Spin Dash


 * For other uses of the term, see Spin Dash (disambiguation).

The Spin Dash (スピンダッシュ) is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a variant of the Spin Attack where the user blasts forward with a revved-up Spin Attack from a stationary position. It is also one of Sonic's trademark techniques.

Since its introduction, the Spin Dash has become one of the most well-known and frequently used moves throughout the series.

Description
The Spin Dash was developed by Sonic, who claimed that it came to him one day during his "Genesis days" when he tried combining a somersault with running.

The Spin Dash, for all intended purposes, is a move that lets the playable characters dash off from a standstill. When performing the Spin Dash, the user first crouches down and curls up into a tight concussive ball or cutting disk. The user then starts charging up the Spin Dash from a stationary position by spinning rapidly on the spot and gaining potential energy before taking off into a high-speed rolling attack, dealing incredible damage to whatever they collide with. The move can be used for both attacking foes and simply travelling at high speeds.

Some users have their features fluttering behind their curled form when using the Spin Dash, such as Tails' twin-tails and Cream's rabbit ears. Also, there are alternate poses one can assume when launching the Spin Dash; Espio would whirl around like a tornado, and Vector would curl into a spiky wheel when they performed the Spin Dash in Knuckles' Chaotix. When revving up the typical Spin Dash, the user also normally assumes an oval shape.

In gameplay, while using the Spin Dash, the playable character can damage or shred through any unprotected enemy they collide with, break through walls and other weak obstacles, and dash up steep slopes or through shuttle loops without having to build up running momentum. It is also faster and lasts longer than the Spin Attack. Also, while revving up the Spin Dash, the playable character usually deals out damage to any enemy that makes contact with them. However, the characters are not invulnerable while Spin Dashing, as colliding with spikes and other hazards or getting crushed still causes damage.

In the 2D side-scrolling Sonic games, the Spin Dash is typically charged by pressing down on while the character is standing still and tapping the Jump button. After gaining enough potential energy, the player must release the down button to launch the Spin Dash. Some games have different ways to do the move, however; most 3D titles have the Spin Dash assigned to a single button because the directional controls are used to move the characters around the fields.

While the Spin Dash has become a trademark move for Sonic the Hedgehog, some characters can also use it and have even created their own variations of it.

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
The Spin Dash does not appear in the original release of Sonic the Hedgehog, but has been included in the game's ports and re-releases a total of four times:


 * Sonic Jam: On the Sega Saturn port of Sonic the Hedgehog featured in the Sonic Jam game compilation, the Spin Dash was added as an optional feature for Sonic. While the move allows the player to finish Zones faster, it also creates a potential glitch in Green Hill Zone: when passing through Winding Tunnels with the Spin Dash, the screen might not scroll fast enough to keep up with Sonic, resulting in him dying from hitting its bottom (as if it were a bottomless pit). To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press // to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.
 * Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis: On the Game Boy Advance port of Sonic the Hedgehog named "Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis", the Spin Dash works much like it always has, except that while revving it up, Sonic remains vulnerable to damage inflicted on him by Badniks colliding with him. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.
 * Sonic the Hedgehog (2013): On the iOS and Android port of Sonic the Hedgehog, the Spin Dash works much like it always has. However, it cannot be used to its fullest since the Zones are not designed for it. The unlockable characters Tails and Knuckles are also able to perform it as well (when enabled).
 * 3D Sonic the Hedgehog: In the Nintendo 3DS port of Sonic the Hedgehog named 3D Sonic the Hedgehog, the Spin Dash is featured as well. In this port, the Spin Dash can be toggled off and on (which requires a game reset), and is on by default. However, Sonic can still take damage by colliding with a moving Badnik while revving up the move in this version.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The Spin Dash made its official debut in the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, where it is referred to as the Super Dash Attack (スーパースピンダッシュ). In this game, it is used by Sonic, Super Sonic, and Tails.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press // to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD
In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Super Spin Dash, and is used only by Sonic. In this game, when Sonic does the Spin Dash, he is shaped like a ball instead of an oval.

In gameplay, the Spin Dash is different from its depictions in the previous game and subsequent 2D titles. Firstly, revving up the Spin Dash does not confer invulnerability to attack. Secondly, to perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player has to press down on while Sonic is standing still and hold // for a few seconds; releasing  after that will make the playable characters take off. If the player releases too early, Sonic will just stand up instead of taking off.

