"Sonic 2"s success was a major factor in Sega catching up to Nintendo in the early-1990s console wars. It brought their market share up to 40% within six months of its release. Tails, whom "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" introduced, went on to become one of the most prominent characters in the series, appearing as Sonic's sidekick in most "Sonic" media, including in later games such as "Sonic Colors", "Sonic Generations", and "Sonic Lost World". "Sonic the Hedgehog 2"s popularity extended to various merchandise such as comic books such as "Sonic the Comic", a television series, and a sequel, "Sonic the Hedgehog 3", which received similar acclaim.