Sonic x Shadow Generations won’t have a Chao Garden, but Sonic Team open to bringing it back

Following fan speculation that Sonic x Shadow Generations could be bringing back the Chao Garden, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka has confirmed that it won’t be in the game.

Chao Gardens are largely known from their appearance in the Sonic Adventure series. Players can essentially raise Chao as digital pets. Fans have been clamoring for the gameplay feature to return, but we haven’t seen much of it in recent years.

As for Sonic x Shadow Generations, while we won’t be seeing any Chao Garden, there is actually a different aspect with the characters. Players will be able to rescue Chao hidden in every level, which provides incentive for those that have already gone through the original Sonic Generations to revisit the experience.

What about the future though? Could a future Sonic the Hedgehog title bring back the Chao Garden in a traditional way? Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka seems very much on board with the idea.

Speaking with VGC, when asked about the possibility of its return: Iizuka noted: “At some time, yes, because we hear the same thing. Everybody wants it!”

Sonic x Shadow Generations will be available for Switch on October 25, 2024. Check out the new trailer here and a new batch of details here. There’s also gameplay footage here.