There's an updated, expanded version of Sonic Mania coming this summer

Sega has unveiled Sonic Mania Plus, an updated, expanded version of last year's excellent retro-inspired Sonic Mania. It's due out this summer on Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Sonic Mania Plus was revealed during Sega's snappily titled Gotta Go Fast: The Official Sonic the Hedgehog Panel at SXSW Gaming, along with a full run-down of its brand-new features.

First up, Sonic Mania Plus will introduce two classic series stars as playable characters: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. Both debuted in the 1993 isometric arcade spin-off, SegaSonic the Hedgehog, and most recently had a cameos in Sonic Generations.

Sonic Mania Plus also adds a new "Encore Mode", which freshens up existing levels with visuals changes, alongside "new ways to play, and new ways to explore". Lastly, Sonic Mania's split-screen multiplayer racing mode, known as Competition Mode, will be expanded to accommodate four, rather than the current two, players.

Sonic Mania Plus will launch this summer in digital and physical forms. The physical release will be available for PS4, Xbox One, and Switch, and includes a holographic slip cover, a reversible Genesis sleeve (which will be appropriately Mega-Drive-themed in Europe), plus a 32-page Sonic Mania Art Book. All for $29.99 USD (about £21).

The digital version, meanwhile, will be available as a standalone download, and existing owners of the original Sonic Mania will be able to upgrade to Plus, with pricing information to be announced at a later date.