Sonic 3 & Knuckles
1994 · Genesis / Mega Drive
Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles were sold separately on Genesis, but the lock-on combined version is the complete game most players mean today.
MainlineClassic 2D
What it is
The full lock-on version of Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, with larger zones and playable Knuckles.
Releases & editions
| Platform | Year | Edition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis / Mega Drive | 1994 | Sonic & Knuckles | — |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | 1994 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | — |
| Wii | 2009 | Standard | Digital · Virtual Console |
| Xbox 360 | 2009 | Standard | Digital · Xbox Live Arcade |
| Switch | 2022 | Sonic Origins | — |
Where it sits for newcomers
Start here
A bigger, more intricate classic entry to play after Sonic 2 or Mania.
See the full where-to-start guide →