Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is getting a wave of new content, and kicking things off is none other than Classic Sonic himself. Starting June 24 at 12:00 PM (UTC+8), players can race as the retro version of the Blue Blur in celebration of Sonic’s 35th anniversary, and it won’t cost a thing.

Classic Sonic comes with his own dedicated Machine called the Mach Cyclone. He’s the first of several CrossOver racers arriving through free updates. Axel from the Crazy Taxi series is set to join the roster in August, followed by Amigo from Samba de Amigo in September. Both will also bring their own uniquely themed Machines, the Devolada Yellow Jack for Axel and the Locomotive de Amigo for Amigo.

Alongside the new racer, the Ver. 1.4.1 update is now live. It adds 8 new Gadgets, including a new set of Evolution Gadgets that power up as players meet specific conditions during a race. There’s also a Perfect Landing Gadget that gives a speed boost after pulling off an Air Trick. As a special anniversary gift, all players will receive a Gadget based on Sonic’s classic Spin Dash move. Five more Gadget types are also planned for future updates.

The update also expands the Jukebox with 20 new Sonic tracks and several tunes pulled from classic SEGA titles like Space Channel 5, Burning Rangers, Rhythm Thief and the Emperor’s Treasure, and others. Chinese voice language support has been added as well, along with a batch of collab decals including 15 brand collaboration designs and 2 Sonic 35th Anniversary decals.

On the events side, a Sonic 35th Anniversary Festival is scheduled to run from June 26 at 8:00 AM to June 29 at 7:59 AM (UTC+8). Players can join one of three teams and earn Festival Points by completing race objectives like performing Touch Boosts. Those points can be exchanged for exclusive in-game rewards including a new decal and horn.

Three anniversary songs have also been revealed and added to the game: “Speed Is My Life” in English featuring vocals by NateWantsToBattle and lyrics by Tee Lopes, the Japanese version “ONSOKU WO KOETE” sung by Hatsune Miku and arranged by Yunosuke, and the Chinese version “Here We Go ~ Run to the Future” performed by virtual singer Yousa Ling. Music videos for the English and Chinese versions are already available online.

Looking further ahead, SEGA has announced the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds World Championship 2026, the game’s first global tournament. Qualifier winners will earn a trip to New York to compete in the finals on October 10, 2026, with 24 racers total making it to the event.