Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds New Free Characters Update Reveals Red, Majima, Arle and More!

SEGA has revealed new details about the upcoming Patch 3 update for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, including a lineup of free downloadable content arriving in the months ahead. Players can look forward to racing as several fan-favorite characters from across the SEGA universe. The free additions will feature crossovers with well-known characters from franchises that include Angry Birds, Yakuza and Puyo Puyo! Additionally, SEGA is adding a playlist of classic SEGA racing tunes!

The content will begin rolling out as part of the Patch 3 update, which is scheduled to go live on Wednesday, March 18 at 5 PM PT. Once the update launches, all players will be able to download the new content at no additional cost. SEGA says additional details about the upcoming characters and content drops will be shared closer to release.

After the break, a full listing of the content to drop in the coming months!

SEGA News Bits Live: SEGA Planned a Saturn 32X!?

On this chill episode of SEGA News Bits Live, we look back at the past few weeks of SEGA news including more Sonic crossovers, the return of Infinite and news of a planned SEGA Saturn 32X-style add-on.

If you want to support this type of content, you can check out our Patreon!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a thumbs up so it shows up on more like-minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

Sonic Rumble Gets A New Title Update with Changes + Smurf Crossover Event

Today, SEGA announced that the multiplayer party game Sonic Rumble, now available on iOS, Android, Google Play, and Steam, will host a limited-time event, The Smurfs Crossover Event, beginning March 16, 2026.

Along with the collaboration event, a major update will be included as well. In addition to introducing the new game mode Party Rumble, the update will also add a new Toy Capsules system and implement various gameplay enhancements to further evolve players’ experience. With this update, the game will officially relaunch under the title Sonic Rumble Party.

During the event period starting Monday, March 16 at 1 AM PT until Wednesday, April 15 at 1 AM PT, exclusive Smurfs collaboration Skins will be available in the Event Pass and Red Star Ring Shop. Players will be able to join battles as Smurfs characters as well as participate in special collaboration stages.

Check for more info on the latest updated features to Sonic Rumble Party here.

Former Sega hardware engineers Kenji Tosaki and Junichi Naoi confirmed a Saturn Graphics Accelerator was in development

Ever heard the rumor that Sega was working on a Saturn add-on to enhance its graphics? I hadn’t. Apparently it really happened, though, or at least someone tried to make it happen.

In an interview with Japanese outlet Beep21, former Sega hardware designers Kenji Tosaki and Junichi Naoi confirmed that Sega really had sought out to create an add-on to help the Sega Saturn produce much better graphics than it could on its own. Essentially, this would’ve been the same thing for the Saturn that the 32X was for the Genesis/Mega-Drive, in that it would have its own line of Saturn games that would require it be attached to the console in order for those games to function. What’s more, the cancelled Saturn version of Shenmue, as well as a planned Saturn port of Virtua Fighter 3, were both planned to utilize it.

These two had quite a lot to say about this cancelled hardware expansion, so join us after the break if you wanna hear more.

RGG Studio Directors Ryosuke Horii and Yutaka Ito reveal new behind the scenes info about the retro Sega games in Yakuza titles

One of the many things people typically love about the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series of games are the old school Sega games included as part of the bonus games you can play in your downtime away from the main story. The latest game in the franchise, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, might have been a divisive entry, but what anyone can agree on are that the choice of new Model 3 games and the addition of Game Gear and NAOMI games are a welcome addition. It’s also just wonderful to have access to these games on modern platforms, even as side content in a Yakuza game.

Video game news outlet Automation JP have just sat down with current day RGG Studio directors Ryosuke Horii and Yutaka Ito to talk about the retro games added to the series. This should be a fun read if this is one of your favorite aspects about Yakuza, so sit down and join us past the break. We’re about to learn some unbelievable things about what went into choosing the games to include, how they implemented them into the larger game, and what the future holds for retro Sega games inside and outside the Yakuza franchise.

The Chaotix Casefiles Episode 7 – “The Case of the Red Specter” Teases the Thief’s Identity

Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles continues to build toward its biggest reveal yet with the release of Episode 7 – “The Case of the Red Specter,” now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and major podcast platforms.

In this latest episode, Sonic the Hedgehog and Vector the Crocodile remain trapped just as the mystery reaches a critical moment. Vector believes he’s finally uncovered the true identity of the thief responsible for the recent crimes—but escaping their predicament is easier said than done.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team bands together to rescue their friends before it’s too late. With the situation growing more dangerous by the minute, the question remains: is Dr. Eggman the only obstacle standing in their way, or is there something even more mysterious behind the case? Fans can find out by listening to Episode 7 of The Chaotix Casefiles now.

ATLUS Announces Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra World Tour

Following the success of the sold-out 2025 premiere in Japan, the official concert tour of Metaphor: ReFantazio embarks on a world tour spanning 3 continents, 6 countries and 8 cities across the globe.

The concert presents a carefully curated selection of pieces that bring the game’s epic fantasy world to life, all composed by Shoji Meguro—renowned for his work on the “PERSONA” series.

Each performance will feature a 45-piece orchestra, a choir, and multiple vocal soloists performing brand new, epic orchestral arrangements of the most memorable music from the game including “Ode to Heroes”, “King of Destruction”, and “Prelude to a Heroic Tale”, accompanied by a screen above the stage playing synced cutscenes and gameplay from the game.

