Sonic the Hedgehog 2 review

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is our answer to the question of the best Sega Genesis game. Nintendo's SEGA AGES store page, with text supplied by SEGA, describes it as one of the most successful Genesis games and notes the critical acclaim that followed its 1992 release. Sonic and Tails, in his first appearance, team up against Dr. Eggman to save the Chaos Emeralds, and the game introduced a competitive two-player mode. It also wins on price: a used NTSC cartridge lists at $28.99 at DKOldies, the lowest regular price of any game here. Players without a Genesis have two legal routes. SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog 2 costs $7.99 on Switch and adds the drop dash, rankings, time trial and Knuckles, and the Nintendo Switch Online Genesis library includes the original with a rewind feature. The weak points are small: DKOldies sells the cart without a box, and stock moves. Buy this one first.

Who it is for

first-time Genesis buyers and families

Price

Used Genesis cartridge from $28.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $28.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Tails makes his debut as Sonic's partner
• Competitive two-player mode
• Included in the Nintendo Switch Online SEGA Genesis library
• SEGA AGES version on Switch adds drop dash, rankings, time trial and Knuckles
• Released in 1992, according to Nintendo's Genesis library page

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The cheapest cartridge on this list at $28.99 used
• Strength: SEGA AGES Sonic The Hedgehog 2 costs $7.99 on the Nintendo eShop
• Strength: Nintendo Switch Online adds rewind to recover lost rings
• Weakness: DKOldies sells the cartridge only, with no box or manual
• Weakness: Sale prices and stock at DKOldies change daily
• Weakness: Sonic 3 & Knuckles offers more playable characters through Sonic Origins

Key facts

• Publisher: SEGA
• Original release: 1992
• Players (SEGA AGES version): 1 to 2 on one system
• SEGA AGES developer: M2
• ESRB (DKOldies listing): Everyone

Where it ranks

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is No. 1 in our Best Sega Genesis Games verdict.