Sonic the Hedgehog 3: all version differences
4 documented differences between the releases of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, each with a source. Back to the main page for names, releases and where to play.
Category × version
| Category | Sonic 3 | Sonic 3 & Knuckles | Genesis | PC (1997) | Sonic Origins | Xbox 360 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Audio | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Graphics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Version differences
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ContentSonic 3Sonic 3 & Knuckles
On its own Sonic 3 has fewer zones. Locked onto the Sonic & Knuckles cartridge it becomes Sonic 3 & Knuckles, which adds Knuckles as a playable character in Sonic 3's zones, Super Emeralds, Hyper forms and an extra ending.1
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AudioGenesisPC (1997)
The 1997 Windows Sonic & Knuckles Collection replaced the music of several zones and the ending; the replacement tracks later turned up in a prototype that surfaced in 2019, suggesting they predate the Genesis versions.2
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AudioGenesisSonic Origins
Sega could not use the original soundtrack in Sonic Origins, so Jun Senoue rearranged several tracks based on music written before Michael Jackson's involvement.3
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GraphicsXbox 360
The Xbox Live Arcade version adds HD graphics, leaderboards, online multiplayer and a new save system.1
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13