On the 2011 remaster's option menu, the player is able to switch the Spin Dash method to "Genesis" mode, the style of the Spin Dash is performed in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Since Tails is also a playable character in this remaster, he can perform the Spin Dash as well.

Sonic Chaos
In Sonic Chaos, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Super Spin Dash (スーパースピンダッシュ), and is used by both Sonic and Tails. Curiously, when performing the Spin Dash in this game, Tails' twin-tails does not flutter behind his curled form..

Because the Zones in the game are short, the Spin Dash can be useful. There are also secret passages behind walls in the Zones which can be broken easily with the Spin Dash. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
In both the 16-bit and 8-bit versions of Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Super Spin Dash, and is used exclusively by Sonic.

In gameplay, Sonic can perform the Spin Dash in the platforming sections of the pinball areas, where it can be useful to burst back to the pinball sections. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press either // on the 16-bit version, or / on the 8-bit version to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // or / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, its add-on continuation Sonic & Knuckles and the lock-on Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the Spin Dash appeared as a move used by all three games' playable characters. In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the move is known as the Spin Dash Attack (スーパースピンダッシュ), and in Sonic & Knuckles it is known as just the Spin Dash (スーパースピンダッシュ).

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the Spin Dash is used by Sonic, Super Sonic, and Tails. In Sonic & Knuckles, the move is available to Sonic, Super Sonic, Knuckles, and Super Knuckles. Lastly, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the Spin Dash is used by all five previously-mentioned characters, and Hyper Sonic, Hyper Knuckles, and Super Tails as well. To perform the Spin Dash in these games, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press // to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

There are moments in these games when the Spin Dash can prove useful, like rotating Platform-raising Wheels in Marble Garden Zone; pushing rocks more easily in Sandopolis Zone; using Transports in Lava Reef Zone; and flying through a Ring Shooter in Death Egg Zone.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble
In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Super Dash Attack (スピンダッシュ), and can be performed by both Sonic and Tails. Like in Sonic Chaos, Tails' twin-tails do not flutter behind his curled form when using the Spin Dash.

In gameplay, there are gimmicks named Spin Coasters which the player can ride. While riding the Spin Coasters, the player can make them accelerate by Spin Dashing.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Knuckles' Chaotix
In Knuckles' Chaotix, the move was officially referred to as the Spin Dash (スピンダッシュ). In this game, Knuckles, Espio, Mighty and Vector can perform it. When Espio performs the Spin Dash however, he twirls around like a tornado. Similarly, Vector curls into a spiky wheel instead of a ball when he performs the move.

In gameplay, the Spin Dash can be useful in conjunction with the game's Ring Power mechanic. Also, the playable characters are sent to the game's stages by Spin Dashing on a launching platform which moves forward and hurls the characters to the chosen stage.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press  to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.

Tails Adventure
In Tails Adventure, Tails is able to perform the Spin Dash under certain circumstances. When performing the Spin Dash in this game, Tails' twin-tails will not flutter behind his curled form.

In order to unlock the Spin Dash, Tails must find the Sonic item in Caron Forest and equip it to himself. With this move the player can easily destroy breakable walls.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player must first hold down to roll into a stationary spin. Hold then left or right, and let go of  to dash off.

Sonic Labyrinth
In Sonic Labyrinth, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Spin Dash, Super Spin Dash, and Super Sonic Spin Dash. This time, the move is used by Sonic only.

The Spin Dash ties into the game's narrative this time around. Unable to run fast or jump high due to Dr. Robotnik's Slow-Down Boots, Sonic realized he could still get around by using his Spin Dash. As such, the Spin Dash plays a vital role in the gameplay.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player must first press and hold / to rev up the Spin Dash. Small black and white arrows indicate Sonic's speed (the more arrows there are, the faster he will go). A yellow and white arrow indicate the direction Sonic will head in. Change the direction by using. When both the speed and direction is set, release / to dash off. If the player is in the middle of a Spin Dash and need to stop however, press / to skid to a halt.

Sonic 3D Blast
In Sonic 3D Blast, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Sonic Spin Dash or just the Spin Dash. Once again, the move is only used by Sonic.

