The prices of classic Sonic the Hedgehog games are on the rise due to the blue blur’s recent surge in popularity, particularly for titles featuring his darker counterpart, Shadow. The last few years have been thrilling for the Sonic franchise, thanks to a number of successful games and media projects. For instance, Sonic Frontiers introduced an exciting new approach to the character’s 3D adventures in 2022, and in 2024, Sonic X Shadow Generations reimagined the 2011 anniversary platformer, adding a new side story that explores Shadow’s activities during Sonic’s 20th birthday celebration.
The year 2024 was all about honoring Shadow, the mysterious and moody hedgehog rival, with a series of exciting promotions and new content. He played a key role in Sonic X Shadow Generations and made his first appearance on the big screen in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, released in December, where he was voiced by the renowned Keanu Reeves, famous for his work in Hollywood and Cyberpunk 2077. The success of these ventures has probably taken Shadow’s popularity to new levels, which might also enhance the value of his past gaming roles.
According to Comicbook’s report on Price Charting, the retail prices of several classic Sonic the Hedgehog games have experienced a notable increase following the launch of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Many of these titles feature Shadow, with the original Sonic Adventure 2 on the Sega Dreamcast—where Shadow first appeared and which inspired the Sonic 3 movie—seeing its value rise from an average of $140 to about $210. Some copies are even fetching prices over $300. The 2002 Nintendo GameCube version, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, has also seen a price jump from around $60 to roughly $130, though the “Player’s Choice” edition is reportedly selling for slightly less.
Shadow-Centric Games Are Getting Pricier After Sonic 3 Movie
Shadow’s first game isn’t the only classic Sonic title experiencing a boost from his newfound popularity. The 2005 spin-off, Shadow the Hedgehog, has seen a price increase on various platforms. The PS2 version is currently selling for about $65, the Xbox version is around $90, and the GameCube version is priced at a notable $145.
It seems that the rise in prices can be attributed to Shadow’s appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, a release that garnered positive feedback and strong box office performance. Over time, we can anticipate that the prices of the affected Sonic the Hedgehog games will likely drop again. Nonetheless, this recent increase serves as a clear indication of how the success of the live-action films is sparking renewed interest in the classic games they draw from.
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