The Latest Articles From SEGAbits.com
Published: August 11, 2026
This week, we discuss the various times Sonic has come back from the brink.
Published: August 5, 2026
Our annual SEGA fan meetup, Arcade Adventure, is happening at the Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, Illinois on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026! Consider this the save the date before we reveal this year's logo and artwork (by Pseudochel, as always), as well as the specific times. But until then, put Saturday, October 3rd on your calendar for Arcade Adventure 5 and we will see at the Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, Illinois!
Published: August 5, 2026
It's your favorite podcast, back in podcast form! We're back! We catch up on the news and with each other.
Published: July 31, 2026
Smash your head into a Prize Block because on this episode of SEGA Talk we're transforming into Kid Chameleon! How did this ambitious platformer come to be? Which teen heartthrob did they base the hero on? And what legacy – if any – did this game leave behind? Find out on this transformative episode of SEGA Talk!
http://segabits.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/segatalkkidchameleon.mp3[iTunes - Stitcher - YouTube - Download]
Support us on Patreon! Get early access, have your memories read on the show, select the games we talk about!
Published: July 31, 2026
TJ Davis is apparently as big of a fan of Sonic's Open-Zone game debut, or at least its music, as I am.
The legendary singer who lent her vocal talent to Sonic R and Metropolis Street Racer has marked her grand return to Sonic the Hedgehog music with a new EP featuring her own covers of some of the vocal tracks from Sonic Frontiers. The EP, titled “New Frontiers”, will feature reimaginings of four vocal tracks from the game as well as one new, original song inspired by the Sonic the Hedgehog community at large and their kindness and passion towards creatives like her who were part of Sonic at one point. The campaign is looking to raise £15,000 pound sterling (About $20,154 USD currently) in order to print various physical copies of the EP on CD and vinyl records, along with gauging interest in future physical musical releases. Maybe more Sonic and/or Sega themed projects will come of that?
The campaign runs until August 16th, 2026, and to help sell everyone on this EP, TJ Davis is also releasing new music videos for the five songs on New Frontiers weekly throughout the timeframe of the Kickstarter campaign. As of this writing, she has currently debuted her version of I'm Here on YouTube. Check in past the break to see that video and the other four, which will be added to the article as they are uploaded online. You'll also find more info about the Kickstarter and a link to it, should you decide you wanna throw down some rings on it.
Here is a good look at the general vibe that New Frontiers will have. TJ Davis's version of I'm Here is co-arranged by Mark Boden and goes for a very different mood from the original song or even any songs from Sonic R. This time, the song has a far more relaxed, atmospheric, and organic mood heavily emblematic of the vast landscapes that players had to explore in Sonic Frontiers. It drops the screaming guitars and pounding drums and doubles down on the piano and strings (guitars aside). In fact, it's more like the exploration background music accompanying each of the islands in Sonic Frontiers. This also gives Sonic fans who are unfamiliar with TJ Davis's work outside of Sonic R a better idea of her true vocal range.
07/25 Update: Davis has uploaded her cover of One Way Dream. This cover is arranged and composed by Bentley Jones (The same Bentley Jones who gave us Silver's theme from Sonic 06 and the vocal theme from Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing) and is actually much closer to the original version than her cover of I'm Here was. It retains the guitars, though they're not as intense as the original and the guitar solo is out. It's balanced out with a more orchestral touch and electronic drums that sound like they come from Sonic R's soundtrack.
Along with the song is the touching collection of photos and videos of Sonic fans at various events. There's a lot of pictures of them with Davis and videos of Davis performing concerts at many of these events, including the Sonic Symphony, along with some fanart. The original version of One Way Dream was Sonic Team's own message of gratitude toward the Sonic community and their undying support that carried them through the development of Sonic Frontiers, and now Davis's adaptation of it is her way of giving back to them as well. She still has an original song made to be a gift to them that's also part of this EP, which has yet to be revealed.
07/31 Update: Ooh! Sonamy. Spicy.
We already got the original song now, and it's nothing like what we were told to expect. This is a duet with TJ Davis featuring Kayley James, who also wrote the song, while arrangement, production, and mixing fell on James Hawkins. The song goes back to the same style of arrangement as Davis's version of I'm Here: A laid-back, somber ballad, but this time, consisting entirely of piano.
The video consists almost entirely of cutscenes from Kronos Island, where Amy Rose was, and the song appears to be speaking from her pov, as if speaking toward Sonic. It describes Amy's struggle to get Sonic to notice her and her feelings after a long time of supporting his heroics from afar. At least, my first instinct is to interpret it as an ode to unrequited love, but I do get the feeling there's more going on here, like how the lyrics describe Sonic's insistence on relying only on himself in tough times even when he can count on Amy. You might be able to interpret something else from it. Scenes of Amy in the ghostly digital state she was in during Frontiers does work as a visual analogy for this song's theming and its title.
