In one corner, we have — a rolling start! In another corner, we have: a rolling hedgehog! Let me untangle that complex web of metaphor:

On PlayStation Network, Dayyyyyytona … er … Daytona USA is at 50% off, for $4.99 — this sale lasts until September 18th.

On Xbox Live Arcade, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 are both on sale — also for 50% off (Episode 1 is reduced to 400 MSP; Episode 2 is reduced to 600 MSP). But you gotta go fast – this sale lasts until September 11th!

 

Racefans, have we got news for you! Daytona USA and SEGA Rally Online Arcade are now available for 400 MS points – down from 800! These prices are good through April 3, so get ‘em while they’re hot!

In this new dev diary, join Nagoshi-san as he speaks of the inspiration behind Daytona USA and some of the consideration that went into the game’s racetracks and AI.

Daytona USA launch day! The classic Arcade racer is finally out and judging by our recent updates, tweets, and posts – you are excited! We’ve got a few more fun updates coming your way, but first we need to confirm the launch dates per region, so pay attention to your region and preferred platform.

North America Xbox Live Arcade – 10/25
North America PlayStation Network – 10/25
European Xbox Live Arcade – 10/26
European PlayStation Network – Late November

PlayStation Network Retro Theme

In honor of the launch this week, PlayStation users get a special treat, a Retro theme as a gift with purchase! Intriguing? It’s that awesome looking image above this text and it’s yours if you by Daytona USA before November 8th!

PlayStation Network Themes

In addition to the Retro option, two more themes are available for the PSN crowd!

PlayStation Network Avatars

Avatars! Yay! More featured in our flickr page, take a look!

Daytona USA features

Fresh Oil and a New Coat of Paint: Experience the classic retro graphics of the original arcade hit in an enhanced,16:9 widescreen format

Let’s Go Away: Relive your glory days of racing to the sounds of the original Daytona® USA soundtrack, also available in Karaoke Mode (admit it, you know you have been singing along anyway)

Pedal to the Metal: Drive like a pro with included support for the Logitech GT Driving Force steering wheel controller on PS3™, and all Xbox 360-supported steering wheel controllers

Reach the Winner’s Circle: Challenge AI opponents in Arcade Mode, race the clock in Survival and Time Trial Modes, and trade paint with up to eight players in online multiplayer to place on the worldwide leaderboard

Did you name that game correctly? I know we had tons of submissions – quite possibly if we printed each individual submission and put them on a scale, it could be be an actually ton! But we’re into saving trees and all that good stuff, so we’ll just assume it was a lot no matter how you judge them. Speaking of judging, we can only have so many winners, all of which are listed below – congratulations!

For those that didn’t win, don’t worry! Daytona USA comes out tomorrow, which is a win for fans everywhere!

Today we are happy to announce the triumphant return of the cherished arcade racer, Daytona USA! Speeding out of the past from its 1993 debut, Daytona USA will be racing onto Xbox LIVE Arcade for and PlayStation Network. The classic title has been tuned up and overhauled with enhanced graphics, steering wheel support and, for the first time on home consoles, online multiplayer. Daytona USA will be available as a speedy digital download in North America on October 25 for PlayStation Network ($9.99) and October 26 for Xbox LIVE Arcade (800 Microsoft Points), and in late November in Europe.

Did you Name that Game?

Of course, this is the official announcement, but gamers with a ear for old school classics already had some hints that this was coming from our recent Name that Game contest. Did you guess it was Daytona USA? Of course you did and that’s why we love you! Official updates on winners will be posted in the weeks to come, once we’ve finalized and confirmed everything.

Features! Updates! More Trailers!

Since its arcade debut, Daytona USA has stood the test of time as one of SEGA’s top racing titles, thanks to its colorful tracks for drivers of all skill levels, breakneck-speed gameplay and competitive head-to-head multiplayer options. The game’s iconic soundtrack is instantly recognizable to SEGA and racing fans everywhere, and every detail of the original hit has been meticulously preserved, polished and presented for the ultimate version of Daytona USA.

• Fresh Oil and a New Coat of Paint: Experience the classic retro graphics of the original arcade hit in an enhanced,16:9 widescreen format
• Let’s Go Away: Relive your glory days of racing to the sounds of the original Daytona USA soundtrack, also available in Karaoke Mode (admit it, you know you have been singing along anyway)
• Pedal to the Metal: Drive like a pro with included support for the Logitech GT Driving Force steering wheel controller on PS3™, and all Xbox 360-supported steering wheel controllers
• Reach the Winner’s Circle: Challenge AI opponents in Arcade Mode, race the clock in Survival and Time Trial Modes, and trade paint with up to eight players in online multiplayer to place on the worldwide leaderboard