In a surprising move, Sega has announced that a range of its classic and popular games will be removed from digital storefronts on various platforms by December 6, 2024. This delisting will impact titles across Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, creating concern among fans and collectors alike.
Sega, while no longer a console powerhouse, has remained relevant by embracing partnerships with former rivals like Nintendo and Sony, bringing its storied franchises to a new generation of players. Many fans hold Sega’s legacy in high regard, especially after releases like the Sega Genesis Mini in 2019 and the Genesis Mini 2 in 2022, which allowed players to revisit classic titles with a fresh dose of nostalgia.
Games to Be Delisted on Each Platform
PlayStation
- Sega Genesis Classics collection
Nintendo Switch
- Sega Genesis Classics collection
Xbox
- Altered Beast
- Crazy Taxi
- Sega Genesis Classics
- Golden Axe
- Monster World
- Nights into Dreams
- Sega Bass Fishing
- Shinobi
- Sonic the Fighters
- Streets of Rage
- ToeJam & Earl
- Virtua Fighter 2
Steam
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
- Alien Soldier
- Alien Storm
- Altered Beast
- Beyond Oasis
- Bio-Hazard Battle
- Bonanza Bros
- Columns
- Columns 3
- Comix Zone
- Crack Down
- Crazy Taxi
- Decap Attack
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- Dreamcast Collection Bundle
- Dynamite Headdy
- Ecco Jr.
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Ecco: The Tides of Time
- ESWAT: City Under Siege
- Eternal Champions
- Fatal Labyrinth
- Flicky
- Galaxy Force 2
- Gain Ground
- Golden Axe
- Golden Axe 2
- Golden Axe 3
- Gunstar Heroes
- Jet Set Radio
- Kid Chameleon
- Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole
- Light Crusader
- Mega Drive and Genesis Classic Bundle
- Nights into Dreams
- Phantasy Star 2
- Phantasy Star 3: Generations of Doom
- Phantasy Star 4: The End of the Millenium
- Ristar
- Sega Bass Fishing
- Shadow Dancer
- Shining Force
- Shining Force 2
- Shining in the Darkness
- Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master
- Sonic 3D Blast
- Sonic Spinball
- Space Channel 5: Part 2
- Space Harrier 2
- Streets of Rage
- Streets of Rage 2
- Streets of Rage 3
- Super Thunder Blade
- Sword of Vermillion
- The Revenge of Shinobi
- ToeJam & Earl
- ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron
- VectorMan
- VectorMan 2
- Virtua Fighter 2
- Wonder Boy in Monster World
- Wonder Boy 3: Monster Lair
Speculation and Future Availability
While Sega hasn’t explained the reason for these delistings, fans have speculated a few possible motivations. Some believe Sega could be preparing a new bundle or remaster collection, while others think it might be to avoid confusion between original games and remakes. Notably, Nintendo recently teased new Sega Genesis games for Nintendo Switch Online in 2025, leading some to wonder if this move will impact those plans.
Access for Previous Purchases
Thankfully, users who already own these titles will retain access to them in their libraries, even after the delisting. There is also hope that some of these games could return to digital stores through bundles or special collections, as demonstrated by Sonic Generations, which reappeared as part of Xbox’s Sonic Legacy Bundle earlier this year.
With the December 6 deadline fast approaching, fans wishing to explore Sega’s rich gaming history may want to act quickly. This announcement serves as a final call for gamers looking to secure these classic titles in their digital collections.