The full list of tour dates can be found below:

  • October 9, 2026: Dallas
  • October 11, 2026: Chicago
  • October 13, 2026: Los Angeles
  • October 31, 2026: Kaohsiung
  • November 21, 2026: Singapore
  • November 28, 2026: Bangkok
  • January 22, 2027: London
  • January 24, 2027: Paris

Ticket presales for all US and EU/UK concerts start March 5th at 10am local time. For info, visit www.metaphorconcert.com

The Chaotix Confront Sage in Episode 6 of The Chaotix Casefiles

Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles continues its high-stakes storyline with the release of Episode 6, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and podcast platforms.

In this latest installment, the Chaotix Detective Agency finally tracks down the secret lair of Dr. Eggman himself. But infiltrating the base is only the beginning of their problems. Waiting for them inside is Eggman’s AI daughter, Sage, and she’s far from pleased to see unexpected visitors.

With tensions rising and the investigation reaching a critical turning point, Episode 6 of The Chaotix Casefiles pushes the mystery into dangerous new territory. Fans won’t want to miss this explosive chapter as the team faces one of their biggest threats yet.

Catch the Virtua Fighter Open Championship Finals on Livestream!

After a series-first yearlong circuit of tournaments around the globe, the VIRTUA FIGHTER Open Championship series concludes on Sunday, March 1 with the Global Finals! The stakes are high for competitors: first place will receive a $100,000 cash prize.

Ten of the finest Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage players will meet in Japan for the final showdown, including top Japanese competitors Akani Shiwapo, Tonchan and Isabashi Zangief, as well as North American and European contenders GentlemanThief, HIMA and NERO.

The Global Finals begin with the final playoff stage of the top 4 competitors starting at 12:20 am PST on March 1. The full tournament will be livestreamed via the Virtua Fighter YouTube channel.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop Officially Available Now!

Today, SEGA officially released Tangle & Whisper as playable racers for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Players can now race around the track as everyone’s fan-favorite duo from the popular IDW comic series!

The free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop includes the following:

  • Tangle & Whisper as playable characters
  • Two new Tangle & Whisper themed songs added to the Jukebox:
  • “Character Select”
  • “Result”
  • Special emotes and sounds

Players who own either the Standard (physical or digital) or Digital Deluxe versions of the game will automatically receive the free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop. Please ensure that the game is updated to the latest version for the content to be downloaded properly.

Episode 5 of The Chaotix Casefiles Leaves the Team Stranded and Reunites With a Familiar Face

Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Files continues its unfolding mystery with the release of Episode 5, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and major podcast platforms.

In this latest chapter, things quite literally fall out of the sky as the Chaotix Copter crash-lands in a mysterious meadow, leaving Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy Bee stranded and searching for answers. Just when the team begins to regroup, a mysterious light barrels toward them at high speed—raising more questions than ever. But the real shock comes moments later: could that incoming figure really be Gemerl?

With the investigation spiraling into unexpected territory, Episode 5 of The Chaotix Casefiles delivers another cliffhanger fans won’t want to miss.

Playable Demo of Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake Available Now on Steam Next Fest!

A brand-new playable demo of Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake is now available as part of Steam Next Fest! In this hands-on preview, you get to experience the second stage of the game and try out two distinct Dragon evolution forms featuring alongside updated visuals, refined gameplay, and enhanced atmosphere of this legendary rail shooter!

Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake is a refreshed edition of the second entry in the legendary rail shooter series, taking you into a unique world where ancient ruins, imperial power, and mysterious creatures shape the fate of an entire continent. Step into the role of Jean Jacque Lundi, a young rider who, together with his extraordinary companion – a dragon named Lagi – embarks on a dangerous journey filled with battles, discoveries, and the secrets of ancient civilizations.

The gameplay remains a classic on-rail shooter – fast-paced combat where you strike down enemies with both Lundi’s gun and Lagi’s devastating lasers. With the Berserk Attack at your disposal, even the toughest encounters may turn in your favor.

Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake will be available for Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S with a release date to be announced for $24.99.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Nintendo Switch™ 2 Version Open Beta Test Begins Tonight!

Step into the ring as the open beta for Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage will go live later tonight on Nintendo Switch 2! Players can jump in and experience a first look at the legendary 3D fighter’s debut on a Nintendo platform. Check out the latest trailer of the open beta here.

The open beta will run from 7 pm PST / 10pm EST on February 18 through 6:59 pm PST / 9:59 pm EST on February 23 and will be used to test network servers and cross-play performance with other available platforms (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam). Players can download the beta directly from the Nintendo eShop, and they will need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription in order to participate. Players on Nintendo Switch™ 2 will also be able to join the existing online environment as Steam / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S owners.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 26. Physical and digital pre-orders are now live, featuring the 30th Anniversary Edition (available both physically and digitally), featuring the base game, various DLC packs, a soundtrack collection, and pre-production artwork.

Kristen Bell announced as voice of Amy Rose in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 4’ movie

Via The Hollywood Reporter comes the news that Amy Rose in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4 movie has a voice actress, and that is Kristen Bell! Long suffering parents like myself best know her as the voice of Anna in the Frozen films from Disney, and gamers may know her as the voice of Lucy Stillman in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. On TV she is best known for Veronica Mars, Heroes and The Good Place and has appeared in a number of films over the years.

Little else about Sonic 4 has been revealed, even the reveal article fails to confirm any live action actors returning with the only returning crew member name checked being director Jeff Fowler.

Are you excited for the casting announcement? Who would you have preferred if not? Sound off in the comments below!