 Sonic the Hedgehog 2's financial success was a major factor in Sega catching up to Nintendo in the early-1990s console wars. It brought their market share up to 50 % within six months of its release. Tails, whom Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced, would go on to become one of the most prominent and frequently recurring characters in the series, appearing and acting as Sonic's sidekick in most of the franchise's media, including in recent games such as Sonic Colors, Sonic Generations, and Sonic Lost World in which most of the recurring cast does not appear or is relegated to minor roles. Tails starred alone in two games for the Sega Game Gear: Tails' Skypatrol and Tails Adventure. Furthermore, Sonic the Hedgehog 2's popularity managed extend its own cult following and spawn various merchandise such as comic books (the well-received fortnightly Sonic the Comic), a television series, and a sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which received similar acclaim.
