Super Emeralds

The Super Emeralds(スーパーエメラルド Sūpāemerarudo?) are larger variants of the Chaos Emeralds. These collectible items have a brilliant diamond-cut like the Master Emerald and are exclusive to Sonic 3 & Knuckles. When Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles collects all seven Super Emeralds, they will have the ability to transform into a powerful variant of their super state. Sonic will transform into Hyper Sonic, Knuckles will transform into Hyper Knuckles, and Tails will transform into Super Tails.

Replacement
At the beginning of the second half of the game, the player can choose whether or not to pursue the Super Emeralds. If the player has collected all of the Chaos Emeralds and enters inside a multicolored Giant Ring, the character is not automatically transported to the Special Stage. Instead, the character is transported to Hidden Palace Zone where large, decorative pedestals are neatly positioned. With the exception of the Master Emerald located at the center-top, the pedestals are empty.

A brief cutscene will occur of the Chaos Emeralds departing from the player; causing the character's super form to be lost. The Chaos Emeralds will transform into Super Emeralds, though they are initially grey until the player jumps on top of one to begin the Special Stage. If the player successfully completes a Special Stage, a Super Emerald's true color will appear.