In gameplay, there are devices that automatically send Sonic Spin Dashing through loops and ramps. There are also many hidden passages behind specific breakable walls that can be broken with the Spin Dash. Like Lava Reef Zone in Sonic & Knuckles, there are also blue transports in Volcano Valley Zone which work by doing the Spin Dash on them.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Press and hold then / to rev up the Spin Dash. Afterward, release / to dash off.

Sonic Blast
In Sonic Blast, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Sonic Spin Dash (スーパースピンダッシュ). In this game, it is a move both Sonic and Knuckles can perform.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Sonic R
In Sonic R, the Spin Dash (and the Spin Attack) is referred to as the Spin Dash Roll. In this game, it can be used by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Super Sonic.

In gameplay the player can use the Spin Dash to get an extra boost of speed at the beginning countdown of the race. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press.

Sonic Adventure
In Sonic Adventure and its remake Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the Spin Dash is a move used primarily by Sonic. It is also used by Metal Sonic, but only in Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut. When performing the Spin Dash in this game, Sonic leaves a blue aura trail in his wake.

In this game, the Spin Dash can be loaded to perform both the Light Speed Dash and the Light Speed Attack. Sonic can also be seen using his trademark move in several cutscenes, the most notable times being at the start of his story to follow the police and in the ending of the Final Story, where Sonic can be heard using it to follow Dr. Eggman.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, press and hold /// to rev up with a stationary spin, then release to dash off. While rolling, tap /// again to revert to standing posture without losing speed. In addition, Sonic can easily perform another Spin Dash while rolling, so he does not need to stop.

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the Spin Dash appeared again as a move exclusive to Sonic. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down the lever and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of the lever to dash off.

Sonic Shuffle
In Sonic Shuffle, the Spin Dash is Sonic's Special Movement Ability. In practice, it allows Sonic to move twice as far if he plays the same number for two consecutive turns. This means, that if Sonic moves three Spaces on one turn, then plays a second 3, he can move six spaces on that turn. However, Sonic cannot use the Spin Dash two times in a row, meaning that if he plays a third 3, he will only move three Spaces.

Sonic Adventure 2
In Sonic Adventure 2 and its remake Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, the Spin Dash appears as a move exclusive to Sonic and Shadow. In the Dreamcast version's multiplayer, Metal Sonic and Amy Rose are also able to do the Spin Dash. In Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, it was replaced by different advantages, such as Metal's Black Shield and Amy needing less Rings to perform special attacks. When performing the Spin Dash in these games, the user leaves an aura trail in their wake.

Before Sonic and Shadow acquire any Level Up Items in their respective stories, their Spin Dash sounds are much more high-pitched than they are once the first Level Up Item is acquired.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, press and hold /// to rev up with a stationary spin, then release to dash off. In addition, the playable characters can easily perform another Spin Dash while rolling, so they do not need to stop.

Sonic Advance
In Sonic Advance, the Spin Dash can be performed by Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. Amy on the other hand, has the Giant Steps movement instead.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press  to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.

Sonic Advance 2
In Sonic Advance 2, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Cream are all capable of performing the Spin Dash. Meanwhile, Amy has a similar maneuver called the "Amy Dash".

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press  to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.

Sonic Advance 3
In Sonic Advance 3, the Spin Dash is a move that all the five main playable characters in the game can perform. However, while Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Cream can perform the Spin Dash regardless of whom they are partnered up with, Amy needs to be partnered with Sonic in order to use the move.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press  to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.

Sonic Rush
In Sonic Rush, the Spin Dash appears as one of Sonic's moves. The game also introduces Blaze's equivalent of the Spin Dash: the Burst Dash.

In gameplay, the Spin Dash works similarly to how it did in the Sonic Advance games. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off. Because boosting is introduced in this game, the Spin Dash became a sort of slower technique to get start-up speed.

Sonic Rush Adventure
In Sonic Rush Adventure, the Spin Dash returned as one of Sonic's personal moves. Its mechanics in this game are the same as in Sonic Rush. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Shadow the Hedgehog
In Shadow the Hedgehog, the Spin Dash is mainly used by Shadow. In the game's multiplayer, it is also used by the Shadow Androids. When performing the Spin Dash in this game, the user leaves an aura trail in their wake.

