Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was released by Sega in 1992 for the Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside North America, as the sequel to the original Sonic game. Its title screen music became one of the most recognisable pieces of 16-bit game audio, helped by the sequel's huge commercial success and Sonic's rise as Sega's mascot. Decades later, the theme still circulates through retro gaming videos, remixes, soundboards and nostalgia compilations, where its short length and instantly familiar melody make it easy to reuse.