Sonic 3 & Knuckles review

Sonic 3 & Knuckles is the classic Sonic pick for PC players, and SEGA's own way to sell it today is Sonic Origins on Steam at $29.99. The collection holds four games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic CD. SEGA's page describes a Classic mode with the original resolution and limited lives, and an Anniversary Mode with unlimited lives in widescreen HD, which makes it friendlier for newer players than the cartridge. The $10.00 Plus Expansion Pack adds 12 Sonic Game Gear titles and lets you play as Amy Rose. The combined game is missing from the Nintendo Switch Online Genesis library, so Switch players have no route through that membership. Collectors can buy the separate carts at DKOldies, where Sonic 3 lists at $69.99 used and Sonic and Knuckles at $59.99, about $130 together. For most people, the Steam collection is the better buy.

Who it is for

PC players who want classic Sonic

Price

Sonic Origins on Steam for $29.99, which includes Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

Buy Sonic Origins $29.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Sonic Origins bundles Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic CD
• Classic mode keeps the original resolution and limited lives
• Anniversary Mode adds unlimited lives in widescreen HD
• Plus Expansion Pack ($10.00) adds 12 Game Gear titles
• Plus content makes Amy Rose playable in Sonic 3 & Knuckles

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: One $29.99 purchase also includes Sonic 2 and Sonic CD
• Strength: Anniversary Mode's unlimited lives help newer players
• Strength: Playable as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles or Amy with the Plus content
• Weakness: Not in the Nintendo Switch Online Genesis library
• Weakness: On cartridge, DKOldies sells Sonic 3 ($69.99) and Sonic and Knuckles ($59.99) separately
• Weakness: Amy Rose and the Game Gear games need the $10.00 Plus Expansion Pack

Key facts

• Publisher: SEGA
• Sold in: Sonic Origins (Steam, $29.99)
• Modes: Classic and Anniversary
• Used carts at DKOldies: Sonic 3 $69.99, Sonic and Knuckles $59.99

Where it ranks

Sonic 3 & Knuckles is No. 3 in our Best Sega Genesis Games verdict.