20 Gaming Facts That Will RUIN Your Favourite Franchise

Ever since he made his first appearance in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has become one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. Throughout the following decades, the blue speedster's backstory would be expanded upon in various games, TV shows, and comics, making it deeper than some may expect. However, even longtime fans may be surprised to learn about the truth behind Sonic's birthplace.

While the Western versions of the games would have audiences believe that Sonic and friends originated from a distant planet called Mobius, this wasn't the case in the Japanese marketing.

In a mock interview with the character published in a 1990 issue of Sega Players Enjoy Club, it was revealed that Sonic is from Christmas Island. This was also later confirmed by Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka in Russian magazine Gameland.

Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Christmas Island (also known as Kiritimati) was the site of a major UK nuclear testing programme in the 1950s known as Operation Grapple, with the US performing its own nuclear tests there in the 1960s.

Given the historic significance of the area, it's possible that Sonic's blue fur and powers are mutations caused by severe radiation.