
The release of Sonic Origins is fast approaching, and as excited as many fans are about this upcoming 4-in-1 collection, there's still one question that keeps popping up - will it be getting a physical release?
Sega of America's social media manager, Katie Chrzanowski, has touched on this once again in the latest Sonic Official YouTube livestream - reiterating how a physical release currently isn't planned right now. The good news is the team (we guess that's Sega) is "aware" of the demand for a physical version. Fingers crossed.

"There isn't one planned at the moment, I have seen a lot of comments asking for one, so the team has been made aware of that, there is a want for a physical release."
It follows on from the same source confirming (via social media) there would be no physical version for Origins when the release date was revealed last week:
For a physical collector, it means you'll either have to go with a digital copy available via the Switch eShop, and multiple other digital platforms, or hold out in the hope Sega will announce a hard copy of the game sooner rather than later.
If you are grabbing the game on release, and happen to pre-order beforehand, you'll also unlock some extra goodies, which you can learn more about in our previous story.
Will you be playing Sonic Origins on release? Let us know in the comments.
Comments 67
"Hey guys, we understand that you want a physical copy of this game, so we're going to got give it to you. Go buy the digital copy and cry in the shower with the water on."
— Love, Sega!
I’m sure Sega will be happy to sell twice to whomever they can with a box later
"demand"? There was a demand before they reveal the price
It's likely going to get the Sonic Mania treatment, no way they are going to keep this collection digital only. Maybe the Xbox version will be digital only but the PS4 and Switch versions may likely had physical versions especially if they are planning to sell this in Asia as well. Not every country in Asia had access to digital.
My ill-fated Sonic Origins physical game spot I was saving...
From must have to easy pass in a matter of seconds. No physical = no purchase.
They need to bring out those mini Saturns and Dreamcast.
Its obvious to most what the truth is and why Sega is saying what they are saying. I saw the live and I actually really admire how well Katie coped with the subject by towing party lines but also not outright lying. I will be buying digital the day it comes out, and will happily buy the slightly altered and upgraded physical copy when it eventually comes because of all that "demand". 😅
The last time this was discussed here (which is the... what, 5th time now?) it turned into a flame war and moderators had to delete half of it. Can I gently suggest we don't do that again? Everyone's made it very clear what they do and don't believe multiple times this week 😂
Though I'd like to take the opportunity to reuse the phrase: "Schrödinger's Hedgehog".
Really, they did not anticipate this?
I am thinking they are releasing this digitally first before a super fancy physical release ala. Sonic Mania so that people can buy the game twice.
It makes sense from a financial strategy: people will probably buy the game twice or more (depending on how many consoles they want the game on).
That said, making people double-dip is often one of the worst and scummiest business tactics.
I don't understand what Sega is thinking, paying so much for these games that have been available so many times in the past, they're not nostalgic anymore.
The decompilation projects as well as Angel Island Revisited overshadow this release. The one time Sega should've issued a c&d.
Eh I’m in no rush to play it. Looks cool but I’ll wait for a physical release and a price drop lol.
I was really confused reading this. I honestly just assumed the game was going to have a physical version considering I saw the chart of the 4 of so different versions of the game. 4 digital versions is very silly.
@WaveBoy
One of my only criticism’s of Sonic 2 is the final zone having enemy’s off screen that you can’t see, but they can see you, so even though I’ve played the full game twice, I can’t wait for this version. My only other criticism is the special stages and final boss that you need to do ringless, but the special stages can now be restarted with collected coins, and the infinite lives lets you learn the pattern of the final boss without without several game overs.
Sonic 1 has so many issues in my opinion, including a lot of things hurting you from off screen, several times per stage.
Sonic 3 was already perfect to most people, so seeing more of a stage at once will be a bonus for them, but could also be a big help for the people who don’t love it and then make them love it too.
@KoiTenchi
I agree that having 4 or more editions is dumb, especially when different versions include different things, however Sonic Origins only 2 different editions, unlike most Ubisoft games.
The chart shows (from left to right):
-Basic Digital, with the game only.
-Pre-order bonus, with 2 early unlocks and 1 exclusive border for classic mode.
-DLC, with 11 hard missions, 10 borders for classic, animated characters added to menu’s, full view of the 4 islands.
-DLC, with music from games not in the collection.
-Digital Deluxe Edition, with game and all DLC except the 1 pre-order exclusive border.
In other words wait six months to a year while they hammer out a production contract. I don’t care either way, as I just want to play games, but I suspect patient physical only buyers will be able to buy eventually.
They noted it, but who would have expected that people would want it physical, right? Facepalm.
Wait, Sonic & Knuckles isn't included??
@AlexanderDaniels Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles is included, but not their standalone versions Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles.
Only gonna buy physical, if it ever releases!
I do wonder what a Sonic Origins Plus upgrade would look like.
There’s the obvious “we’re adding more characters”, but I wonder what new level content they could add. Or if they would remaster/remake Knuckles’s Chaotix or the 8-bit games, since they would need more work to seem modern.
❌️💾 = ❌️💷
[I'm only putting this sentence as NL won't let me ONLY use the above]
What are SEGA becoming?
@GrailUK It's already happened, friend monkey. All those Yakuza games are a mission statement for them, not just entertainment...
@CANOEberry They could have at least released a physical version for a year or so then discontinue it.
@Hikingguy they probably did anticipate this but they just want to sell the collection to you twice.
Square enix style.
They got me to buy Sonic Mania twice so I guess I'm gonna buy this twice.
