Hop

In a few modern Sonic games, Sonic can hop. Hopping involves Sonic jumping lightly without going into a spin. It can be used to quickly cross small gaps and clear low obstacles without losing speed and/or momentum, a downside of using a regular spin jump. It is almost never required, however.

Sonic Colors
The Wii version of Sonic Colors allows Sonic to hop by lightly tapping the jump button. It isn't ever required, however, and is simply a novelty.

Sonic Generations
The hop is given more of a use in Sonic Generations. Special, brightly colored, long bumper-style objects can be found in several modern zones, including Green Hill and Speed Highway. If Sonic collides with one without hopping, he will still go over it, but will lose almost all momentum and speed. Hopping allows Sonic to quickly cross these obstacles, something the game points out in Green Hill.

The 3DS version of the game is the first to allow Sonic to hop; however, like in Colors, it is simply a novelty that can easily be entirely ignored.