Many Sonic fans are highly anticipating the release of Sonic Mania, the newest game in the hedgehog’s series which appears to be taking the franchise back its 2D platformer roots on the Sega Genesis. The game is scheduled to be released in just a few days, but it seems that some copies have broken the street date and have already become available for purchase. According to an article from TSSZ News, two people have already reported getting the Collector’s Edition of the game shipped early from Amazon for Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
The one who bought the Xbox One version was able to enter the code online and download Sonic Mania, but Microsoft’s policy prevented them from playing the game before the official release date. The Switch owner, however, did not have this problem. Since Nintendo doesn’t have this kind of policy, Switch owners who get their hands on an early copy of the game are able to download and play the game without any problems.
The Switch owner has already leaked pictures and video online as proof, and even streamed the game on YouTube for a while before Sega of America took it down. That being said, there’s no guarantee that all the videos and screenshots have been removed, so be careful looking these up if you want to avoid any spoilers for the game.
Sonic Mania, which was announced in commemoration of Sonic’s 25th anniversary, is largely inspired by the 2D platformers on the Genesis. The game will feature remastered versions of classic stages as well as all new ones, and will allow players to take control of the original trio of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles.
Sonic Mania will (officially) release on August 15th for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.