In gameplay, the player can perform the Spin Dash similar to how they can in Sonic Adventure 2. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player has to hold down // while in a standing position to charge the Spin Dash, and release to dash off. Holding the button down longer will increase the speed and distance.

Sonic Riders
In Sonic Riders, the Spin Dash appears as a part of Sonic's personal level two and level three attacks. When using these attacks, Sonic launches his Spin Dash at his opponents, causing them to take damage and even get stunned briefly.

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity
In Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, the Spin Dash is again a move exclusive to Sonic. In this game, Sonic can pull of the Spin Dash when he obtains the Attack power-up, which allows him to Spin Dash down the tracks for short time while blowing away any opponent he collides with.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the Spin Dash appears as one of Sonic's moves. When performing the Spin Dash in this game, Sonic glows while leaving an aura trail in his wake. In gameplay, the player can use the Spin Dash in conjunction with Slow, Scale and Gun Drive.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, press and hold / to rev up with a stationary spin, then release to dash off. In addition, the player can cancel the Spin Dash by pressing / in mid-roll. However, Sonic cannot jump or perform any other moves while rolling around, and must wait a few seconds until he either stops rolling or cancels the move.

Sonic Rivals
In Sonic Rivals, every playable character in the game can perform the Spin Dash, including Silver. When performing the Spin Dash in this game, the user leaves a colored aura trail in their wake.

In gameplay, similarly to Sonic R, the player can use the Spin Dash during the beginning countdown of a race to get an extra boost of speed early on. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player first has to hold down on and tap  to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping to build up momentum, then release  to dash off.

Sonic Rivals 2
In Sonic Rivals 2, the Spin Dash is once again available to all playable characters in the game, including Rouge and Espio. Like in Sonic Rivals, the user leaves a colored aura trail in their wake when performing the Spin Dash. In Espio's case in particular, he executes the Spin Dash in the typical fashion instead twirling around like a tornado like he did in Knuckles' Chaotix.

In gameplay, the Spin Dash, and the opportunities to use it, are exactly the same as in Sonic Rivals. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, hold first down on and tap  to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping to build up momentum, then release  to dash off.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Spin Dash appears as Sonic's side special move. In this game, several of the move's mechanics have been changed.

When performing the Spin Dash, it causes Sonic to make a short hop as he dashes to aid in recovery. It can also change direction once it has been initiated. To perform the Spin Dash in this game, the player has to hold right on /control stick and press the B button at the same time, then release the buttons to launch Sonic.

The Spin Dash is also Sonic's down special move, except this variation is called the Spin Charge. This particular move is charged by holding down on and repeatedly pressing the B Button, much like in traditional Sonic games. It also does not make Sonic do a small hop.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, the Spin Dash and Spin Charge returned as Sonic's side special move and down special move respectively. In this game, the moves retain their mechanics and controls from Super Smash Bros. Brawl. In addition, the Spin Dash has gained the ability to jump and move around in the air while it is being charged as long as the B button is held. The 3DS and Wii U instalments also feature additional variations of the Spin Dash and Spin Charge that the player can customize Sonic with:
 * Spin Dash:
 * Spin Dash (default): Roll forward at high speed. You can charge it, change the direction, and link to other attacks.
 * Hammer Spin Dash: Starts with a huge hop that buries any foes it hits. Slightly weaker than Spin Dash.
 * Burning Spin Dash: A more powerful Spin Dash with no hop at the start. Jumps during the dash are lower.
 * Spin Charge:
 * Spin Charge (default): A forward dash that can be powered up by rapidly pressing the special-move button.
 * Auto-Spin Charge: A Spin Charge that can be powered up simply by holding the button.
 * Gravitational Charge: Foes in front are pulled in while foes behind are pushed. Takes more button presses to power up.

Sonic Unleashed
In the Wii/PlayStation 2 version of Sonic Unleashed, the Spin Dash appears as a move used by Sonic the Hedgehog in the daytime stages, although it is not one he can use freely. In this game, the player can rev up the Spin Dash at the very beginning of the daytime stages, namely during the countdown to the start. If timed properly, Sonic will start the stage with a brief Spin Dash and free units for the Boost Gauge; otherwise he will trip and fall.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, use the following commands at the start of the stage; using them when the announcer says "Go" will result in a succesful launch:

Touching Dash Panel while boosting will also play the Spin Dash animation in the Wii/PlayStation 2 version.

