Platformer

Sonic 3 & Knuckles

Sonic 3 A.I.R.’s widescreen remaster, with an official iOS and web beta.

Sonic and Tails jump among blue ice crystals in Ice Cap.PlayYour game files required
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Sonic 3 A.I.R. project screenshot from Ice Cap; reference for the web beta, not a browser capture.

Game imagery remains copyright its respective rights holders. Image published by the linked source for Sonic 3 A.I.R.; no transferable license is inferred.

Source & attribution ↗View image ↗

About this version

Sappharad’s iOS and web port is linked by the Sonic 3 A.I.R. project. The reviewed beta is v26.03.28.0 and needs a compatible original Sonic 3 & Knuckles ROM.

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Sonic 3 & Knuckles
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Separate Sonic 3’s web beta from Mania’s native setup and the desktop or Android editions of Unleashed Recompiled.

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Sonic 3 & Knuckles with room to see ahead

Sonic 3 A.I.R. is a fan-made widescreen remaster of Sonic 3 & Knuckles. It starts from that combined game rather than offering a new Sonic campaign. The broader view is part of its appeal: a familiar side-scrolling game is presented with more horizontal space, while the original ROM supplies the content.

Sonic 3 A.I.R. · project and ROM requirements

A separate iOS and web beta

Sappharad's port brings A.I.R. to iOS and WebAssembly browsers. It is explicitly a beta with less functionality than a native app. On iOS 13 or later, the documented installation uses Safari's Add to Home Screen; other devices can use the web-browser link.

After the initial download, select Sonic_Knuckles_wSonic3.bin. The port copies it into its data folder for later launches. The main A.I.R. site explains that the formerly supported Steam purchase is no longer sold; having an old purchase and buying a new copy today are different situations. Follow its current ROM guidance rather than an outdated store instruction.

Sonic 3 A.I.R. web beta · installation and file managerSonic 3 A.I.R. · project and ROM requirements

Move saves and mods through the file manager

Options includes a basic file manager. It can import a PC save, download a backup or accept mods packaged as ZIPs. Ordinary files move one at a time, so a desktop folder-copy guide does not describe this interface.

The remastered soundtrack is optional and adds over 100 MB to a game whose content must fit in memory. Start without it on a constrained device. If installing additional data introduces stutter, the extra memory requirement is a relevant difference from native A.I.R.

Sonic 3 A.I.R. web beta · installation and file manager

Keep the supported renderer and finish the first download

The port's issue list warns that switching to the software renderer can lock the game. Leave that renderer option alone even if a native troubleshooting guide suggests it. Keep the device awake during the initial download too; if sleep interrupts it, close and relaunch to retry. These are specific limitations of this web and iOS port.

Sonic 3 A.I.R. web · known issues

Before you play

Do I need the original game files?

Supply your own compatible Sonic_Knuckles_wSonic3.bin. The former Steam edition is no longer sold; the official Sonic 3 A.I.R. site links information about other compatible sources.

Creator-reported · Project guide
How do I get started?

Open the web build, keep the first download awake, and select your ROM when prompted. On iOS 13 or newer, the install guide also offers Safari → Share → Add to Home Screen.

Creator-reported · Project guide
Which devices and browsers work?

The beta supports WebAssembly-capable browsers and an iOS 13+ home-screen installation path. It has web-specific stability limits.

Creator-reported · Project guide
What is included in this version?

A fan-made widescreen remaster of Sonic 3 & Knuckles. The web edition is a beta separate from native releases.

Creator-reported · Project guide
How do saves work?

The in-game Options file manager imports and exports saves and accepts ZIP mods. The selected ROM is copied into the game’s local save-data area.

Creator-reported · Project guide
What should I know before playing?

Do not switch to the software renderer: the web issues page says it can lock the game. Keep the device awake during the first download. Extra soundtrack data can cause stuttering or startup failures on low-memory devices.

Creator-reported · Project guide

Made possible by Sappharad.

Project & original game creditsOriginal project

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Sonic 3 & Knuckles

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Sonic and Tails jump among blue ice crystals in Ice Cap.

Sonic 3 A.I.R. project screenshot from Ice Cap; reference for the web beta, not a browser capture. Game imagery remains copyright its respective rights holders. Image published by the linked source for Sonic 3 A.I.R.; no transferable license is inferred. Source · Editorial-use framework