When a new Nintendo console launches, it’s inevitable that some ports of older titles will appear to try and find a second life. With the Switch 2 this makes even more sense, as the increased power of this new Nintendo handheld means it can do so much more than its predecessor. I’m still not really sure what possessed me to play Sonic X Shadow Generations as my very first Switch 2 game, but it turned out to be a really good way to show off what’s under the hood of my new favourite plaything.
If you missed out on it last year (perhaps because you exclusively own Nintendo consoles) Sonic X Shadow Generations is made up of two parts. One part of it is a spruced up version of the beloved 2011 title Sonic Generations, and the other part is an all new adventure featuring Shadow as the protagonist. Despite being set at the same time these two individual games are very different, in the best of ways.
Starting in the order they’re mentioned in the title, Sonic Generations features both modern and classic Sonic as separate characters, who have to play through zones from all across the franchise to escape The White Space. It was the perfect way to use nostalgia to tug at the heartstrings of Sonic fans, and is an absolute blast to play too. Getting to play 2D versions of 3D stages like City Escape felt so special over a decade ago, and even now it’ll get your heart pumping.
If you’ve played any older Sega Mega Drive (or Genesis) Sonic games you’ll feel right at home spin dashing through Green Hill Zone and Chemical Plant in the classic Sonic stages. The modern Sonic stages feature an extra dimension, and a whole lot of homing attacks. The 3D Sonic games can be a bit hit and miss, but Sonic Generations for the most part does the blue blur proud. Grinding and boosting about as modern Sonic is fast and flashy, just the way I like it.
For this remastered version of Sonic Generations there are a few additional things added alongside the shined up visuals. Things like extra collectible Chaos in each stage, which will add an extra layer of replayability to this already very replayable game. With S rankings to chase and a whole lot of challenge missions, there’s plenty to do for those who can’t get enough of the two Sonics.
The newer side of this collection is even more exciting though, and not just because it features my boy Shadow. Shadow Generations is a parallel adventure through stages of Shadow’s past, although unfortunately with no classic Shadow. Sonic’s edgier counterpart has a whole lot more abilities than his blue rival, allowing him to teleport to enemies, freeze time, and fire dark spears to attack at range. All of these abilities combine to create one of the best Sonic experiences ever, and it even features 2D stages alongside 3D.
Outside of these wonderful stages you’ll be free to explore The White Space, which is now much more than just a flat hub world. Taking inspiration from the open world of Sonic Frontiers, this ever expanding area is full of collectibles to find. Following paths made of rails and springs to see where they lead never gets old, and with Shadow unlocking new dark abilities as you progress you’ll be able to reach new areas full of more nostalgic goodies for your museum.
I loved Sonic X Shadow Generations when I played it last year, and on Switch 2 I enjoyed it even more. The Sonic side of the game runs flawlessly even playing handheld, and once I swapped to performance mode as Shadow his antics were buttery smooth too. On the gorgeous screen of the new console the game looks spectacular, especially the Shadow stages with their vibrant neon lighting.
Despite all the glowing positives when it comes to Sonic X Shadow Generations, this package does come with some negatives. The boss fights are almost exclusively rather rubbish, and are easily the worst part of the game. The 3D Sonic and Shadow stages also feature those unwieldy control moments that so often rearrange their head in these games, where you’ll just launch yourself off the stage when trying to dash or attack an enemy. This is definitely less frequent and frustrating than it is in other Sonic games though, it’s just still present.
Sonic X Shadow Generations was already a fantastic Sonic game in 2024, and on the Switch 2 it’s just delightful. For an old timer like me the novelty of having a Sonic game on a Nintendo console at launch will never go away, and they don’t come much better than Sonic X Shadow Generations.
