Astros Playroom vs Ratchet Clank Rift Apart Black Friday2026

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Astro's Playroom and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart offer two different ways to enjoy a PS5: one is a cheerful platform game included with the console, and the other is a full-scale action adventure. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help you find the right Black Friday 2026 pick, whether you want a quick introduction to the DualSense controller or a deeper single-player campaign.

Here's the bottom line: Astro's Playroom is the easy starting point, while Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the stronger buy for players seeking more story, combat and exploration. This guide also compares Astro Bot, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, DualSense controllers and PS5 Slim consoles, so you can build a setup around the games and features you value.

How We Picked

• Compared each game's genre, single-player or local multiplayer focus, and fit for different ages and play styles.
• Checked official feature information for PS5 hardware, DualSense support, storage and game editions.
• Reviewed owner feedback for recurring comments about accessibility, replay value, controls and setup.
• Included both free or bundled options and products suited to shoppers building a complete PS5 setup.
• Favored clear use cases so readers can compare games and hardware without relying on price claims.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	Players	Standout feature	Format
Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro's Playroom for PlayStation 5	New PS5 owners	1 player	4 themed worlds	Pre-installed
Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5	Action-adventure fans	1 player	2 playable heroes	PS5 game
Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5	Platformer fans	1 player	More than 80 levels	PS5 game
Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Digital Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5	Digital collectors	1 player	5 armor sets	Digital
Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5	Local co-op	Up to 4 players	Cooperative platforming	PS5 game
Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller	Second controller	Game-dependent	2 adaptive triggers	Wireless
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Disc Edition 1TB	Physical-game collectors	Up to 4 local	1TB SSD	Disc drive included
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition 1TB	Digital libraries	Up to 4 local	1TB SSD	Disc drive not included

Best Picks Reviewed

#1

Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro's Playroom for PlayStation 5

The Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro's Playroom for PlayStation 5 is the best free introduction for new PS5 owners, with 4 themed worlds built around DualSense features. The game comes pre-installed on PS5 consoles, making it an easy first stop before buying another platformer.

Best for: New PS5 owners and families

Worlds

4 themed worlds

Players

1 player

Platform

PlayStation 5

Controller features

Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers

Pros

• Pre-installed on PS5 consoles
• Showcases DualSense features
• Bright, approachable platforming

Cons

• Shorter experience than a full-priced adventure
• PS5 exclusive

Is Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro's Playroom for PlayStation 5 worth playing on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro's Playroom for PlayStation 5 is worth playing because it is pre-installed, free with the console and designed to demonstrate DualSense controls. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro's Playroom for PlayStation 5's 4 themed worlds offer an inviting start, though players seeking a long campaign should compare Astro Bot or Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#2 · Top pick

Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5

The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 is the best cinematic action adventure for players who want fast combat and a story-led journey. The game features 2 playable heroes, Ratchet and Rivet, across a dimension-hopping campaign.

Best for: Action-adventure fans

Playable heroes

2

Players

1 player

Platform

PlayStation 5

Controller features

Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers

Pros

• Cinematic presentation and lively characters
• Varied weapons and action
• Uses DualSense features

Cons

• Single-player only
• More action-focused than Astro's Playroom

Is Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 is a strong choice for players who want a polished, story-driven action game. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5's 2 playable heroes, weapon variety and dimension-hopping adventure make it a fuller campaign than Astro's Playroom.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#3

Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5

The Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 is the best premium platformer for players who want more of Astro's playful world. The game features more than 80 levels, offering a substantial follow-up to the 4-world experience in Astro's Playroom.

Best for: Platformer fans and families

Levels

More than 80

Players

1 player

Platform

PlayStation 5

Controller features

Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers

Pros

• Large platforming adventure
• Accessible pick-up-and-play design
• Builds on Astro's Playroom's character

Cons

• Single-player only
• Less focused on shooting and combat than Rift Apart

Is Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for players who want a full-length platform adventure starring Astro. More than 80 levels give the game far more scope than Astro's Playroom, while its playful style suits families and fans of collectible-focused games.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#4

Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Digital Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5

The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Digital Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best edition for players who prefer a digital library and want the included bonus content. The edition packages the base game with 5 armor sets and other digital extras.

Best for: Digital collectors and series fans

Playable heroes

2

Included armor sets

5

Players

1 player

Format

Digital

Pros

• Includes the full game
• Adds digital bonus content
• No disc storage or swapping

Cons

• Requires a digital purchase and download
• Bonus items are cosmetic

Is Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Digital Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Digital Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5 suits digital-first players who want the full game plus bonus items. The 5 included armor sets add customization, while the standard edition is a simpler choice for players who do not value digital extras.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#5

Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5

The Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 is the best pick for families who want platforming with up to 4 local players. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5's cooperative focus separates it from the solo adventures in Astro's Playroom and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

Best for: Local co-op and family play

Local players

Up to 4

Genre

3D platform adventure

Platform

PlayStation 5

Play style

Solo or cooperative

Pros

• Supports up to 4 local players
• Colorful levels and costumes
• Good shared-screen option

Cons

• Co-op requires additional controllers
• Different tone from Ratchet & Clank

Is Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 is a good Black Friday 2026 game pick for households that enjoy local co-op. The game supports up to 4 players, making it a stronger shared-session choice than the single-player Astro and Ratchet & Clank games.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#6

Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller

The Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller is the best accessory for players who want the full control features highlighted in Astro's Playroom. The controller includes 2 adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, features also supported by Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

Best for: A second controller or replacement

Adaptive triggers

2

Connection

Wireless

Platform

PlayStation 5

Audio

Built-in microphone

Pros

• Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
• Useful for local multiplayer
• Built-in microphone

Cons

• Requires charging
• Extra controller does not add multiplayer to solo-only games

Is Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller is worth considering as a replacement or second gamepad, especially for Sackboy: A Big Adventure's 4-player local co-op. The Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller's 2 adaptive triggers and haptic feedback also deliver the control features shown in Astro's Playroom.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#7

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Disc Edition 1TB

The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Disc Edition 1TB is the best PS5 setup for players who want physical games and Blu-ray playback. The 1TB SSD provides built-in game storage, and the disc drive supports compatible PS5 game discs.

