Sega’s iconic video game character, Sonic the Hedgehog, has been a household name since its release in 1991. The game was a huge success on Sega’s own platform, the Genesis, and has since been released on multiple platforms over the years. However, it was a surprise to many fans when Sonic the Hedgehog made its way to Nintendo’s Switch console in 2017. So, how did Sega’s Sonic end up on Nintendo’s Switch?

The answer lies in a partnership between Sega and Nintendo. The two companies have a long history of rivalry in the video game industry, dating back to the 1990s when Sega’s Genesis competed with Nintendo’s SNES. However, in recent years, the two companies have put their differences aside and have begun working together on various projects.

In 2013, Sega and Nintendo announced a partnership that would bring Sonic the Hedgehog games exclusively to Nintendo platforms. This partnership was a strategic move for Sega, as the company had been struggling financially and needed a boost in revenue. Nintendo, on the other hand, saw this as an opportunity to strengthen their own line-up of games.

The first Sonic game to be released under this partnership was Sonic Lost World, which was released on the Wii U in 2013. This was followed by Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric in 2014, which was also released on the Wii U. While these games received mixed reviews, they paved the way for Sonic to make his way onto other Nintendo platforms.

In 2017, Sonic Mania was released on the Nintendo Switch, marking the first time a Sonic game was released on a Nintendo platform since the 2008 release of Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood on the Nintendo DS. Sonic Mania was a critical and commercial success, and its release on the Switch was a major factor in its success.

In addition to Sonic Mania, Sega also released Sonic Forces on the Nintendo Switch in 2017. This game received mixed reviews, but it further solidified the partnership between Sega and Nintendo.

In conclusion, Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog ended up on Nintendo’s Switch through a strategic partnership between the two companies. This partnership has been beneficial for both companies, as it has allowed Sega to reach a wider audience and has strengthened Nintendo’s line-up of games. Fans of Sonic can now enjoy the classic character on their Nintendo Switch, thanks to this unlikely partnership.