Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Classic Co-op
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive · Platformer / Action
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Certified classic
| System | Sega Genesis / Mega Drive |
|---|---|
| Released | 1994 |
| Genre | Platformer, Action |
| Developer | Sonic Team |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Sonic |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 30 |
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a platformer released in 1994 for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, developed by Sonic Team and published by SEGA. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Sonic 3. It blends platformer and action elements.
It landed about 5 years into the Genesis's life. Other notable Genesis releases from 1994 include Mortal Kombat II, FIFA International Soccer and Sonic & Knuckles. Among the 160 Genesis platformers in our database, it ranks #3 by legacy score.
It is part of the Sonic series; on the Genesis you can also try Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic & Knuckles. The series also appears on other systems with Sonic Advance (GBA) and Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System).
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you have a friend to play against
- you want to experience one of the Genesis's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 cheats & codes
185 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:
| Enable Stage Select | FFFFD0:0100 |
|---|---|
| Enable Debug Mode | FFFFFA:0100 |
| Enable Debug Mode (On An Actual System) | 00362A:0001 |
| Infinite Rings | FFFE20:00C8 |
| Infinite Lives | FFFE12:0009 |
| Only Need 1 Blue Sphere For Chaos Emerald | FFE438:0001 |
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
If you like Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the Matrix also picks…
Sonic the Hedgehog Classic
Sonic & Knuckles Classic
Knuckles' Chaotix Classic
Sonic Blast Classic
Sonic Advance Classic
Playing Genesis games today
Genesis games are fast and immediate, and many are made for two players. Official collections and Nintendo Switch Online carry a big slice of the library, and Rec0m88 can run your own Genesis backups with online netplay.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 FAQ
When did Sonic the Hedgehog 3 come out on the Genesis?
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1994.
Who made Sonic the Hedgehog 3?
It was developed by Sonic Team and published by SEGA.
Is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 multiplayer?
Yes. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 supports up to 2 players.
How long does Sonic the Hedgehog 3 take to play?
As a platformer, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.