Sonic the Fighters Returns 30 Years After Its Arcade Debut With New Official Merch
Good Smile Company has opened pre-orders for a new figure of Sonic the Hedgehog based on his appearance in the classic arcade game, Sonic the Fighters.
The “POP UP PARADE Sonic the Hedgehog Sonic the Fighters Ver.” brings the iconic mascot to life in his retro 3D fighting game design.
The POP UP PARADE series is known for offering highly detailed, non-articulated statues at an accessible price point.
It is popular with collectors thanks to its standardized sizing and relatively quick production schedules compared to larger, more expensive scale figures.
Sonic the Fighters is a 1996 arcade fighting game developed by the legendary Sega AM2 studio.
The developers utilized their vast experience from groundbreaking titles like Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers to create a unique 3D combat experience tailored for the Sonic universe.
The game features a roster of popular characters from the Sonic franchise competing in a high-stakes tournament to earn the eight Chaos Emeralds.
Winning this tournament is the only way to gain the right to pilot the Lunar Fox spaceship and stop Dr. Eggman from launching the Death Egg II.
Players could choose from familiar faces like Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose alongside newly introduced combatants such as Bark the Polar Bear and Bean the Dynamite.
The game stood out for its fast-paced action and a unique barrier system that allowed characters to block incoming attacks until their shields were shattered.
This new figure release captures Sonic in a dynamic fighting stance with his fists clenched and ready for battle.
His bright red shoes and striking blue quills are carefully sculpted to reflect the charming low-polygon graphics of the original arcade game.
The non-scale figure includes a dedicated base to ensure a secure display and stands at approximately 14cm in height.
The “POP UP PARADE Sonic the Hedgehog Sonic the Fighters Ver.” is priced at 5,500 yen (approx. $35 USD/£28 GBP) during its pre-order period, which opened on June 4, 2026, and will close on July 1, 2026.
Shipping is scheduled for November 2026, and the figure can be purchased via the Good Smile Company Online Store or via reputable hobby goods retailers such as HobbyLink Japan.
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