* He wasn't a prominent character: While Mighty was introduced in *Sonic the Hedgehog 3* (and later *Sonic Mania*), he wasn't as popular or as iconic as other characters like Tails, Knuckles, and Amy.
* Licensing issues: There were some licensing issues surrounding Mighty's use after the Sega Genesis era. This may have limited his appearances in newer games.
* Lack of demand: There hasn't been a huge outcry from fans to bring Mighty back, so developers haven't prioritized including him in recent titles.
However, things are changing!
* Recent appearances: Mighty has made recent appearances in games like *Sonic Mania Plus* and *Team Sonic Racing* as a playable character, suggesting renewed interest in the character.
* Fan demand: The increasing fan demand for Mighty has definitely been noticed, especially after his inclusion in *Sonic Mania Plus*.
* He's a popular character: Mighty is a cool character who is remembered fondly by many Sonic fans, and there's a strong possibility of him appearing in future games.
While he may not be a main character yet, Mighty has a growing fanbase and is increasingly being recognized by Sega and Sonic Team. So, it's only a matter of time before he returns to the forefront of the Sonic universe!