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- Best overall: Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank (2016) for PlayStation 4
- Best budget: Sony Interactive Entertainment The Sly Collection for PlayStation 3
- Best premium: Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5
- Best for a multi-game bundle: Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank Collection for PlayStation 3
- Ratchet & Clank (2016) is the straightforward pick for PS4 players who want fast-paced action and one self-contained story.
- The Sly Collection includes three stealth-platforming adventures and suits players with access to a compatible PS3.
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the modern PS5 choice, while Ratchet & Clank Collection and Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time are PS3 options.
- Check platform compatibility before shopping: PS2, PS3, PS4 and PS5 game discs are not interchangeable across every console.
Ratchet & Clank (2016) and The Sly Collection deliver very different kinds of PlayStation fun: one centers on explosive action, while the other bundles three stealth-platforming adventures. For Black Friday 2026, the right pick comes down to your console, your preferred pace and whether you want one polished story or a set of classic games. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the choice easier.
Here's the bottom line: Ratchet & Clank (2016) is the easy recommendation for PS4 owners who want a modern, single-game adventure. The Sly Collection is the better value in game count for players with a compatible PS3. The picks below widen the comparison with current-generation Ratchet & Clank games and more legacy Sly and Ratchet titles. Confirm the disc format and console compatibility before adding a game to your Black Friday shortlist.
How We Picked
- Compared each game's platform and noted where a console-generation mismatch affects the buying decision.
- Prioritized recognizable, well-reviewed entries with clear differences in genre, story structure and play style.
- Checked included game counts, player counts and other straightforward specs that help shoppers compare options.
- Considered the practical value of a collection versus a standalone adventure without relying on temporary deal claims.
- Selected games that give PS3, PS4 and PS5 owners relevant choices within the Ratchet & Clank and Sly Cooper franchises.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Games included | Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank (2016) for PlayStation 4 | PS4 action-adventure fans | PlayStation 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment The Sly Collection for PlayStation 3 | Players seeking a three-game collection | PlayStation 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 | PS5 owners wanting modern action | PlayStation 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank Collection for PlayStation 3 | PS3 owners exploring classic Ratchet games | PlayStation 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time for PlayStation 3 | Sly fans who want a standalone sequel | PlayStation 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus for PlayStation 3 | PS3 players seeking a focused Ratchet adventure | PlayStation 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly 2: Band of Thieves for PlayStation 2 | Fans of classic stealth and heist missions | PlayStation 2 | 1 | 1 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank (2016) for PlayStation 4
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank (2016) for PlayStation 4 is the best all-around pick for PS4 players who want accessible action. The single-player adventure blends platforming, weapon upgrades and a familiar sci-fi story.
Best for: PS4 action-adventure fans
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Players
- 1
- Release year
- 2016
- Quick, approachable action
- A complete standalone story
- Varied weapons and platforming
- Does not include other Ratchet & Clank games
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank (2016) for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank (2016) for PlayStation 4 is a strong buy for PS4 owners who want a focused single-player action game, energetic platforming and a broad selection of weapons.
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#2
Sony Interactive Entertainment The Sly Collection for PlayStation 3
The Sony Interactive Entertainment The Sly Collection for PlayStation 3 is the best bundle for players who want three stealth-platforming adventures in one package. The collection includes 3 games, making it a standout franchise sampler.
Best for: Players seeking a three-game collection
- Platform
- PlayStation 3
- Games included
- 3
- Players
- 1
- Three Sly Cooper adventures together
- Stealth and platforming variety
- A strong entry point to the series
- Requires a compatible PlayStation 3
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment The Sly Collection for PlayStation 3 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment The Sly Collection for PlayStation 3 is worth considering for fans of stealth and platforming, especially when a compatible PS3 is already part of the setup. The bundle contains 3 games.
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#3
Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 is the best premium pick for PS5 owners who want the most current-feeling action adventure here. The single-player game showcases fast movement and dimensional travel.
Best for: PS5 owners wanting modern action
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1
- Release year
- 2021
- Built for PlayStation 5
- Fast-paced traversal and combat
- A fresh entry point to the franchise
- Requires a PlayStation 5 console
Is the 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 worthwhile choice for players with a PS5 who want a modern, single-player adventure with lively combat, platforming and dimension-hopping set pieces.