Best for: Physical-game collectors

Storage

1TB SSD

Disc drive

Included

Players

Up to 4 local, game-dependent

Included controller

1 DualSense

Pros

• Plays compatible PS5 game discs
• Supports Blu-ray movie playback
• Astro's Playroom is pre-installed

Cons

• Physical discs need storage space
• Requires a TV or monitor

Is Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Disc Edition 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Disc Edition 1TB is a good fit for players who buy physical games, borrow discs or watch Blu-ray movies. The 1TB SSD offers built-in storage, while the included disc drive keeps physical PS5 game options open.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#8

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition 1TB

The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition 1TB is the best PS5 setup for players who buy games digitally and prefer a disc-free console. The 1TB SSD stores downloaded games, while Astro's Playroom arrives pre-installed for a ready-to-play introduction.

Best for: Digital libraries and compact setups

Storage

1TB SSD

Disc drive

Not included

Players

Up to 4 local, game-dependent

Included controller

1 DualSense

Pros

• Disc-free design
• 1TB SSD for game downloads
• Astro's Playroom is pre-installed

Cons

• Requires digital game purchases or downloads
• Physical game discs are not supported without an added drive

Is Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition 1TB is worth choosing for players who keep a digital library and do not need a disc drive. The 1TB SSD supports downloaded games, and Astro's Playroom is ready to play after console setup.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

Which game is better: Astro's Playroom or Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?

Astro's Playroom is a free, approachable introduction to PS5. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart delivers a longer action adventure with story, combat and dimension-hopping exploration.

Astro's Playroom has four themed worlds that showcase the DualSense controller. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the better fit for players seeking a full-scale campaign. For a larger Astro platforming game, consider Astro Bot.

Is Astro's Playroom free with a PS5?

Astro's Playroom comes pre-installed on PS5 consoles, so owners can play without buying it separately. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers also make it a useful introduction to the DualSense controller.

For a larger campaign, choose Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart; for more platforming, choose Astro Bot.

Should you buy Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart or its Digital Deluxe Edition?

Both editions include the Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart campaign. The Digital Deluxe Edition adds five armor sets and other digital extras, but none are required to play the story.

Choose the standard edition for the game, or Digital Deluxe for its bonus content. Check the physical edition for your console if you collect discs.

Which PS5 game is best for kids and family play?

Sackboy: A Big Adventure supports up to four local players, making it the strongest pick for shared play. Astro's Playroom offers colorful solo platforming, while Astro Bot provides a larger solo adventure with more than 80 levels.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart suits players who prefer action and cinematic storytelling. Choose based on whether the player wants co-op, platforming or action.

Which PS5 console should you choose for these games?

Choose the PS5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB for compatible physical games and Blu-ray movies. The PS5 Slim Digital Edition 1TB is designed for downloaded games; a compatible disc drive can be added.

Both consoles include a DualSense controller and Astro's Playroom. Consider a second controller for local multiplayer.

Buying Guide

Choose a game by play style

Choose Astro's Playroom for an introduction, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for action, Astro Bot for platforming or Sackboy: A Big Adventure for local co-op.

Check the edition and format

Compare standard and Digital Deluxe editions, and match physical discs to a console with a disc drive.

Match the console to your library

The PS5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB supports compatible discs; the PS5 Slim Digital Edition 1TB is for downloads. Installed games share the 1TB SSD.

Plan for local multiplayer

Sackboy: A Big Adventure supports up to four local players. Check player limits and have enough DualSense controllers.

Compare the whole setup

For a Black Friday 2026 shortlist, consider the console, game edition, controllers and library format. Astro's Playroom is included with PS5 consoles.

FAQ

Is Astro's Playroom better than Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart?

Astro's Playroom is better as a free first PS5 game, while Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is better for a full action-adventure campaign. Astro's Playroom introduces DualSense features across 4 themed worlds; Ratchet & Clank offers 2 playable heroes and a story-driven journey.

Do you have to buy Astro's Playroom separately?

No. Astro's Playroom comes pre-installed on PS5 consoles, so owners can play it without buying a separate copy. The game is a 1-player platform adventure and a useful introduction to the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

Does Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart have co-op?

No. Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 is a single-player game. Players control Ratchet and Rivet during the adventure, but the game does not offer local co-op or multiplayer sessions.

Is Astro Bot a sequel to Astro's Playroom?

Astro Bot is a larger standalone platform adventure starring Astro, the character introduced to many PS5 owners through Astro's Playroom. The games share a playful platforming style, while Astro Bot expands the experience with more than 80 levels.

Which PS5 is better for physical games?

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Disc Edition 1TB is the better option for physical-game buyers because its disc drive supports compatible PS5 game discs. Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition 1TB has no included disc drive and is intended for downloaded games.

Which game is best for 4-player PS5 co-op?

Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 is the clearest pick for local co-op because it supports up to 4 players. Each player needs a controller, so a household with fewer gamepads should plan its setup before starting.