Nintendo just announced that Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball is coming to its Nintendo Switch Online service as part one of the Sega Genesis games included in the Expansion Pack. This comes at a busy time for Sonic the Hedgehog, as the Sonic Origins collection was recently announced as well. Origins contains the first three mainline Sonic games and Sonic CD as well as bonus features like an Anniversary Mode with infinite lives and a Mirror Mode.
Sonic Origins includes the first main Sonic games — the reason the series gained its popularity that continues today. That said, Sonic is more than just the main titles, there are countless spin-offs and side games. That is why the timing of Sonic the Hegdehog's Spinball's re-release is impeccable. Spinball is the perfect companion piece to Origins — the first Sonic games are best enjoyed with the first Sonic spin-off.
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball's Release
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball was released in 1993, following the massively popular Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel, released the two years prior. While Sonic has many spin-offs now, Spinball was the first. The game fully capitalizes on Sonic's iconic speedy gameplay and successfully merges it with the game of pinball. Spinball was well received at the time, and even had a Game Boy Advance sequel in the form of Sonic Spinball Party in 2003.
Since Spinball, many other Sonic spin-offs have come and gone. There is the hoverboard racing Sonic Riders series, the puzzle game Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, and the edgy, brooding Shadow the Hedgehog. Despite the fact that Spinball precedes all of these games, it is still one of the most beloved Sonic spin-offs. Fans will be happy to see that the game is still getting attention and seeing re-releases nearly thirty years later.
Lastly, Spinball came at the peak of Sonic's initial popularity. The mainline games are what caused the series to blow up, sure, but the time also brought multiple Sonic cartoon series, spin-off games, merch, and more — Sonic became a cultural phenomenon. That is why Spinball's re-release is perfectly timed. The game is one of the major parts of Sonic's early history, so playing it alongside Origins is like looking into a window to gaming in the 90s.
How Sonic Spinball ties into Sonic Origins
Sonic Origins is a celebration for the series, which is fitting as Sonic had its 30th anniversary just last year. The first three Sonic the Hedgehog games and CD are among the most popular in the series, so bundling them together with plenty of bonus features is appealing for new and old fans alike. Sonic Origins is controversial as a result of its convoluted pre-order bonuses, but the collection has seen a positive reception overall. It is a shame that no older Sonic spin-offs are included as part of the package, but the re-release of Spinball helps to ease that pain.
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball's re-release is well-timed, but it is also exciting due to its release on Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack. While the Expansion Pack is pricey, especially considering its offerings compared to competitors like the new PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass, Spinball still comes included for subscribers at no additional cost. This makes the newest release of Spinball more appealing than something like its standalone PC port — for Expansion Pack subscribers, anyway.
Overall, it is an exciting time to be a Sonic fan. Players can experience the four classic Sonic games through the Sonic Origins collection, and then have some more 90's Sonic goodness with the release of Spinball on Nintendo Switch Online. This hype for classic Sonic will hopefully transition well to modern Sonic, as the brand-new Sonic Frontiers is set to release at the end of this year.
Sonic The Hedgehog Spinball is available now on Nintendo Switch Online.