Episode I
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, the Spin Dash is used by only by Sonic and Super Sonic. When performing the Spin Dash in this game, the user leaves an aura trail in their wake.

In gameplay, the Spin Dash works similarly to how it did in the Sonic Rush games; however, the move will not roll Sonic down hills or help him go up ramps completely.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down (or left control stick) and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of (or left control stick) to dash off. When using Tilt Controls in the mobile versions of the game, the player can perform a Spin Dash by touching Sonic and holding down on the screen before releasing.

Episode II
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the Spin Dash is a move performed by Sonic, Super Sonic, and Tails. In the game's additional episode, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal, the Spin Dash is available to Metal Sonic as well. Like in the previous game, using the Spin Dash causes the user to leave an aura trail in their wake.

Gameplay-wise, the Spin Dash works like it did in the previous title, except it can now roll the user down hills and help them go up ramps completely. The game also reintroduces the Platform-raising Wheels which only the Spin Dash can activate. Additionally, a new variation of the Spin Dash called the Rolling Combo appears as one of Sonic and Tails' Tag Actions. Sonic and Tails can also be seen doing the Spin Dash on the game's loading screens

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down (or left control stick) and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of (or left control stick) to dash off. When using Tilt Controls in the mobile versions of the games, the player can perform a Spin Dash by touching the playable character and holding down on the screen before releasing.

Sonic Colors
In Sonic Colors, the Spin Dash appears on both versions of the game in some capacity.

In the Nintendo DS version of the game, the Spin Dash appears as a part of Sonic's standard moveset. In gameplay, it works much like it did in the Sonic Rush games. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

In the Wii version of the game, Sonic and the Virtual Hedgehogs can perform a variation of the Spin Dash while transformed into the Pink Spikes. This Spin Dash works much like the one on the DS version, except the Pink Spikes allows it to move along walls and ceilings, and break Black Mounds. To charge and accelerate this Spin Dash in gameplay, press, hold and release the following buttons:

Sonic Generations
In all versions of Sonic Generations, the Spin Dash make a return as one of the moves only Classic Sonic can perform.

On the console/PC version of the game, the Spin Dash is more powerful than in previous games, essentially serving as Classic Sonic's version of the Boost. There is also a Skill for Classic Sonic called Long Spin Dash that makes his Spin Dash last longer. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player must hold / while Classic Sonic is standing still to rev up the Spin Dash, then release / to dash off. Alternatively, the player can hold the down button while Classic Sonic is standing still and press/tap / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, then release the down button to dash off.

On the console/PC version of the game, Modern Sonic will briefly use the Spin Dash when he runs over a Dash Panel at certain speeds, much like in the Wii/PlayStation 2 version of Sonic Unleashed. He similarly also uses the Spin Dash animation whenever he Drifts.

On the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the Spin Dash does not behave much differently from its console/PC counterpart. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Classic Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on Circle Pad/ and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of Circle Pad/ to dash off.

Sonic Lost World
On both versions of Sonic Lost World, the Spin Dash returns as one of Sonic's main moves. Notably, Sonic Lost World marks the first Sonic game in which the Spin Dash appears in a CGI cutscene.

The Spin Dash mainly serves the same purposes as it did in earlier games; to allow Sonic to reach his full momentum. Spin Dashing is the fastest way for Sonic to move around in this game, as speed control is a primary part of the gameplay in Sonic Lost World. Mechanics-wise, the Spin Dash is used in a more traditional manner in a 3D game for the first time since Sonic Adventure 2. When using the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player is also able to maintain the Spin Dash indefinitely, similar to the Boost. Sonic can also perform the Spin Dash while running on walls or ceilings for an extra boost of speed.

In the Wii U version, Sonic will quickly lose his momentum while Spin Dashing on icy terrain due to the slippery surface. However, in the Nintendo 3DS version, Sonic will maintain his momentum when performing the Spin Dash on icy terrain.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay on the Wii U version, hold and press  repeatedly to charge up the Spin Dash, then release to dash off. Holding again while dashing will maintain the Spin Dash. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay on the Nintendo 3DS version however, press / for a short Spin Dash or hold to charge a longer Spin Dash. Pressing and holding / in mid-dash allows the Spin Dash to be maintained indefinitely.