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#4
Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank Collection for PlayStation 3
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank Collection for PlayStation 3 is the best classic Ratchet bundle for PS3 players who want multiple adventures. The collection brings together 3 main-series games in one package.
Best for: PS3 owners exploring classic Ratchet games
- Platform
- PlayStation 3
- Games included
- 3
- Players
- 1
- Three games in one collection
- A substantial dose of classic Ratchet action
- Includes platforming and weapon-focused combat
- Requires a compatible PlayStation 3
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank Collection for PlayStation 3 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank Collection for PlayStation 3 is a good pick for PS3 owners who want several classic adventures together. The 3-game set offers more series content than a single-game purchase.
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#5
Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time for PlayStation 3
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time for PlayStation 3 is the best standalone Sly pick for players who want a later series adventure. The single-player game keeps the focus on stealth, platforming and a colorful crew.
Best for: Sly fans who want a standalone sequel
- Platform
- PlayStation 3
- Players
- 1
- Series
- Sly Cooper
- Stealth and platforming in one adventure
- Distinct playable characters
- A good choice for established Sly fans
- Requires a compatible PlayStation 3
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time for PlayStation 3 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time for PlayStation 3 suits players who already enjoy Sly's stealth-platforming style and want another full adventure. Check that your console supports the PS3 disc format.
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#6
Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus for PlayStation 3
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus for PlayStation 3 is the best compact Ratchet adventure for PS3 owners who want a focused return to the series. The single-player game puts its emphasis on weapons and platforming.
Best for: PS3 players seeking a focused Ratchet adventure
- Platform
- PlayStation 3
- Players
- 1
- Series
- Ratchet & Clank
- Classic weapon-led combat
- A focused single-player adventure
- Fits a PS3 Ratchet collection
- Does not include a multi-game bundle
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus for PlayStation 3 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus for PlayStation 3 is a sensible addition for PS3 owners who want a standalone Ratchet adventure. The game favors action and platforming over stealth-focused play.
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#7
Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly 2: Band of Thieves for PlayStation 2
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly 2: Band of Thieves for PlayStation 2 is the best classic Sly choice for players drawn to stealth missions and crew-based heists. The single-player adventure centers on 3 core characters.
Best for: Fans of classic stealth and heist missions
- Platform
- PlayStation 2
- Players
- 1
- Core crew
- 3 characters
- A memorable stealth-and-heist setup
- Multiple playable characters
- A classic series entry
- Requires compatible PlayStation 2 hardware
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly 2: Band of Thieves for PlayStation 2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Sly 2: Band of Thieves for PlayStation 2 is a strong classic pick for players who enjoy stealth missions and character-based heists. Confirm that your console reads PlayStation 2 discs before purchasing.
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Is Ratchet & Clank (2016) better than The Sly Collection?
Ratchet & Clank (2016) is the better fit for PS4 players who prefer direct action, while The Sly Collection is the better fit for compatible PS3 owners who want 3 stealth-platforming games. The two picks differ in both hardware and structure, so neither is a universal winner.
Choose Ratchet & Clank (2016) for weapon upgrades, energetic combat and a self-contained adventure. Choose The Sly Collection for stealth missions, character-focused platforming and a wider amount of series content in one package. The Sly collection's value rests on wanting all three included adventures, not just picking a game by title.
For Black Friday 2026, start with the console you own. A PS4 game is not a substitute for a PS3 collection, and a PS3 disc is not automatically playable on newer hardware. Worth it for most players: Ratchet & Clank (2016) if the main goal is an easy-to-start PS4 adventure.
What is included in The Sly Collection?
The Sly Collection for PlayStation 3 includes 3 Sly Cooper games: Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, Sly 2: Band of Thieves and Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves. The bundle gives newcomers a convenient way to explore the original trilogy on one compatible console.
The games combine stealth, platforming and character-specific abilities. Sly handles sneaking and movement, while other members of the crew contribute distinct skills. That range makes the collection a different kind of purchase from a Ratchet & Clank game, which foregrounds weapons and action.
Check the exact package and format when shopping. Physical editions require a PlayStation 3 that reads the disc, while availability of digital versions varies by storefront and region. A collection is especially appealing when the buyer wants several connected adventures rather than one short entry.
