Sonic the Hedgehog appears to have a solid year ahead of himself with both Sonic Mania and Project Sonic 2017 delivering exactly the kind of game fans want: retro 16-bit gameplay and a sequel to Sonic Generations. I know we’ve been at this point on the Sonic hype-train many times before only to have it derail before our eyes, but I think 2017 might be the year SEGA finally gets it right.

We don’t have an official title for Project Sonic 2017 yet, nor do we have a release date for either game, but that could finally change at SXSW next month during an official Sonic the Hedgehog panel.

Official Sonic SXSW Panel

  • When: March 16, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT
  • Featuring: Aaron Webber (Sega), Mike Pollock (Sega), Takashi Iizuka (Sega), and Roger Craig Smith (voice actor)

Dive into the world of Sonic the Hedgehog in this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at both Sonic Mania and the upcoming Sonic 2017!
With presenters from Sega and Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka, this panel will answer questions about both games, showcase a new reveal for each title, and will discuss Sonic’s resurgence in the world of gaming since the reveal of both games.

Of course, with Sonic involved, who knows what other surprises might be in store?

A Sonic surprise? No surprises, SEGA! Play it safe!

Oh no, a surprise? What else could SEGA have planned for an announcement? Don’t do it! You have the whole Internet on your side right now. Don’t rock the boat! All we need at this point in time are these two games and nothing else to ruin the euphoria!

Both Sonic Mania and Project Sonic 2017 are confirmed for a release on the PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2017. No exact dates have been set yet.