Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia Hardcover Book Releasing in Time For Sonic’s 30th – Written by Ian Flynn

An Amazon listing for Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia has appeared, confirming a very cool release from SEGA in time for Sonic’s 30th anniversary. The hardcover book from SEGA and Dark Horse publishing will be 256 pages long (just a little shorter than Pix’n Love Editions History of Sonic the Hedgehog book from the 20th anniversary) and most notably, the book is being written by IDW Sonic the Hedgehog lead writer Ian Flynn.

Read-Only Memory announces SEGA Arcade: Pop-Up History book – Kickstarter launches today

Our friends at Read-Only Memory, who published the excellent Sega Mega Drive/Genesis: Collected Works and is hard at work on the upcoming Sega Dreamcast: Collected Works, have announced a new SEGA focused book with a very different spin. SEGA Arcade: Pop-Up History will be a large format, high production book of pop-up sculptures of SEGA’s greatest arcade cabinets. The deluxe arcade cabinets include: Hang-On, Space Harrier, Thunder Blade, After Burner, and Out Run. The Holy Quincunx as I call them (I had to Google “trinity but for 5”).

Each pop-up model in this officially licensed book will be accompanied by schematics, game artwork and historical context from by Guardian games writer Keith Stuart – plus everyone who backs the project during the Kickstarter campaign will receive an exclusive limited version, sporting a silver foil, deep embossed cover design.

Read-Only Memory have proven time and time again that they produce the best quality video game history and art and design books, and we urge readers to show their latest project their support. You can learn more about the upcoming book on their Kickstarter campaign page. We will continue to share news about SEGA Arcade: Pop-Up History as we hear it.

Cook & Becker announces Space Channel 5 fine art print

Cook & Becker (who once joined us on a Swingin’ Report Show to discuss their Sonic the Hedgehog art book) have just announced a new SEGA-inspired art print! The latest SEGA art print is inspired by the Dreamcast classic Space Channel 5. Created by artist Veronique Meignaud, whose past work includes Dishonored, Far Cry, Wakfu and Child of Light, the print features star reporter Ulala in stunning futuristic colors.

Those who subscribe to the Cook & Becker newsletter can reserve a low or specific number edition, with the window closing on Sunday, July 8th at 23:59 CET. After that we presume the prints will go on sale to the public. You can browse Cook & Becker’s SEGA selections here.

Bitmap Books SEGA Master System: a visual compendium Kickstarter launches

UK based Bitmap Books have been around for a while, producing high quality art books featuring classic game consoles. “SEGA Master System: a visual compendium” is their first foray into the world of SEGA, and to make the book happen they’ve turned to Kickstarter. The book will feature pixel art, product design and graphic design associated with this iconic 8-bit system. The book is also officially licensed by SEGA and is the first book of this kind to be released for the Master System.

Backers can choose between digital, softcover or hardcover and add-ons include post cards, a poster, a t-shirt. Also included with each book will be 3-D glasses and a bookmark. If you want to support the book, check out their Kickstarter campaign.

SEGA wants to return to the hardware market with the Sonic Toaster

SEGA wants to return to the hardware market with the Sonic toaster, but to make that happen they’ll need to hit 1,000 pre-orders within the next 13 days. As revealed on yesterday’s Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube stream, shipping has expanded to include several European countries. The full list of countries include:

U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Spain, and Sweden.

The toaster itself burns in a classic Sonic silhouette, and has a variety of settings from defrost to bagel. Check it out for yourself at the SEGA Shop!

IDW Games announces premium collector Sonic the Hedgehog jigsaw puzzles

IDW Games, a branch of IDW Publishing, will be releasing premium collector jigsaw puzzles soon. September, 2018 to be exact. Sonic the Hedgehog and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be kicking off the line, with 1000-piece puzzles targeting puzzle hobbyists and fans. The Sonic puzzle art comes from the issue 4 cover of the comic series by Tyson Hesse. The Ninja Turtles art is by co-creator Kevin Eastman, so Tyson is in good company indeed!

You can pre-order the puzzle today for $19.99!

SEGA and PUMA Sonic the Hedgehog sneaker collaboration hits stores June 5

SEGA has sent us a bunch of images showing off the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog sneaker collaboration between PUMA and SEGA. Set to hit stores June 5, 2018 and priced at $130, the sneakers come in two designs: one inspired by Sonic and another inspired by Eggman. There are several little details in the shoes, which can be seen in the gallery after the break and in the following descriptions from Puma:

The RS-0 Sonic takes cues from Sonic the Hedgehog and the areas he protects, including the iconic Green Hill Zone. The upper is made from a textured suede reminiscent of Sonic’s trademark blue fur while the striking red outsole stands for his shoes. Take a closer look and you’ll see more familiar color hints from the beloved game – from classic gold rings, to the lush green grass that he speeds on. The upper also features micro ventilation perforations, embroidered PUMA Formstrip, deboss of Sonic’s head and gold rings. Metallic gold rings once again appear on lace ends relating to the classic gold rings collected in the video game. The story continues on the mid and insole with checkered print nostalgic to the retro video game. 16-bit grass print on heel is a nod to the Green Hill Zone. Outsole features translucent red rubber and a Sonic logo under print. Finally, the tongue label features the collaboration logo and RS-0 binary number branding.

