Sonic Fans Don’t Have to Worry About Upgrading Their Consoles Just Yet

Sonic Fans Don't Have to Worry About Upgrading Their Consoles Just Yet

Key Takeaways

  • Sonic Team plans to focus on older console generation, ensuring accessibility to more players.
  • Some franchises have shifted exclusively to newer hardware, while others still support previous gen consoles.
  • Sonic series aims to strike a balance between high-end and lower-end consoles for future game releases.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can wholeheartedly appreciate Sonic Team’s decision to focus on older console generations. Having grown up playing games on various systems, from the humble Sega Genesis to the mighty PlayStation 5, I understand the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in gaming.


Regarding the newly unveiled PlayStation 5 Pro, Sonic Team’s executive producer Takashi Iizuka stated that their team will remain dedicated to the current console generation. The ninth generation of video game consoles was ushered in with the debut of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, launched in November 2020. Many established gaming franchises, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, have already released games on this advanced hardware, resulting in notable performance enhancements.

Certain franchises have transitioned solely to the latest generation of gaming hardware, such as Tekken 8, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Despite this, the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch from the last generation are still receiving updates and continue to thrive. Debates about the upcoming ninth generation of consoles have been varied, particularly following Sony’s unveiling of the PlayStation 5 Pro in September, which sparked controversy.

In an interview with IGN, some game developers such as Takashi Iizuka from Sonic Team and Ryozo Tsujimoto, producer of the Monster Hunter series, were asked about their thoughts on supporting the PlayStation 5 Pro console. Unlike Tsujimota, who expressed a desire for Monster Hunter Wilds to utilize the PS5 Pro’s advanced features, Iizuka stated that he is concentrating on the previous generation by aiming to make the Sonic series accessible to as many people as possible. This involves continuing to support the PlayStation 4, which still has a substantial user base due to its widespread popularity.

Sonic the Hedgehog Will Continue Supporting Older Systems

Iizuka points out that while top-tier consoles can boost Sonic’s signature speed sensation, Sega and Sonic Team are committed to catering to systems with lower specifications as well. This is evident in the fact that recent mainline games like Frontiers, Superstars, and the upcoming Sonic X Shadow Generations are available on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, along with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Iizuka explains that the Sonic franchise will maintain a balance between high-end consoles like the PS5 and lower-end systems such as the Switch, ensuring adjustments or modifications for the series accordingly.

Iizuka also voiced his thoughts on the debatable cost of the PS5 Pro, a point that has sparked intense debate among gaming enthusiasts. He conceded that the console appears pricey at first glance, but suggested it could be justified for high-end users. However, he reassured fans of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise that they won’t have to invest in the latest system to keep enjoying the series.

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2024-10-05 22:43