether it is a solo or multiplayer game. Sonic Mania Plus is perfect if you want something you and your little one can take turns playing, while Sonic Frontiers is great for older kids playing by themselves. If you want to play as a family, Team Sonic Racing may be best.
If you didn’t find your favorite Sonic game in this list, give us a shout and tell us why you think it should have been included!
| 💡 Tip: Looking for a Sonic Switch game for a little Sonic fan? If so, be sure to also check out what we think are the best Sonic gifts. |
