Sega Confirms Sonic CD Release For Consoles, PC, Smartphone

Sega has confirmed that 1993 Sega CD platformer Sonic CD will be released for download on a variety of console, PC and mobile phone platforms later this year. The title will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network as well as iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices. The title will also be available as a "Windows PC Digital Download," though specific distribution platforms were not discussed. The re-release will feature the original game's widely lauded CD soundtrack, as well as new feature like Achievement and Trophy support, widescreen graphics and unspecified "special iOS features" for that version. "Ask any Sonic fan to name their favorite games, and Sonic CD always ranks near the top of their lists," Sega of America vice president of digital business Haruki Satomi said in a statement. "Sonic CD marks an important chapter in Sonic's history, bridging the gap between his oldest adventures and his new digital exploits like Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I." Though this is the first time the game will be released in downloadable form, Sonic CD has previously seen re-release as part of 2005's Sonic Gems Collection for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Gamecube, as well as a previous port for the PC. Sega's announcement comes after Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb set off speculation about the title's existence earlier in the week by revealing the game would be part of Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade showing at this weekend's Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle.