As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Hello Games No Man's Sky for PlayStation 5
- Best budget: Hello Games No Man's Sky for Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB
- Best for Xbox: Hello Games No Man's Sky for Xbox Series X|S
- No Man's Sky is the clear pick for active exploration and ongoing play in 2026.
- Anthem's online servers shut down on January 12, 2026, making the game unplayable.
- Choose a No Man's Sky edition that matches your console or PC storefront.
- The PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition suits players who want physical game support.
- A comfortable headset improves long exploration sessions without changing game compatibility.
No Man's Sky vs Anthem Black Friday 2026 comes down to one crucial fact: No Man's Sky is playable, while Anthem's servers shut down on January 12, 2026. That makes No Man's Sky the practical choice for anyone seeking a game to play now. Anthem remains a collector item, not a working alternative.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across game editions, consoles and accessories. Here's the bottom line: buy No Man's Sky for exploration, crafting and survival across a huge procedural universe. Pick hardware that fits your platform, and skip Anthem as a gameplay purchase. The products below cover the best ways to play and the key caveats.
How We Picked
- Playable status in 2026, including whether a game still connects to required online services.
- Platform compatibility across PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC.
- Core game appeal, including exploration, multiplayer, crafting and collection value.
- Product specifications and owner feedback, with emphasis on practical fit and known limitations.
- Usefulness for Black Friday shoppers comparing games, consoles and gaming accessories.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Edition or storage | 2026 play status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello Games No Man's Sky for PlayStation 5 | PS5 exploration | PlayStation 5 | About 18 quintillion planets | Playable |
| Hello Games No Man's Sky for Xbox Series X|S | Xbox exploration | Xbox Series X|S | About 18 quintillion planets | Playable |
| Hello Games No Man's Sky for Nintendo Switch | Portable solo play | Nintendo Switch | About 18 quintillion planets | Playable |
| Hello Games No Man's Sky for PC (Steam) | PC settings flexibility | PC via Steam | About 18 quintillion planets | Playable |
| Electronic Arts Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition for PlayStation 4 | Collectors | PlayStation 4 | Legion of Dawn Edition | Unplayable; servers shut down |
| Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB | PS5 disc gaming | PlayStation 5 | 1TB SSD | Current console |
| Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black | Xbox disc gaming | Xbox Series X | 1TB SSD | Current console |
| Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5 | Wireless PS5 audio | PlayStation 5 | Up to 30 hours | Accessory |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Hello Games No Man's Sky for PlayStation 5
The Hello Games No Man's Sky for PlayStation 5 is the best overall pick for PS5 explorers seeking a current, active game with an enormous universe. The Hello Games No Man's Sky for PlayStation 5's procedural galaxy spans about 18 quintillion planets, giving curious players plenty to discover.
Best for: PS5 players who want exploration and ongoing play
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Procedural planets
- About 18 quintillion
- Players
- 1-4 online
- Vast exploration and crafting loop
- PS5 version supports current console play
- Regular game updates add reasons to return
- Large universe can feel open-ended without a set campaign pace
Is Hello Games No Man's Sky for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Hello Games No Man's Sky for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for players who want active exploration, crafting and multiplayer. The game's procedural universe contains about 18 quintillion planets, so discovery remains its defining draw.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Hello Games No Man's Sky for Xbox Series X|S
The Hello Games No Man's Sky for Xbox Series X|S is the best pick for Xbox players seeking a large-scale exploration game that remains playable in 2026. The game features about 18 quintillion procedurally generated planets to explore.
Best for: Xbox owners who want a long-running exploration game
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Procedural planets
- About 18 quintillion
- Players
- 1-4 online
- Works across Xbox Series X|S
- Exploration, survival and base building in one game
- Shared universe supports online play
- Online features require an internet connection
Is Hello Games No Man's Sky for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Hello Games No Man's Sky for Xbox Series X|S is a strong buy for Xbox players who want an active space exploration game. The Hello Games No Man's Sky for Xbox Series X|S's procedural worlds, survival systems and online options offer more lasting play than Anthem.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Hello Games No Man's Sky for Nintendo Switch
The Hello Games No Man's Sky for Nintendo Switch is the best portable pick for solo-focused explorers who want a space adventure away from a television. The Switch edition brings the game's 18-quintillion-planet universe to handheld play.
Best for: Portable play and solo exploration
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Procedural planets
- About 18 quintillion
- Play style
- Handheld or docked
- Portable version of a huge exploration game
- Supports handheld and docked play
- Good fit for shorter sessions
- Not the strongest option for players prioritizing online multiplayer
Is Hello Games No Man's Sky for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Hello Games No Man's Sky for Nintendo Switch is worth considering for portable, mostly solo exploration. The handheld format makes quick trips through its enormous universe convenient, though players focused on multiplayer should check the edition's current feature details.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Hello Games No Man's Sky for PC (Steam)
The Hello Games No Man's Sky for PC (Steam) is the best pick for PC players who want flexible controls and graphics settings in a vast exploration game. The procedural universe contains about 18 quintillion planets.
Best for: PC players who value settings flexibility
- Platform
- PC via Steam
- Procedural planets
- About 18 quintillion
- Input
- Controller or keyboard and mouse
- Adjust graphics and input to suit your setup
- Keyboard and mouse or controller support
- Exploration, building and survival in one package
- Performance depends on the computer's components
Is Hello Games No Man's Sky for PC (Steam) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Hello Games No Man's Sky for PC (Steam) suits players who want adjustable graphics and input options. Check your computer against the current system requirements before buying, then explore its large procedural universe solo or online.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Electronic Arts Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition for PlayStation 4
The Electronic Arts Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best pick only for collectors seeking its physical edition, not for players seeking a working game. Anthem's online servers shut down on January 12, 2026.
Best for: Physical-game collectors who understand the shutdown
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Playable online servers
- 0
- Javelin classes
- 4
- Distinctive physical edition for a collection
- Four Javelin classes define its combat identity
- Useful as a display piece for franchise fans
- Game is unplayable after the server shutdown
Is Electronic Arts Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
No, not as a game to play. Electronic Arts Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition for PlayStation 4 depends on online servers that shut down on January 12, 2026. Buy it only as a physical collectible, with the limitation clearly understood.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB
The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB is the best console pick for players who want a current PlayStation system and physical-game support. The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB's 1TB SSD provides internal storage for installed games and applications.
Best for: Players who want a disc drive and current PS5 games
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Disc drive
- 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
- Players
- 1-4 local, game dependent
- Disc drive supports physical game collections
- Compatible with the PS5 edition of No Man's Sky
- Slim design takes up less space than earlier PS5 models
- Some internal storage is reserved for system use
Is Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB is a solid choice for players who want PS5 games and a disc drive. The 1TB SSD stores installed games, while the drive supports physical game purchases and Blu-ray playback.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black
The Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black is the best Xbox console pick for players seeking a disc drive and strong compatibility with current Xbox games. The Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black's 1TB SSD provides room for game installations.
Best for: Xbox players who prefer disc support
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Disc drive
- 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
- Resolution target
- Up to 4K
- Supports the Xbox Series X|S edition of No Man's Sky
- Disc drive supports physical games and movies
- Designed for high-resolution gaming
- Check your television or monitor for 4K support
Is Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black is a good fit for Xbox players who want disc support and current-generation performance. The Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black's 1TB SSD holds installed games, and the console runs No Man's Sky for Xbox Series X|S.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#8
Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5
The Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5 is the best accessory pick for PS5 players who want wireless audio for long exploration sessions. Sony rates its battery life at up to 30 hours per charge.
Best for: PS5 players seeking wireless audio
- Battery life
- Up to 30 hours
- Wireless
- PlayStation Link and Bluetooth
- Audio drivers
- Planar magnetic
- Wireless audio for comfortable play
- Supports PlayStation Link and Bluetooth connections
- Designed to pair with PlayStation 5
- A premium headset is unnecessary for players who prefer speakers
Is Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5 is worth considering for players who want wireless game audio and voice chat. Sony rates battery life at up to 30 hours, making it suitable for extended sessions between charges.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which game is better in 2026, No Man's Sky or Anthem?
