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.

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!

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!

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.

Diamond Select Toys reveals upcoming Sonic Toys

207623_1189214_1

The people over at PreviewsWorld have captured some good shots of the upcoming Diamond Select Toys featuring our favorite blue hedgehog. We teased a few days ago that we would be having a reveal and here it is. There will be two different products coming of the toys including some high quality PVC and minimate figures (check them both out below).

The high quality PVC figures feature Sonic the Hedgehog grabbing a ring and our two tailed fox leaping for a chaos emerald. While the minimate is set to have twelve figurines for $24.99 and so far feature Sonic, Super Sonic, Amy, Silver, Tails, Eggman, Cheese, and Cream. At least these characters are the only ones on display at the event. Check out the photos below. For the record I think the minimate figures look horrible and their ‘art style’ for the figures don’t really work well with Sonic the Hedgehog. It looks like Sonic and he’s friends have been doing a lot of curls at the gym.

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

Sonic_Generations_GCI_Slide

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!

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.

TOMY reveals new Sonic the Hedgehog action figures, plush toys and comic books for 2018

tomy

2018 might be a quiet year for Sonic the Hedgehog games, but the world of merchandise appears to be heating up. Not only will IDW debut their spin on the Sonic franchise, but TOMY will be releasing many more action figures and plush toys from the modern, classic and Sonic Boom character lineups. TOMY has been in the Sonic action figure business for two years, so they have released some figures but there are still several characters that they have yet to release. Let’s take a look at what collector’s can expect in 2018!

SEGA News Bits: Sonic Adventure & Sonic Adventure 2 Vinyl Announced

On this short but sweet SEGA News Bits, Barry takes a look at the newly announced Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2 vinyl from Brave Wave, which are due out this winter. Released separately and each containing two LPs, fans can expect a hand picked selection of the best tunes from each game. What tracks made the cut? What bonuses can we expect? Click play and find out!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments 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 sticker activity book and short story collection releasing July, 2018 – available to pre-order

Screen Shot 2017-10-29 at 9.24.33 PM

Earlier this year we shared that three new Sonic the Hedgehog books from Penguin Random House – including a short story collection, a handbook and a Mad Libs book – were releasing in March, 2018. Now, two more books are due out July 10, 2018 including another short story collection and a sticker activity book! after the break, check out the descriptions of the upcoming books, as well as how to pre-order a copy.

Unboxing: Tokyo Game Show 2017 SEGA & Sonic Merchandise

Tokyo Game Show 2017 had a ton of awesome merchandise for sale and swag to give away, and in this SEGAbits Unboxing I dig through a package from SEGAbits writer Aki-At containing some TGS goodies! Items include exclusive Sonic Mania merchandise and swag advertising Yakuza Kiwami 2, Sonic Forces, Fist of the North Star and A Certain Magical Virtual-On.

If you enjoy our 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.

ATLUS online store launches with Persona 5 merchandise available for pre-order

Screen Shot 2017-10-16 at 10.12.05 AM

While the SEGA Shop opens tomorrow, today the ATLUS Online Store launched with merchandise from Persona 5. The store is being dubbed a work in progress and will initially serve North America with plans to expand globally. Currently available are dozens of items including Morgana and Jack Frost plushies, hoodies, “The Phantom Thieves” t-shirts, pins, phone cases and more. Several items are imports, being made available for the first time outside of Anime Expo. Pre-orders are expected to ship late November to early December and are available while supplies last.

Visit the store for yourself, and happy shopping!

An official online SEGA Shop is coming soon for the Americas

Screen Shot 2017-10-12 at 4.18.09 PM

In the latest Sonic Official stream, it was announced that SEGA will soon be launching a SEGA shop which will feature new official merchandise spanning apparel, accessories, collectibles, costumes and home decor. One example of collectibles included limited edition pins. The shop will initially launch with a limited number of SEGA brands, including Sonic, SEGA Genesis, Golden Axe and Shinobi. After the shop opens, brands will expand. So when does this launch? Expect the store to open next Tuesday at shop.sega.com.

Currently the shop will serve the Americas only, but a UK shop is in the works apparently. What would you like to see at the SEGA Shop? Sound off in the comments below!