It's not quite the ode to the Sonic community that One Way Dream was, but if you're really into the idea of Sonic and Amy as an item, then this is for you.
8/8 Update: TJ Davis is throwing us a bunch of curveballs now. Guess her version of I'm Here didn't really reflect the tone of every song in this EP after all. That's what I get for assuming.
Davis's cover of I'm With You is a collaboration with EDM composer RoBKTA, with a video featuring art by Miitara, who's actually had Sonic fan art showcased by Sega before. This song goes for the exact opposite tone that the original version of I'm With You had in Sonic Frontiers. Davis and RoBKTA have turned it into an upbeat, electronic disco track, much closer to the bangers you remember Davis making for Sonic R and Metropolis Street Racer. The original song is still a jubilant and triumphant one, but it was a softer song heavy on piano, especially the version with lyrics made for the Final Horizon expansion of the game. It has an even more victorious mood to it now that you can dance to it.
If you're a fan of this direction, and a fan of actually owning your media, physical or otherwise, than consider dropping some money on the Kickstarter for copies of the EP in your preferred format and other physical goodies. If you're short on cash, a single pound earns you a spot for your name in a Special Thanks video Davis will release at a later date, along with access to exclusive sneak peeks. £10 will earn you a license for the EP on Bandcamp, where you can stream it freely and download it in a wide variety of digital audio formats like .MP3, .AAC, .WAV, or .FLAC. £15 earns you a physical CD to be shipped to you. £25 earns you a T-shirt, but not the CD. £45 earns you a Kickstarter exclusive vinyl, but not the CD or shirt. The CD, T-Shirt, and vinyl tiers also earn you the exclusive sneak peeks, Thank You video spot, and the Bandcamp license.
There is also the £150 “Undefeatable” tier, earning you everything above, plus a gold enamel TJ Davis pin, a custom voice message from Davis herself, a bundle of other merch, and autographs on the CD and Kickstarter exclusive vinyl. The “Other merch” can also be added onto any other tier for extra cash and includes things like stickers, a giant poster, and the CD, vinyl, or t-shirt, in case you're selecting a tier that includes one and not the others or you want an extra of anything.
Several stretch goals to unlock extra goodies were also detailed. So far, the only ones revealed are instrumental and acapella versions of each of the New Frontiers tracks at £25,000, a Sonic R t-shirt to be added to the available add-ons at £30,000 (You can change your tier or the money you wanna spend anytime before the Kickstarter ends), and an album of reimagined Sonic R vocal tracks at £50,000.
Although this particular campaign is treating this like a pre-order campaign, it's important to remember Kickstarter is not a store and does not operate by a normal store's rules. You are pledging money toward something that is not yet completed and may take a long time to complete and ship to your door or cancelled altogether. Once the Kickstarter is over, assuming the project's goal is reached by then, any money you've pledged is gone and refunds are unlikely. If the project does go pear-shaped, refunds will only happen at the discretion of the project creator if they're benevolent enough to offer refunds and haven't blown too much money already to afford them. I strongly recommend you do not back anything on Kickstarter if you aren't willing to accept any of this.
In this case, however, all of the songs are already written and recorded and TJ Davis just wants to fund all the physical products, so chances are good that you'll get them with no fuss.
With all that said, walk forward through the cold dawn, always to the New Hori- New Frontiers Kickstarter page to find read more about the campaign and to pledge some of your money if you're interested. If you are backing, let us know in the comments below what tier you're going for. You can also tell us how much of a fan you are of TJ Davis's singing. If you're not backing or you don't like TJ Davis's reimagining of these songs, feel free to tell us why not too.
You might be interested in knowing this isn't TJ Davis's first time singing Sonic tunes decades after the Sega Saturn years. She and Sonic R's composer Richard Jacques appeared at a Sonic Symphony show in London to perform a Sonic R medley alongside the orchestra. She also joined two other Sonic music veterans, Johnny Geoeli and Bentley Jones, to perform a Sonic concert at Sonic Expo last year, which ended with all three singing Live & Learn together. She even put on her own Sonic Frontiers medley during that same concert, which ended up being a lot like the covers she's making now.
Published: July 30, 2026
Today, ATLUS announced its upcoming partnership with Kura Sushi USA, bringing Persona-themed dishes and more to Kura Sushi nationwide to celebrate the Persona franchise's 30th anniversary. From Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, through Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, the Persona x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon immersive crossover will treat guests to a specially curated menu, capsule prizes, an original animation, and an in-restaurant giveaway special for Kura Sushi Rewards Members.
