In 2012, Ken Balough announced that Big the Cat would be retired from the franchise for the time being as they could not find a good use for the character, and all things that they already tried didn't work out for him. This however did not stop Big from making cameo appearances in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, having a trophy in the 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. 4, having a spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, being playable in the mobile games Sonic Runners and Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, and even making a full appearance in Lego Dimensions and Team Sonic Racing. Big was eventually reintroduced to the mainline Sonic games in Sonic Frontiers.