Which Ratchet & Clank game should PS5 owners choose?
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 is the direct choice for PS5 owners seeking a current-generation adventure. Ratchet & Clank (2016) is a PS4 game, and Ratchet & Clank Collection and Into the Nexus are PS3 titles, so check console support before choosing a legacy disc.
Rift Apart suits players who want fast traversal, colorful set pieces and action built around the PS5 experience. The 2016 game remains a clear option for PS4 owners and a sensible series starting point, but its platform and presentation differ from the newer PS5 release.
Backward compatibility depends on the specific console model and game format. Verify official platform details for the exact version, especially when considering a physical PS3 title. Picking by platform first prevents a familiar franchise name from obscuring an incompatible disc.
Are Ratchet & Clank and Sly Cooper games good for different players?
Ratchet & Clank games are the stronger match for players who want action, weapon variety and fast-moving platforming, while Sly Cooper games suit fans of stealth, sneaking and team-based missions. Both series mix platforming with adventure, but the moment-to-moment play feels distinct.
Ratchet & Clank (2016) and Rift Apart emphasize combat, with gadgets and weapons shaping encounters. The Sly Collection and Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time put more attention on stealth routes, character abilities and timing. Sly 2: Band of Thieves is an especially clear pick for classic heist-style play.
Think about the player as well as the console. An action fan will get more from Ratchet's pace; a player who enjoys careful movement and sneaking will connect with Sly. For a gift, check the recipient's library and hardware before choosing between the series.
What should shoppers check before buying these games?
Shoppers should confirm the console generation, disc format and included content before buying a Ratchet & Clank or Sly Cooper game. These recommendations span PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and platform compatibility is the biggest practical difference.
For collections, verify which games are included and whether the listing is a physical or digital version. For standalone games, check the title carefully; similar franchise names do not mean that every edition includes the same story or bonuses. Used physical copies also deserve a quick condition and completeness check.
Black Friday buying is easiest with a short list: pick the game style, confirm the console, then compare the listing and seller details. A clear platform match beats choosing a title based only on its cover or a familiar series name.
Buying Guide
Start with your PlayStation console
Match the game's platform to your hardware before comparing anything else. The products here span PS2 through PS5. Confirm compatibility for the exact console model, especially for older physical discs.
Choose action or stealth
Ratchet & Clank favors weapons, combat and energetic platforming. Sly Cooper leans into sneaking, character abilities and heist missions. Pick the style the player will enjoy returning to.
Compare collection value
The Sly Collection and Ratchet & Clank Collection each include 3 games. A collection is a stronger fit for players who want several adventures together; standalone entries suit buyers seeking one focused story.
Check the exact edition and format
Review the listing's title, platform, disc condition and included content. Physical and digital editions have different requirements, and collection names can be easy to confuse with individual games.
Pick a gift that fits the player
Look at the recipient's console and favorite genre first. Ratchet & Clank suits action fans, while Sly Cooper suits stealth-platforming fans. A compatible game that matches their taste is the safest choice.
FAQ
Which is better, Ratchet & Clank (2016) or The Sly Collection?
Ratchet & Clank (2016) is better for PS4 owners who want one action-focused story. The Sly Collection is better for compatible PS3 owners who want 3 stealth-platforming adventures. Choose based on console, preferred genre and interest in a bundle.
Can I play The Sly Collection on PS5?
The Sly Collection is a PlayStation 3 release, so do not assume a PS5 accepts its physical disc. Check official compatibility and storefront support for your exact console and edition before buying. A PS3 is the original hardware for the collection.
How many games are in The Sly Collection?
The Sly Collection includes 3 games: Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, Sly 2: Band of Thieves and Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves. The PlayStation 3 collection is a convenient trilogy option for players with compatible hardware.
Is Ratchet & Clank (2016) a good starting point?
Yes. Ratchet & Clank (2016) works as a straightforward starting point for PS4 owners because it offers a self-contained adventure with action, platforming and weapon upgrades. Players seeking a PS5-native entry should compare it with Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
Which game is better for kids who enjoy platformers?
Ratchet & Clank (2016) suits players who want colorful action and platforming, while The Sly Collection suits players drawn to stealth and sneaking. Check the rating and game content for the specific edition, and confirm the child's console supports the game.