Exclusive main menu animations and interactive character behaviors within the music playback screen. Extended Soundtracks
Released on June 23, 2023, to coincide with the franchise's 32nd anniversary, Sonic Origins Plus significantly expands upon the original Sonic Origins compilation from 2022. For those who already owned the base game, the "Plus" expansion was a $9.99 upgrade. For newcomers, it was a new $39.99 physical or digital package that bundled the original four remastered titles with a treasure trove of additional content. The goal of this Plus version was to create the single most definitive collection of the Blue Blur's 16-bit adventures.
A significant update (v1.1.0) addressed several launch issues and added quality-of-life features:
Sonic Origins Plus for Nintendo Switch: A Definitive Guide to Updates, DLC, and Exclusives sonic origins plus switch nsp update dlc exclusive
However, it is not without its critiques. Some reviews have pointed out that the Game Gear emulation feels somewhat barebones, lacking the same level of enhancement given to the 16-bit games, and that the long-time fans who supported the original release had to pay an additional $10 fee for the upgrade. Furthermore, the physical release's reliance on a download code for the Plus content is a point of contention for preservationists.
The original Sonic Origins already delivered outstanding high-definition ports of Sonic the Hedgehog , Sonic 2 , Sonic 3 & Knuckles , and Sonic CD . Players could enjoy these classics either in "Classic Mode," which preserves the original 4:3 resolution and limited lives, or in "Anniversary Mode," which offers full 16:9 widescreen HD and unlimited lives for a more modern, accessible playthrough. However, Sonic Origins Plus took this foundation and built a truly massive library upon it.
Choose between the original 4:3 retro view (with exclusive DLC borders) or the beautifully remastered 16:9 widescreen Mode. For newcomers, it was a new $39
The Plus version serves as an "all-in-one" bundle, including content that was previously locked behind separate DLC packs:
Additional music tracks sourced from other classic Sega titles, including Sonic Spinball , Chaotix , and Sonic 3D Blast , playable in the sound test area. Performance on Nintendo Switch
For Switch owners, having these portable classics on a modern hybrid console feels poetic—the Game Gear legacy returning to a handheld device. Some reviews have pointed out that the Game
For the homebrew community, the NSP format ensures this version is preserved permanently, complete with the exclusive Game Gear titles and Amy Rose moveset. Just remember to grab the DLC unlocker—otherwise, you are just playing the 2022 version with a few bug fixes.
Buying the physical cartridge mean all the "Plus" content is printed directly onto the game card. The physical release contains the standard base game on the cartridge, accompanied by a digital voucher code inside the retail box. This code must be redeemed on the Nintendo eShop to download the Plus DLC.