Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is expanding its roster again, with Sega confirming that three more characters will join the game for free over the coming months—headlined by a nostalgic addition long requested by fans.
Arriving first in December is NiGHTS, the dreamlike jester from Sega’s 1996 NiGHTS into Dreams on the Sega Saturn. The character’s inclusion was quietly hinted at before launch—appearing on the back cover of the game’s physical edition—but is now officially confirmed. NiGHTS will bring their signature acrobatic flair to the track as part of the next free update.
Following in January 2026, Super Monkey Ball’s AiAi will roll into the lineup—though this time, the banana-loving monkey is out of the ball and behind the wheel. AiAi’s addition continues Sega’s tradition of crossing over its most recognizable mascots across franchises, blending the lighthearted energy of Super Monkey Ball with the high-speed chaos of Sonic Racing.
The final free addition in this wave will be Tangle and Whisper, the fan-favorite duo from IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehogcomic series. Tangle, a lemur known for her prehensile tail, and Whisper, a stealthy wolf equipped with a multi-powered mask, will appear as a joint character team—a nod to their close partnership in the comics.
These new arrivals join an increasingly diverse roster that already includes crossover characters such as Persona 5’s Joker and Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga, both introduced in earlier free updates. Sega has also been expanding the game’s universe with premium DLC, including the Minecraft crossover pack featuring new racers and tracks. Capcom’s Mega Man is set to follow in a separate collaboration coming later in 2026.
While Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds continues to function as a celebration of Sega’s mascot history, the consistent rollout of free content has helped keep the game’s community active. With NiGHTS, AiAi, and the comic-origin duo Tangle and Whisper joining the grid, Sega is leaning into its back catalog of cult favorites and extended universe characters—something long-time fans have been hoping for since launch.