Sonic Mania
In Sonic Mania, the Spin Dash can be performed by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and their respective Super States. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player has to execute the following actions:

During the battle with Metal Sonic, Metal Sonic will attempt to use his Spin Dash against the player.

Sonic Forces
In Sonic Forces, the Spin Dash is only usable to Classic Sonic. When performing it in this game, Classic Sonic will be enveloped in a blue aura.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Classic Sonic must first stand still. Press then down with the /left control stick and press // to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // to build up momentum, and let go of /left control stick to dash off.

Burst Dash
The Burst Dash is Blaze the Cat's equivalent of the Spin Dash. It is similar to Espio's Spin Dash in Knuckles' Chaotix, as Blaze assumes a tornado formation, except she revs up by standing and charging the fire at her feet and is instead surrounded by fire. This move first appeared in Sonic Rush.

Dark Spin Dash
The Dark Spin Dash is a move performed by Shadow the Hedgehog. In terms of performance, it is identical to the regular Spin Dash. Rather than being used for offense however, it is used to access Red Slime paths for transportation and shortcuts. This move first appeared in Shadow the Hedgehog.

Drop Dash
The Drop Dash is a variation of the Spin Dash performed by Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic Mania. When using this move, the user immediately sets off into a Spin Attack when landing on the ground in spinball form.

Rolling Combo
The Rolling Combo is a combination move exclusive to Sonic and Tails. When performing this move, Sonic and Tails join together in a spherical formation to form a larger and more powerful version of the Spin Dash. This move only appears in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II.

Spin Slash
Spin Slash is a variant performed by Sonic the Hedgehog in the unreleased Sonic X-treme. It was an upgraded Spin Dash.

Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie
The Spin Dash has only been seen once in Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie as Tails manages to corrupt Hyper Metal Sonic's data with Robotnik's navigator, Sonic quickly loads Spin Dash and knocks Hyper Metal Sonic to far away.

Sonic X
The Spin Dash in Sonic X has been performed numerous times during the series run, mainly performed by Sonic and Shadow.

Sonic Boom
The Spin Dash also appears in the Sonic Boom franchise. In this media, it is only used by Sonic the Hedgehog.

The Spin Dash first appeared in Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, where it is one of Sonic's usable moves in gameplay. In this game, it can both be used to attack enemies and as well utilize different gimmicks, such as the Spin Ramp and Spin Ball.

Archie Comics
The Spin Dash was used many times as the signature move of Sonic. After the Super Genesis Wave, it seems to have become a common technique - with even characters such as Big the Cat using it.

IDW Publishing
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series published by IDW Publishing, the Spin Dash appear as one of Sonic the Hedgehog's moves.

Trivia

 * The North American manual of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 suggests that Tails created the Spin Dash (referred to as the "Super Dash Attack") first while imitating Sonic's performances.
 * The Spin Dash's animation is meant to symbolize the wheel of a car during a burnout.
 * The Spin Dash has a different sound effect of Spin Attack in the beta version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It has been changed to its own sound effect in the final version of the game as it sounds more efficient.
 * Tails' tails don't move along while his body is rolling during the Spin Dash or Spin Attack in earlier games and Sonic Advance games. This happens in a similar way with Cream's ears during the Spin Dash.
 * In the French Sonic & Knuckles guide, the Spin Dash is named Sonic Boom.
 * Tiara Boobowski was stated to be able to perform the Spin Dash in Sonic X-treme. However, because of the game's cancellation, this never happened.
 * Sonic can be seen doing Spin Dash in Sonic the Hedgehog Screen Saver.
 * In Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis, which is a port of the original game, features an anniversary mode feature, which includes the Spin Dash movement for Sonic.
 * When using the Pink Wisp in Sonic Colors (or in Sonic Generations), Sonic as the Pink Spikes Color Power can perform a move similar to the Spin Dash as it bursts out as a curling ball from a standing position.
 * In most games, a colored aura or streak surrounds/trails the character using the Spin Dash.
 * In the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World, the wind-up animation (Sonic's ball form becomes a slanted oval) and the release animation (he reverts to a perfect circle again) of the Spin Dash occur in reversed order. This change was not made in the 3DS version.