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- Best overall: Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5
- Best budget: Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Red Candle Games Nine Sols for PlayStation 5
- Best for parry-focused combat: Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch
- Nine Sols centers on parries, precise timing, and a sci-fi setting.
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown pairs fast combat with time-based powers and exploration.
- Nintendo Switch and PlayStation versions give shoppers multiple platform options for both games.
- Hollow Knight, Metroid Dread, and Ori offer strong alternatives for action-platformer fans.
Nine Sols and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are standout 2D action-platformers, but they suit different play styles. Nine Sols puts parrying and precise combat front and center. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown balances combat with exploration, movement, and time powers.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews, and owner feedback across eight games and platform editions. Here's the bottom line: choose Nine Sols for demanding, parry-focused fights; choose Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for broader exploration and a flexible adventure. The picks below cover Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox options.
How We Picked
- Compared core combat styles, including parry timing, ranged tools, and movement abilities.
- Prioritized platform options and clearly identified each game’s console edition.
- Reviewed owner feedback and game features to assess learning curve, exploration, and replay appeal.
- Included alternatives with distinct strengths, not just games that share a side-scrolling camera.
- Selected picks for different players, from newcomers to fans of demanding action games.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Players | Combat focus | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch | Parry-focused combat | 1 | Parries and close-range attacks | Nintendo Switch |
| Red Candle Games Nine Sols for PlayStation 5 | Challenging combat | 1 | Parries and close-range attacks | PlayStation 5 |
| Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch | Exploration and flexibility | 1 | Combos, movement, and time powers | Nintendo Switch |
| Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5 | Action and exploration | 1 | Combos, movement, and time powers | PlayStation 5 |
| Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox Series X|S | Xbox action-adventure | 1 | Combos, movement, and time powers | Xbox Series X|S |
| Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch | Atmospheric exploration | 1 | Melee combat and boss battles | Nintendo Switch |
| Nintendo Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch | Tense exploration | 1 | Ranged attacks and evasive movement | Nintendo Switch |
| Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Nintendo Switch | Movement and story | 1 | Movement abilities and melee combat | Nintendo Switch |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch
The Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch is the best parry-focused pick for players who want a demanding 2D action adventure. The Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch's deflection-centered combat rewards careful timing and deliberate skill-building.
Best for: Nintendo Switch players who enjoy precise, challenging combat
- Players
- 1
- Perspective
- 2D side-scrolling
- Combat focus
- Parries and close-range attacks
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Distinctive hand-drawn sci-fi setting
- Rewarding parry-based combat
- Exploration complements the action
- Tight timing creates a steep learning curve
Is Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch is a strong buy for players who value precise combat, a striking sci-fi world, and a focused solo adventure. The Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch's 2D action and parry-first design make it a clear pick for challenge seekers.
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#2
Red Candle Games Nine Sols for PlayStation 5
The Red Candle Games Nine Sols for PlayStation 5 is the best console pick for players seeking 2D combat built around precise deflections. The PlayStation 5 edition keeps the game’s focused action and exploration at the center.
Best for: PlayStation 5 players who want a challenging action-platformer
- Players
- 1
- Perspective
- 2D side-scrolling
- Combat focus
- Parries and close-range attacks
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Precise combat gives fights a strong rhythm
- Distinctive myth-inspired sci-fi atmosphere
- Exploration opens routes through the world
- Boss fights demand careful timing
Is Red Candle Games Nine Sols for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Red Candle Games Nine Sols for PlayStation 5 suits players who want a demanding single-player adventure with parry-based combat. The 2D presentation, detailed world, and timing-focused fights make it a compelling console choice for action fans.
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#3
Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch
The Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch is the best all-round pick for players who want 2D action, exploration, and time powers. The Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch's agile movement and flexible difficulty options make the adventure approachable across skill levels.
Best for: Switch players who want exploration and flexible combat
- Players
- 1
- Perspective
- 2D side-scrolling
- Combat focus
- Combos, movement, and time powers
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Fast movement and varied combat
- Exploration rewards route-finding
- Difficulty and accessibility options
- Large map can feel less focused
Is Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch is a strong choice for players who want exploration alongside combat. The Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch's time powers, movement abilities, and adjustable options create a flexible 2D adventure for a wide range of players.