No Man's Sky is the better playable game in 2026. Anthem's servers shut down on January 12, 2026, ending access to its online-only game.
No Man's Sky offers exploration, survival, crafting, base building and space travel across a vast procedural universe. Anthem focused on cooperative missions, loot and flying combat, but its services have ended.
Choose No Man's Sky for active play. Buy Anthem only as a collectible; its physical edition does not provide a playable campaign.
Is Anthem playable after its servers shut down?
Anthem is not playable in 2026. The game requires an online connection, and its servers shut down on January 12, 2026. A PlayStation 4 disc does not restore access.
Anthem's Javelin classes and missions depended on connected play, leaving no working solo alternative. The Electronic Arts Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition for PlayStation 4 is a collector purchase only.
For an active game, choose No Man's Sky. Check platform and edition details before buying, especially for used discs or third-party codes.
What does No Man's Sky offer that Anthem does not?
No Man's Sky features about 18 quintillion procedural planets and remains playable in 2026. Anthem's online servers have shut down.
No Man's Sky combines exploration, resource gathering, crafting, survival, base building and space travel. Players can follow missions or set their own goals. Anthem's cooperative action, loot and Javelin systems are no longer accessible.
Choose No Man's Sky for active exploration. Anthem's physical edition is memorabilia, not a playable substitute.
Which No Man's Sky platform should you buy?
No Man's Sky is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC through Steam. Choose the platform you own and prefer.
PlayStation 5 and Xbox suit television play; Nintendo Switch offers portability. PC supports adjustable graphics and keyboard-and-mouse or controller input, with performance tied to your hardware.
Check the listing's platform and physical or digital format. Game ownership does not automatically transfer between platforms.
Which gaming accessories pair well with No Man's Sky?
The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB, Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black and Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5 can complement a setup. Choose a console for its game library and a headset for comfort.
Both consoles have a 1TB SSD and disc drive. Check television compatibility if 4K output matters.
The Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5 has up to 30 hours of rated battery life. A headset is optional if speakers or an existing compatible headset meet your needs.
Buying Guide
Check whether the game still runs
Choose a No Man's Sky edition for your platform. Anthem's servers shut down on January 12, 2026; a physical copy is only a collectible.
Match the edition to your device
Choose PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch or PC through Steam to match your device and account. Confirm the platform and physical or digital format in the listing.
Choose solo or multiplayer priorities
No Man's Sky supports solo play and online experiences, depending on platform and settings. Nintendo Switch suits portable, solo-focused play. Check current platform details if multiplayer matters.
Compare storage and disc support
The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition 1TB and Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Carbon Black each have a 1TB SSD and disc drive. Allow for system software when checking available storage.
Buy accessories for comfort, not hype
The Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5 is rated for up to 30 hours of battery life. Choose it for wireless audio and chat, or skip it if your current setup works.
FAQ
Is No Man's Sky better than Anthem in 2026?
Yes. No Man's Sky is the better choice for active play because it remains playable in 2026. Anthem's online servers shut down on January 12, 2026, making the game unavailable as a working alternative.
Can you still play Anthem in 2026?
No. Anthem's servers shut down on January 12, 2026, and the game requires online service. Owning a physical PlayStation 4 copy does not restore access, so buy the edition only if you collect game memorabilia.
Is No Man's Sky worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. No Man's Sky remains a playable exploration game with crafting, survival and a vast procedural universe. Choose the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch or PC edition that matches the hardware you own.
Which No Man's Sky edition is best for portable play?
Hello Games No Man's Sky for Nintendo Switch is the portable pick. The handheld format suits exploration away from a television and works well for solo-focused sessions. Check the current listing for the exact edition and platform features.
Does No Man's Sky have multiplayer?
Yes. No Man's Sky supports online multiplayer on compatible platforms, alongside solo play. Feature availability depends on the platform and edition, so confirm current details before buying if playing with friends is a priority.
Is Anthem worth buying as a collector item?
Anthem can suit a physical-game collection, but it is not a playable game purchase in 2026. Electronic Arts Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition for PlayStation 4 is a display or collection choice only because its servers are shut down.