Hit the next section of the article for the full press release and screenshots!
Let's Show ‘Em A Good Time: Kura Sushi USA Partners with ATLUS to Bring the Immersive World of Persona
to Restaurants Nationwide August 1
Dive into the world of the beloved Japanese RPG series with a dynamic Bikkura Pon dining experience at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar featuring crafted menu items, animations, collectible prizes, and more
IRVINE, Calif. (July 30, 2026) — The world-renowned gaming series Persona, is taking over Kura Sushi USA, Inc., the nation's largest brand of revolving sushi restaurants, with a limited-time interactive dining experience. In partnership with video game titan ATLUS, this collaborative launch celebrates 30 years of the globally acclaimed Persona series with chibi-style character illustrations from multiple game versions spanning the game's legacy. Â
Rolling out at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar locations nationwide Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, through Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, the Persona x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon immersive crossover will transform the dining experience into a gaming oasis, treating guests to a specially curated menu, capsule prizes, an original animation, and an in-restaurant giveaway special for Kura Sushi Rewards Members. Mascots including Morgana, Koromaru, and Teddie will be infiltrating the tablet screens with an original short animation video series that will play after 5 sushi plates are disposed down the plate chute.
Inspired Plates Made to Immerse You into the World of Persona:
Sushi rolls and a beef bowl that will awaken appetites adapted from Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal.
Weird Takoyaki Tempura Roll: Takoyaki wrapped with sushi rice and seaweed, tempura-fried and topped with mayonnaise, green onion, and bonito flakes.
Rainy Day Special Beef Bowl: Sushi rice topped with sukiyaki beef and a seasoned soft-boiled egg.
Calling Card Tuna Roll: Negitoro and cucumber wrapped in seaweed and sushi rice, finished with sesame seeds and topped with tuna, mayonnaise, spicy crunchy garlic, and fried onion.
Summon Your Favorite Capsule Prizes Before the Shadows Take Over:
Take home a piece of Persona after your dining experience with 11 collectible sticker 3-piece sets, acrylic charms, and can badges. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar guests will receive a single randomized Persona x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon capsule prize after consuming sushi plates-15, 25, then every 15 plates thereafter. Capsule prizes will be available for individual purchase in-restaurant, online at order.kurasushi.com, and DoorDash.*
Exclusive Kura Sushi Rewards Member Offer:
Kura Sushi Rewards members will receive a collaborative Persona x Kura Sushi cooling towel and case with their $85 minimum in-restaurant order starting Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, while supplies last.**
“The Persona series is celebrated worldwide for its stylish art direction, unforgettable characters, and deep storytelling, and we are thrilled to partner with ATLUS to bring the iconic universe of Persona in our restaurants and entertain our gaming fans with popular menu items from the series, an original animation that features the widely recognized and endearing mascots, and collectibles with fan-favorite characters," said Newton Hoang, Vice President of Marketing at Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Kura Sushi's proprietary Bikkura Pon prize platform, an integral part of the brand's innovative dining experience, is powered by plate count and adds an element of surprise and excitement to every visit. With more than 600 million plates served in the U.S., the program remains a fan favorite.Â
For more information about the Persona x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon collaboration visit kurasushi.com, and fans can follow along on Kura Sushi's Instagram and enter a suave giveaway on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, rules apply.
*Availability may differ by location and is not guaranteed.
**Kura Sushi Rewards members only. Limit 1 unit per member. Limited time offer, no substitutions. Availability may differ by location and is not guaranteed. Additional charges, terms, and exclusions may apply.
###
About Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Kura Sushi USA, Inc. is the nation's largest brand of revolving sushi restaurants that serves authentic Japanese cuisine and delivers a joyful dining experience with more than 90 locations in 24 states and Washington D.C. Utilizing advanced innovation to enhance service speed and accuracy, guests have a wide variety of more than 100 menu items at their fingertips via conveyor belt service inclusive of sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, desserts, and more, made with high-quality ingredients free of artificial colorings, preservatives, seasonings and sweeteners. Kura Sushi USA, Inc. was established in 2008 as a subsidiary of Kura Sushi, Inc., a Japan-based revolving sushi chain with more than 600 restaurants internationally and 45 years of brand history. For more information about Kura Sushi USA, visit kurasushi.com, follow Kura Sushi USA on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & X, and download the Kura Sushi Rewards app to make a reservation and roll into delicious loyalty perks.