I'll wait for a physical release this time around. I ended up buying Sonic Mania twice. The collector's edition for PS4 (with download code) and Sonic Mania Plus (physical) for Switch.
Demand = 35-50 people (MAXIMUM) online spamming from different accounts
I wanted it digital on Nintendo Switch anyway. Just like Sonic Mania, I want to be able to play Sonic Origins whenever I want without swapping game cards & will later buy a physical edition for my collection to keep mint.
Sonic CD on a cartridge... Mind = blown.
Never underestimate Sega’s ability to take a sure thing and botch it when it comes to Sonic
"No Plans for Sonic Origins Digital Purchase Right Now, But Gamers Are Aware of Scam"
Well that’s just stupid. If you no there demand do it 🤦♂️
Well I guess I have “no plans” to buy this then
SEGA predictably will sell a physical at a later date, as they have done with Mania. They know this is too attractive of a package to not give a physical, it's a compilation of their greatest hits.
You know that they've done three separate physical releases of Sonic Mania Plus on Switch already? One standalone, one bundled with Sonic Forces, and another bundled with Team Sonic Racing!
Removed - unconstructive feedback; user is banned
@RupeeClock Actually, it's at 4 releases of Mania on Switch. Mania Plus was the first stand alone, then the game was eventually rereleased without the Plus content, so it's just Sonic Mania that got bundled with Team Sonic Racing and Sonic Forces, not Sonic Mania Plus.
I'll echo the sentiments of most here.
While I'm really looking forward to this collection I'll happily wait for a physical edition.
I've already played them to death and I got burned by Sonic Mania
They would be stupid not to. Physical LE’s are HOT right now
@tadams587
No delay on the release date, Katie said it’ll probably be available for preorder sometime next month. Nintendo is just picky.
I'm buying this physical only. I've played these games before - I can wait. Your move, Sega.
Removed - flaming/arguing
Of course there will be a physical release. But Sega has to wait until enough people buy digital. And then you get the physical-only people to double-dip.
Simply not buying it until there’s a physical release and when it’s $20. They’re crazy asking $40 for a digital copy of 4 old Sonic games and I already have all 4 games a zillion ways! GOTTA GET GREEDY FAST!
@Friendly I am 100% sure they did. I was being facetious.
But there official statement is they were planning digital only and now seemingly being caught by surprise that people might want it on a cartridge.
I can only go by what they say publicly.
"..our team has been made aware..." PR statements like this just make companies sound ignorant, yet these companies keep doing it.
No doubt they are hoping people will double dip. But I own these games 5 times over and I have learned that with a little time games usually get massive discounts. So I do exactly what I did with Mania, I wait for what I prefer or I buy on discount in the future or both.
I use to fall for their marketing and buy all my games at full price, then I wised up. With websites like Deku Deals and others, I can easily track what prices companies are willing to take. I have plenty of games to hold me over. Especially these games.
What exactly is stopping them from releasing a physical version.
@RupeeClock Four if you count the standard release without the dlc
The question is do I buy this when it comes out or wait for the inevitable physical release? Decisions, decisions…
Sega is either too stupid to not foresee demand for a physical release or too clever to make people double dip just like with Sonic Mania
@mr-duster
Ah well, I’ll just have to wait then
What the hell are you thinking Sega?
@Friendly
Now that you mention squenix i am getting similar vibes to the whole "if there is enough demand" regarding square and those FF 1-6 remasters (im still hoping they get announced for console this year, being the anniversery) heck sega are even delisting some of the older versions similar to what square did with some of the older FF ports on ios and steam.
I have "No Plans" for buying Sonic Origins until it gets a physical release. But I am aware the game.
Getting a physical of this with a classic genesis style cover artwork would be awesome, like they did with the Sonic Mania physical.
I'll wait until a physical copy of Sonic Origins is released before buying the game.
@HotGoomba Can you not do this, please?
I know what a joke is. You don't need to copy-paste an image of the definition to get your point across.
I'm not gonna bother begging these people. I'll make it really simple: no plans for physical release equals no plans to purchase for me. If you get enough of those, you change your mind. If you don't, you don't want our money. Your move, Sega.
Hey, at least SEGA recognized the people who wanted physical copies of Origins and are actually CONSIDERING IT. Unlike another company we all know and hate… glares at Nintendo with pure hatred
When will Sega release an updated version of Sega Rally that was on Dreamcast? Or Outrun?
Honestly the only way Im buying this is if it’s physical so I can sell it if it sucks
@AzzyC, that is not what happened, and your (incorrect) comment shows how little you know about collectors. Not only that but a lot of people are unable to buy the game online making a physical release their only way to play it.
Think before you talk 💩.
@Danimations I HARD DIASAGREE!
@AzzyC unless you have a firsthand account of one person spamming SEGA I regret to inform you that you can't disagree with facts.
Why has no one mentioned that rhis game is worthfar less cosidering that the only thing we are really buying it for is half the classic games. Sonic 1 and 2 are already available to us on our switches in the excellent Sega ages ports and also on our genesis minis. so we are buying this for sonic 3 and knuckles and sonic cd. I ain't using up precious micro sd card space for that. give me physical or no buyo bro.
Ugh, f*ck this digital crap into the very bowels of hell. I was actually interrested in Sonic Origins, but no way in hell am i throwing my money away to sh*t that I dont own and cant hold with my own hands. Give us a physical copy, I see a lot of people want it. DO BETTER!!
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...