In a move stirring nostalgia and speculation, Sega has announced it will be delisting several classic games across major digital storefronts by December 6, 2024. While Sega might not be the console powerhouse it once was, it has built a loyal fanbase through memorable titles and partnerships with former rivals Nintendo and Sony, keeping its legacy alive on their platforms.
With releases like the Sega Genesis Mini in 2019, Sega tapped into retro gaming demand, letting fans relive beloved titles from its iconic library. The success of this mini-console led to the launch of the Sega Genesis Mini 2 in 2022, and ever since, fans have been eagerly anticipating more retro revivals. However, the latest announcement from Sega has cast uncertainty for players who want to experience these classics on modern hardware, as numerous titles are set to vanish from stores.
Sega’s delisting decision affects games on several major platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam. For example, PlayStation and Switch players will lose access to the “Sega Genesis Classics” collection, while Xbox and Steam users will see various individual games, including cult classics and Dreamcast-era titles, pulled from the stores. Affected games range from fan-favorites like Crazy Taxi, Streets of Rage, and Virtua Fighter 2 to niche gems like Bio-Hazard Battle and Columns. Notably, some of Sega’s retro games will still be available for subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online, providing a limited but ongoing option for nostalgic players.
Here’s a breakdown of key games disappearing from each platform:
PlayStation:
Sega Genesis Classics
Nintendo Switch:
Sega Genesis Classics
Xbox:
Altered Beast, Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Monster World, Nights into Dreams, Sega Bass Fishing, Shinobi, Sonic the Fighters, Streets of Rage, Virtua Fighter 2, and more
Steam:
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Alien Soldier, Bonanza Bros, Columns, Crazy Taxi, Dreamcast Collection, Jet Set Radio, Phantasy Star titles, Shining Force series, Streets of Rage, VectorMan, Virtua Fighter 2, and a variety of others
Sega has not provided a specific reason for the removal, but fans have been quick to speculate. Some believe Sega could be planning new bundled collections, potentially to streamline its offerings or avoid confusion with recent or upcoming remakes. Others think this move might be connected to Nintendo’s recent tease of additional Sega Genesis titles for its Nintendo Switch Online library in 2025, which could signal exclusive future releases on certain platforms.
For those who already own any of the games scheduled for delisting, there’s good news: these titles will remain accessible in their digital libraries even after they are pulled from stores. And for those who missed out on previous removals, there’s still hope—Sonic Generations, for instance, was initially delisted but reappeared in July 2024 as part of Xbox’s Sonic Legacy Bundle. Fans hoping to hold on to specific titles may want to act before the December deadline, just in case these games don’t return to storefronts anytime soon.
The upcoming delistings underscore Sega’s complex relationship with its rich catalog of classics. Whether it leads to new collections, exclusive deals, or other plans, fans are eager to see how Sega will handle its storied legacy in the years to come.
