The best 3D platformers for the ROG Xbox Ally

3D platformers often demand two things: capable hardware for stunning 3D visuals and precise controls for high-stakes obstacle navigation. The ROG Ally family brings both to the table with its powerful processor and fine-tuned joysticks and buttons, built to feel like an Xbox gamepad. Here are the best 3D platformers you should check out the next time you fire up your ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, ROG Xbox Ally, or ROG Xbox Ally X.

Sonic X Shadow Generations

Image credit: Gamesplanet

Sonic X Shadow Generations scores you two incredibly speedy, high-octane 3D platformers in one package. You’ll get Sonic Generations, which lets you play as 2D and 3D Sonics across levels plucked from the blue hedgehog’s decades-spanning history. And you’ll also get Shadow Generations, which sees Sonic’s dark rival navigate a variety of 3D platforming levels also taken from the series’ storied past. All stages across both games deliver unparalleled speed and cinematic action. Plus, each one’s a fresh way to experience the franchise’s crazy legacy, ensuring you know why Sonic the Hedgehog is the wildest series in gaming. Grab Sonic X Shadow Generations on Gamesplanet or the Xbox store.

South of Midnight

Image credit: Xbox

Few games fixate on the earthy nature and rustic charm of the United States’ deep south, which makes the fantasy-flavored South of Midnight a real standout in the gaming scene. It’s a platformer with light combat mechanics that puts an emphasis on visuals and narrative, making it an ideal “vibe” title when you want something aesthetically engrossing. South of Midnight is well paced and doesn’t overstay its welcome, ensuring you get your fix of platforming fun and see the credits before the game’s spell has a chance to wear off. Play it on Microsoft’s Game Pass or buy it on the Xbox store.

ReCore

Image credit: Xbox

ReCore is an action-platformer with tight controls and a deliciously addictive gameplay loop. You build little robot companions and explore a Mad Max-style wasteland, surmount incredible platforming and combat challenges, then upgrade your kit to access even more wasteland. The challenges themselves are immaculately designed and well balanced. Anyone who wants to satisfy their exploration-inclined brain and test their hands’ reflexes at the same time is in for an absolute treat. You can play this gem on Microsoft’s Game Pass as well as own it forever via Gamesplanet or the Xbox store.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Image credit: Xbox

The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a great way to relive Crash’s original adventures. While minor changes have been made to the games, they’re still incredible recreations of three killer platformers from ages’ past. For anyone who wants a no-frills, old-school romp — complete with old-school difficulty — this trilogy will scratch the itch, especially the very first Crash Bandicoot. You'll never have a more fun yet challenging time hopping around obstacle-laden levels than that beast of a classic. You can play Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy on Microsoft’s Game Pass or buy it via the Xbox store.

Psychonauts 2

Image credit: Xbox

Psychonauts 2 bristles with imagination and passion. It packs colorful, zany art on the outside and a high-impact narrative on the inside, making it a platformer with more going on than many of its peers in the genre. Thanks to its thoughtful storytelling, Psychonauts 2 is a sequel that not only lives up to the hype of its predecessor but even exceeds it, depending on who you ask. Gamers who want a truly offbeat, one-of-a-kind experience can play Psychonauts 2 on Microsoft's Game Pass or buy it via the Xbox store.

Prince of Persia

The 2008 Prince of Persia is old gold that stands the test of time with its gorgeous cel-shaded art style and addictive gameplay. The premise is simple: collect shiny objects via crazy platforming feats. That no-frills gameplay loop works wonders thanks to satisfying physics, engaging level layouts, and imaginative art direction. The game mixes in a few cinematic one-on-one duels to keep you sharp, but otherwise, you’re free to turn off your brain and enter an acrobatic flow state for hours on end. And there’s even a wildly fun Prince of Persia story snuck in alongside the platforming, starring veteran voice actor Nolan North as the titular prince. Couple those selling points with the game’s vibin’ musical score, and you’re in for a treat. You can grab this classic Prince of Persia game over at Gamesplanet.

The Spark the Electric Jester series

Image credit: Xbox

Spark the Electric Jester is an indie platformer trilogy comprised of three radically different experiences. The second and third installments are fully 3D romps that take liberal inspiration from the Sonic Adventure series. But Spark goes beyond honoring speed-platforming classics; it actively improves their formulas and tightens controls to produce some of the smoothest locomotion in gaming. If you’ve always wanted to go truly fast in a 3D platformer while still feeling control over every step you take, this series is the only game in town. You’ll have a hard time going back to other fast platformers once you experience Spark’s unparalleled controls. Grab Spark the Electric Jester 2 at the Xbox store and pick up the other titles in the trilogy wherever you buy your favorite indie PC games.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Image credit: Xbox

If you’ve ever wanted to platform inside an interactive Pixar movie, Kena: Bridge of Spirits was made with you in mind. It’s a gorgeous, cute game chock-full of magnificent animation work, making it a great platformer pick for anyone who puts a premium on visual luster. The game’s story works well with the art style and makes for a cohesive, satisfying overall package. Just be ready to fight and explore; this platformer rewards those with great combat reflexes and a penchant for snooping around. You can buy Kena: Bridge of Spirits at the Xbox store.

Ghostrunner

Image credit: Gamesplanet

Ghostrunner is a first-person cyberpunk action-platformer that’ll push your skills to the limit. You'll need to navigate a very tall, elaborately constructed tower’s precarious environments while dealing with enemies who kill you in one hit. The game’s neon-drenched, survival-of-the-fittest techno-ninja thrills are for those who want to sweat, scream, speedrun, and ultimately roar in triumph. Pick up Ghostrunner on Gamesplanet or the Xbox store.

These are just a sampling of the best 3D platformers you can play on ROG Ally devices. There are loads more great games that pair perfectly with our Windows-powered handheld, so be sure to check out our other favorite games for the ROG Ally, and share your favorites with us on Discord.