Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds officially confirmed on January 7 that Pac-Man is joining its multiverse roster, bringing 44 years of arcade legacy to the high-speed mayhem.
The announcement arrived with a dedicated trailer showcasing retro visuals, classic sound effects, and the unmistakable waka-waka energy that defined gaming’s golden era.
The collaboration isn’t surprising when you consider Pac-Man’s universal recognition.
Since debuting in 1980, the character has appeared in over 50 games across multiple platforms, generated billions in revenue, and became one of gaming’s most recognizable mascots worldwide. SEGA positioned this crossover as a celebration of arcade culture, blending Namco’s historic icon with Sonic’s modern racing formula.
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PAC-MAN is breaking into Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on January 7th! pic.twitter.com/CHhFnjrCe8
— Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) January 5, 2026
Classic meets chaos
The reveal trailer leans heavily into Pac-Man’s arcade roots. Pixel-inspired graphics flash across neon-lit tracks while the character zips through power pellets scattered throughout racing circuits.
SEGA crafted the presentation to trigger instant recognition, bright yellows, maze-like elements, and that signature chomping sound design all made the cut.
The character fits naturally within CrossWorlds’ already eclectic roster. Players can now race as everyone from Sonic himself to various guest stars from different gaming franchises.
Pac-Man adds another layer of generational appeal, connecting players who grew up feeding quarters into arcade machines with younger audiences discovering these classics through modern releases.
What’s next for CrossWorlds
SEGA hasn’t revealed if Pac-Man arrives with exclusive tracks, cosmetic items, or special abilities tied to his power pellet mechanics. The company tends to pair character drops with themed content updates, so additional surprises could surface post-launch.
The racing title continues expanding its universe with unexpected collaborations, keeping the experience fresh for its active player base.
Pac-Man becomes available in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds starting January 7 across all platforms. The update drops at no additional cost for existing players.
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