About ATLUSÂ
ATLUS delivers unforgettable, story-driven gameplay experiences to enthusiastic and dedicated fans around the globe. Established in 1986, ATLUS features a portfolio of beloved and long running game series including PERSONA, which has sold over 30Â million units worldwide, and the legendary SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI. ATLUS games are published in the west by SEGA of America, Inc. with its principal office in Irvine, California. Learn more about ATLUS at www.atlus.com.Â
©ATLUS. ©SEGA. All rights reserved. SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ATLUS, the ATLUS logo, Persona, Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal are registered trademarks or trademarks of ATLUS Co., Ltd or its affiliates. SEGA and the SEGA logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos, and copyrights are property of their respective owners.
Published: July 30, 2026
Attention Sonic Squad! A fifth Chaos Emerald is landing, this time in Chicago around Lollapalooza! Fans attending Lollapalooza or who live in the area are welcome to stop by and check out the Cyan Chaos Emerald drop, take pictures, and meet Shadow the Hedgehog during his first live appearance in the US! There will also be special prizes for the first 300 fans, so make sure to get there early! More details on the Chicago Emerald Drop can be found below:
For more information surrounding the Chaos Hunt please head HERE, and sign up for SMS updates and follow the Sonic the Hedgehog social channels to get real time alerts about the upcoming Club Chaos celebration in New York on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026!
Published: July 28, 2026
Cowabunga! SEGA has officially released the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Players can now join the chaos as the pizza-loving Turtles race their way for first place. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack includes:
Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo as playable characters
Pizzafire Van Vehicle
New York City Course
New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-inspired Music Tracks
Six different emotes per character
Players who own the Digital Deluxe Edition will automatically receive the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack as part of the Season Pass. The Season Pass is also available separately for $29.99 USD, granting access to even more exciting characters, vehicles and courses. Players can also purchase the standalone Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack for $5.99 USD.
Those who do not own the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack will still be able to compete online against those who do, including racing on the New York City course against the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters.
Published: July 28, 2026
Calling all crazy drivers! SEGA is inviting players from select regions around the world to put their driving skills to the test by participating in the Crazy Taxi: World Tour Multiplayer Closed Network Test. Applications to participate in the multiplayer closed network test (CNT) are open now until August 31st with selected players being some of the first in the world to experience two of the top-speed online multiplayer modes from the game. Crazy Taxi: World Tour is set to release in 2027.
While the full retail game will include single-player and story modes, the CNT will focus entirely on online multiplayer action. Players will be able to participate in two multiplayer modes, Pickup Race and Cops 'N' Cabbies, both playable via Ranked Match or Custom Match, where custom lobbies and rules can be set.
The CNT will run from 5:00 PM PT on September 11 through 5:00 PM PT on September 13 (September 12 00:00 UTC to September 14 00:00 UTC). It will be used to test the stability of the online multiplayer functionality ahead of the game's full release and will support cross-play performance on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, PlayStation 5, and Steam. For more details on the CNT, including info on participating countries, how to apply and requirements for participation, please visit the official CNT website.
West Coast Map Trailer
Alongside the CNT's announcement, SEGA revealed a new travel-inspired trailer highlighting the game's West Coast map, an iconic location to fans of the series.
Featured Storefronts
Echoing the spirit of the original game, Crazy Taxi: World Tour will continue the tradition of including in-game storefronts of popular real-life retailers. With the new game set to take players on a globetrotting adventure, each World Tour map will feature regional retailers. Some storefronts and destinations confirmed to be in the West Coast map include iconic brands such as IHOP and Amoeba Music.
Players can look forward to additional in-game storefronts and retailers to be announced alongside the reveals of remaining World Tour maps.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour will be available on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, Steam, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. It is an XBOX Play Anywhere game and is available to wishlist on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, Steam and PlayStation 5.
Published: July 23, 2026
Sonic Squad get ready! A fourth Chaos Emerald is landing, this time around San Diego Comic Con! Fans attending SDCC or who live in the area are welcome to stop by and check out the fourth Chaos Emerald drop, take pictures, and meet Sonic and Tails. There will also be special prizes for the first 100 and 250 fans, so make sure to get there early! More details on the San Diego Emerald Drop can be found below:
WHAT
Fourth Chaos Emerald Drop in San Diego
WHERE
Gaslamp Quarter, 538 Seventh Ave, San Diego, CA, 92101
Fans can find the activation in the parking lot at Seventh and Island, about a ten-minute walk from the convention center.
WHEN
Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM PT
WHO
Both Sonic and Tails will be available to hang out and take pictures with fans!
Additional Details
The first 100 fans will receive a free Chaos Hunt shirt, and the first 250 fans will receive an exclusive Tails and Yellow Emerald enamel collectible pin.
Fans will also be able to scan a QR code to collect the Emerald on their phones for a chance to win the grand prize of an all expenses paid trip to Club Chaos in October! Fans will also have a chance to win the exclusive San Diego prize - the Leblon Delienne Sonic Statue.