There's quite an interesting pattern in Sonic 2 and Sonic 3.

Sonic 2, which was released in 2022, was made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the second Sonic game, in 1992.

Sonic 3, released in 2024, was made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the third Sonic game, although it doesn't involve Knuckles being the main star of the show. It was released in 1994.

There's Sonic 4 which celebrates the 30th anniversary of Sonic Jam in 1997. But its also a 20th anniversary if you add Sonic Rush Adventure.

Quite interesting, right?