Play Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis (US edition · English) Online

Press START at the title screen, choose Original Mode or Anniversary Mode with the Control Pad, and confirm with A. Original Mode recreates the Genesis rule set, while Anniversary Mode adds the Spin Dash. On a first play, either choice goes directly to Green Hill Zone, Act 1. Head right through the loops and hazards and reach the goal within the ten-minute limit. Keep at least one Ring whenever possible so a hit scatters your Rings instead of costing a life, and touch Lampposts to set restart points. For an easier first run, use Anniversary Mode and charge a Spin Dash before steep slopes or low passages.

Press START to open the title menu and to pause during play. Use Left/Right on the Control Pad to walk or run; while standing still, Up/Down looks above or below. Press Down while running to enter a ground Spin Attack. A or B jumps and becomes a mid-air Spin Attack. In Anniversary Mode only, hold Down while standing still, tap A or B to charge, then release Down to launch a Spin Dash. In menus, the Control Pad moves the cursor, A confirms, and B cancels or returns.