Since September 2009, Sega has been teasing the release of Needlemouse which was an episodic sequel to Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, to be released on WiiWare, PSN, XBOX Live Arcade. This information was officially released, yesterday. Sonic 4 is discarding the 3D platforming, going back to its 2D roots.

Though subtitled Episode 1, Sonic 4 will be a full-length title. Sega's Associate Brand Manager Ken Balough said, "When Sega released Sonic 3, ultimately it was the part 1 of a story that saw its conclusion in Sonic & Knuckles. In that same spirit, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is a bigger story, and this is that first chapter".

"We also know it will take place after Sonic & Knuckles, and all the classic moves are there, in addition to a new one called homing attack. Leaderboards will be in store, too", he added.