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#4 · Top pick
Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5
The Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5 is the best action-adventure pick for players who want 2D exploration with fluid combat. The Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5's time powers add tactical options to traversal, puzzles, and fights.
Best for: PlayStation 5 players seeking combat and exploration
- Players
- 1
- Perspective
- 2D side-scrolling
- Combat focus
- Combos, movement, and time powers
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Responsive movement supports creative play
- Time powers add variety to encounters
- Map and accessibility options aid exploration
- Combat and map systems take time to master
Is Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5 is worth considering for players who want a polished-feeling 2D action adventure with varied movement. The blend of time powers, combat, and exploration gives the solo campaign a broad appeal.
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#5
Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox Series X|S
The Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox Series X|S is the best fit for Xbox players who want a 2D adventure with combat and traversal in equal measure. The Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox Series X|S's time powers support both puzzle-solving and fast-paced fights.
Best for: Xbox Series X|S players who enjoy action and puzzles
- Players
- 1
- Perspective
- 2D side-scrolling
- Combat focus
- Combos, movement, and time powers
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Mixes combat with platforming challenges
- Time powers support creative traversal
- Options accommodate different play styles
- Map navigation adds complexity
Is Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox Series X|S is a good match for players who want an exploration-heavy action game. The 2D world, time-based abilities, and varied combat give Xbox players plenty of ways to approach challenges.
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#6
Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch
The Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch is the best atmospheric exploration pick for players who want a 2D world full of secrets. The Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch's interconnected map and challenging combat reward curiosity and patience.
Best for: Players who love moody worlds and open-ended exploration
- Players
- 1
- Perspective
- 2D side-scrolling
- Combat focus
- Melee combat and boss battles
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Memorable atmosphere and visual style
- Large interconnected world
- Exploration reveals useful upgrades
- Limited direction can frustrate newcomers
Is Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch is an excellent pick for players who enjoy challenging fights and self-directed exploration. The Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch's 2D world, mysterious atmosphere, and discoveries make it a strong alternative to both Nine Sols and Prince of Persia.
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#7
Nintendo Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch is the best tense exploration pick for players who want 2D action with a strong sense of pursuit. The Nintendo Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch's escape sequences and upgrades keep exploration brisk and combat intense.
Best for: Switch players who want suspense with fast action
- Players
- 1
- Perspective
- 2D side-scrolling
- Combat focus
- Ranged attacks and evasive movement
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Strong pacing and suspense
- Responsive movement and combat
- Exploration steadily unlocks new routes
- Pursuit sequences raise the tension
Is Nintendo Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch is a strong choice for players who want a focused 2D adventure with suspense and quick combat. Exploration, upgrades, and tense escape sequences give it a distinct feel beside the other games in this guide.
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#8
Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Nintendo Switch
The Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Nintendo Switch is the best pick for players who value expressive movement and an emotional 2D adventure. The Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Nintendo Switch's platforming abilities make exploration feel fluid and rewarding.
Best for: Players who prioritize graceful movement and story
- Players
- 1
- Perspective
- 2D side-scrolling
- Combat focus
- Movement abilities and melee combat
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Expressive movement and platforming
- Striking world and emotional story
- Abilities open new paths
- Platforming precision takes practice
Is Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Nintendo Switch is a great choice for players who want movement-led exploration and a story-driven adventure. The Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Nintendo Switch's 2D platforming and ability-based progression offer a change of pace from parry-heavy action.
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Which is better, Nine Sols or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown?
Nine Sols and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are 2D action-platformers with different priorities: Nine Sols emphasizes parries, while Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers broader movement and exploration. Both are single-player games, but their combat rhythms feel distinct.
Choose Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 5 if you want fights built around reading attacks and landing deflections. Tight timing gives encounters a demanding, deliberate pace.
Choose Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S for a broader mix of combat, traversal, and puzzles. Worth it for most players who want one adventure that balances several action-game strengths.
Is Nine Sols harder than Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown?
