He's never looked happier

Last year was the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., and there was much rejoicing, but this year Sega's jumping for joy over Sonic the Hedgehog reaching 20 years old. While Sonic's official birthday is 23rd June, the celebrations kick off on Thursday 7th April at the official Sonic the Hedgehog Facebook page.

The Sonic celebrations are still closely guarded secrets: Sega recently registered domains for Sonic Generations, and last year a Spanish company rep seemingly outed Sonic Anniversary, a compilation of Sonic's best outings in 2D & 3D. The Japanese publisher has confirmed it has at least three Sonic games in development, including a follow-up to 2D WiiWare title Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I, and it's likely Nintendo formats would receive any anniversary game in the works.

Stay tuned for the first part of the hedgehog hootenanny this week.

[source facebook.com]