Smashboards

Yeah, why did he choose the more iconic and well known design, rather then pandering to my nostalgia, terrible choice.

I was born in 2002, I have no nostalgia for Classic.

modern Sonic is best Sonic.

Even if you have no nostalgia for him, there's no reason to choose a version of a character that's entire appeal is nostalgia pandering, over an iconic and well known version of a character.

"I was born in 2002, I have no nostalgia for Classic."

Then what's your deal? It's not like Pac-Man, whose modern design is widely disliked for some reason.

It was the really early period of third-party licensing. I mean, Snake came in as his Solid self using Naked/Big Boss' beard, so things weren't fully established in that aspect of Smash. Don't overthink this, of all things.

The modern design is honestly more recognizable despite the fact that the classic games are more recognizable. It’s probably because most people don’t even know the difference with the two designs.

Also, the classic sonic design feels like it was created later on for games like Generations and Forces, not actually in the 90s

Classic Sonic has way more appeal than just nostalgia (other than in Forces at least, even I'll agree he shouldn't have been there) - not everyone prefers cool and flashy.

Champion, I do kinda agree with what you're saying, both iterations of Sonic are hugely malleable and change instalment to instalment - I'd want a Smash Classic to look like how he does in-game in 1, with a slightly darker blue.