The PUMA x SEGA RS-0 Dr. Eggman take cues from Sonic the Hedgehog’s archnemesis, from his flashy outfit to the black and yellow caution stripes from his Eggmobile represented by the sneaker’s all-over red upper and footbed. The upper is decked in a pebbled patent leather with micro ventilation perforations, a debossed PUMA Formstrip, and a debossed Dr. Eggman head that shoots fireballs from his Eggmobile. His conniving face and fireballs are debossed on the medial heel, while gold rings, have been inserted on the lace. The footbed features black and yellow caution stripes – nod to the graphics on Eggman’s Eggmobile. Metallic outsole and caution stripes take design cues from his scientific machinery. Outsole features translucent blue rubber and Sonic logo under print, the exact color referenced from Dr. Eggman’s glasses. Tongue label features the collaboration logo and RS-0 binary number branding. Both sneakers are packaged a special box that inspired by the iconic Green Hill Zone.

Share your thoughts on the designs in the comments below, and let us know if you will be picking up a pair!

Data Discs announces Space Harrier vinyl – Get Ready!

Finally! Data Discs has announced that Space Harrier will be the 16th vinyl in the line of video game music releases. The vinyl will go on sale Saturday and will begin shipping on May 31. The release promises the complete music from the 1985 arcade classic, remastered, as well as a bonus arrangement of the main theme by SEGA’s in-house band S.S.T. Band. Space Harrier is presented as a remastered 180g LP, pressed at 45RPM. Also included are liner notes from composer Hiroshi “Hiro” Kawaguchi and a lithographic print.

A special 3D edition of the vinyl will be sold, which will feature a 3D lenticular cover, and 50 random copies will be signed by Hiro.

Space Harrier is available in the following editions:
2 x 180g Translucent light green with purple/green splatter and 3D lenticular cover. STRICTLY LIMITED EDITION (26.99 GBP)
2 x 180g Translucent dark green (19.99 GBP)
2 x 180g Classic Black (19.99 GBP)

You can listen to audio samples here.

SEGAbits staff uniforms arrive by way of Wave One Co., Ltd’s new SEGA clothing line

File this one under “I WANT IT! GIVE ME!”.

Via Famitsu comes the news that Wave One Co. will be selling short sleeved jersey shirts featuring Fantasy Zone and Virtua Fighter art as part of their classic game series clothing line WAVEONE CAST. The shirts come in a variety of sizes and will sell for 13,500 yen. Expected release date is in a few months.

We’re not sure what their international shipping rules are, but you can check out the pre-order page here and see a gallery after the break!

Sonic at SXSW: Sonic and Puma partnering to release Sonic branded shoe

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SEGA and Sonic Team have announced at SXSW that SEGA and Puma are teaming for a new Sonic the Hedgehog shoe. Unfortunately, it is not Sonic’s red shoes with the stripe and buckle. The shoes have not been fully revealed, as the preview image is pixelated, but they should be revealed soon and will be very limited. So good luck getting a pair!

Unboxing: Ultimate Classic Sonic the Hedgehog Tomy Action Figure

On this SEGAbits Unboxing, Barry takes a look at the Tomy classic Sonic the Hedgehog action figure. This figure came as a bit of a surprise, as early listings for it made it appear much smaller than it actually turned out to be. Just how cool is this new classic Sonic figure? Watch and find out! You can buy it for yourself at GameStop.

If you enjoy our SEGAbits Unboxing videos and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

New Sonic the Hedgehog toys and figures coming from Diamond Select Toys

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Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles have announced that they have teamed with SEGA to create a line of Sonic the Hedgehog collectibles for, in their words, fans “young and old” (which to me translates to modern and classic Sonic). The first products will be unveiled at the International Toy Fair in New York City which is in just a few days on February 17. Product categories include Gallery PVC dioramas (9-inch scale PVC sculpted statues), Minimates block figures, Vinimates vinyl figures (4-inch block-style figures) and PVC mini-figures with collect-and-connect racetracks.

The new products are expected to release holiday 2018. We’ll be sure to share images of the new products as soon as they leak from the toy fair!

Sonic the Hedgehog: Battle Racers board game Kickstarter launches

A new officially licensed Sonic the Hedgehog board game has just hit Kickstarter, titled Sonic the Hedgehog: Battle Racers. Developed by Shinobi 7, the board game sees 2-5 players using re-painted miniatures to race past Badniks and bosses, while collecting rings in a sprint to the finish. While the game will see a commercial release outside of Kickstarter, there are bonuses to entice collectors. The bonuses, however, come at a cost as the only tier is $100 + shipping.

Unboxing: Jet Set Radio Beat action figure

Let’s unbox the brand new Jet Set Radio Beat action figure which is part of the GAME CLASSICS line from Union Creative! Unlike the long running Figma line from Max Factory, GAME CLASSICS is just two figures deep with Arthur of Ghosts ‘n Goblins being the first. While GAME CLASSICS has room to improve, this is a really cool figure. Watch the video above to hear my thoughts on it, and if you like what you see you can own one yourself!

If you enjoy our SEGAbits Unboxing videos and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.