Nine Sols makes parry timing a central skill, while Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers adjustable options that shape its challenge. Both games reward practice, but they ask players to learn different systems.
Red Candle Games Nine Sols for Nintendo Switch and Red Candle Games Nine Sols for PlayStation 5 suit players who enjoy precision and repeated practice against difficult foes. Missed timing can leave little room to recover.
Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5 and its other platform editions add movement tools, map features, and difficulty options. Those choices help players tune the experience without removing the need to learn combat.
Which game is better for exploration?
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Hollow Knight, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps put exploration at the heart of their 2D worlds. Nine Sols also includes exploration, but its parry-led fights stand out more.
Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Nintendo Switch gives players a large space to navigate, with abilities that help open routes and solve puzzles. Its map tools support a more guided journey when needed.
Team Cherry Hollow Knight for Nintendo Switch favors discovery and a less direct route through its interconnected world. Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Nintendo Switch connects exploration to platforming abilities and story progression.
Which platform should I choose for these games?
Nintendo Switch offers portable versions of Nine Sols, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Hollow Knight, Metroid Dread, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. PlayStation 5 owners can pick up both Nine Sols and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
Choose the platform already in your setup if you want the simplest route. Red Candle Games Nine Sols for PlayStation 5 and Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for PlayStation 5 are the direct picks for that console.
Xbox Series X|S players can choose Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox Series X|S. For portable play, Nintendo Switch editions provide the clearest match among the listed products.
What should I look for in Black Friday 2026 game picks?
The best Black Friday 2026 game pick matches your preferred combat style, platform, and appetite for exploration. A deal matters less than choosing a game you will enjoy playing through.
Compare the exact platform edition before adding a game to your shopping list. Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S options in this guide; Red Candle Games Nine Sols has Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 options.
For direct combat, start with Nine Sols. For exploration and movement, compare Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Hollow Knight, and Ori. For suspense, Nintendo Metroid Dread is the sharper alternative.
Buying Guide
Pick your combat style
Choose Nine Sols for parry timing and deliberate fights. Choose Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for combos, movement, and time powers. Hollow Knight and Metroid Dread deliver different takes on action combat.
Match the game to your platform
Confirm the console edition before buying. This guide covers Nintendo Switch editions, PlayStation 5 editions, and an Xbox Series X|S edition of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
Decide how much exploration you want
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers route-finding and abilities. Hollow Knight favors self-directed discovery, while Ori ties exploration to movement and story.
Choose a challenge level you enjoy
Nine Sols rewards precise timing. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown includes options for tailoring play. Consider whether you want demanding fights, adjustable difficulty, or exploration-led progression.
Compare the complete edition details
Check the product listing for platform, included content, and physical or digital format. Match the listed edition to your console and preferred way to play.
FAQ
Is Nine Sols better than Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown?
Nine Sols is the stronger choice for players who want demanding, parry-first combat. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a better fit for players who want exploration, movement abilities, and time powers alongside fights. The better pick depends on which style you prefer.
Which game should I buy first, Nine Sols or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown?
Start with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown if you want a broad action-adventure with combat, platforming, and puzzles. Choose Nine Sols first if precise parrying and demanding encounters are the main draw. Both games offer a focused solo experience.
Is Nine Sols available on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5?
Yes. Red Candle Games Nine Sols is represented in this guide by Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 editions. Check the product listing to confirm the exact platform and format before completing a Black Friday 2026 purchase.
Is Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown available on Xbox Series X|S?
Yes. Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox Series X|S is one of the platform picks in this guide. Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 editions also appear here, so match the listing to your console.
What games are similar to Nine Sols and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown?
Team Cherry Hollow Knight, Nintendo Metroid Dread, and Moon Studios Ori and the Will of the Wisps share 2D action-platforming or exploration elements. Each has a different focus: atmospheric discovery, tense pursuit, or expressive movement and story.
Is Hollow Knight a good alternative to Nine Sols?
Yes. Team Cherry Hollow Knight is a strong alternative for players who enjoy challenging combat and exploration in a connected 2D world. Nine Sols puts more emphasis on parrying, while Hollow Knight stands out for atmosphere and self-directed discovery.