Sonic Origins is coming this summer and Sega is getting ready to celebrate the release of the classic games but is also taking steps to ensure people purchase the collection. As a result, Sega has announced that it will remove several versions of classic Sonic games starting May 20th.
There will be some exceptions to this rule, and these include the Sega Ages versions of Sonic The Hedgehog 1 and 2 on the Switch, as well as Sonic 2 in the Sega Genesis app via the Nintendo Switch Online expansion card.
See the press release below
SEGA announced today that the company will remove the digital versions of the standalone titles that will be featured in the upcoming game, Sonic Origins on May 20, 2022.
This will include Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic CD. There are a few exceptions – Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2 will remain playable via SEGA AGES on the Nintendo Switch and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will still be playable via Sega Genesis on the Nintendo Switch Online +.