The best 2D platformers for the ROG Xbox Ally

The ROG Ally and the ROG Ally X, as well as our newest gaming handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, are all ready to play your favorite games. So if you’re a big fan of 2D platformers, which require precision control perfectly suited to Ally devices’ thumbsticks, you’re in luck. Whether you’re keen on discovering new releases, old gems, AAA titles, or indie darlings, we have plenty of 2D platformer recommendations that’ll liven up your ROG Ally experience.

Symphonia

Image credit: Xbox

Symphonia is for platformer fans who want a short, sweet, music-themed adventure with lightweight, airy physics. The game’s distinct approach to movement can take some getting used to, and the level design will likely test your mettle. But every challenge feels fair and deliberate. The game’s all-killer, zero-filler three-hour runtime means it’s perfect for those who want a musically inclined, snack-size treat of a challenging platformer. Check out Symphonia on Game Pass or buy it on the Xbox store.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Image credit: Xbox

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown brings the Prince of Persia franchise back to the limelight with a mainstream 2D metroidvania adventure. Its stylized Persian aesthetic, arcade-y combat, and deadly obstacle courses make for a uniquely energetic, engaging 2D platforming experience. Plus, as a Ubisoft game with AAA production values, this title sports immaculately crafted animations, cinematic boss fights, and other visceral delights. You can buy the game via the Ubisoft store or the Xbox store as well as play it on Game Pass.

Nine Sols

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Nine Sols sees you play as a not-quite-cat creature who bounces around and slashes up baddies in a unique Taoism-infused cyberpunk adventure. The game’s perfect for players who demand responsive controls and challenges that push their skills. But this game’s also an ideal action-platformer for story fiends, as it has a surprisingly involved narrative full of lore. If you want a chunky slice of storytelling alongside your twitch-reflex actioneering, Nine Sols does the trick. Give it a go on Game Pass or buy it on the Xbox store.

Celeste

Image credit: Xbox

Celeste is a fast-paced game with a retro aesthetic about a mountain climber scaling very tricky, trap-laden mountain faces. You’ll hop around, mess up, and instantly respawn to try again. The game’s intense platforming challenges happen in short bursts, so stress is siloed to quick flare-ups. These punishing obstacle courses never last more than a couple of seconds once you get them right, and death-to-respawn time is fast. So if you want a demanding platformer that lets you keep up the pace no matter how many times you die, this game is the mountain to overcome. Play it on Game Pass or purchase it via the Xbox store.

The Ori series

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Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps are a duology about a little glowing rabbit-esque creature fighting the forces of darkness. They’re essentially interactive Pixar movies in terms of narrative quality and art style and are best experienced as a pair. Just be warned — for all the charm and whimsy-infused heart the games pack, they’re not afraid to crank up the difficulty. Platforming fans who want to sweat and sob in equal measure owe it to themselves to give both Ori adventures a go. You can play both games on Game Pass and buy both on the Xbox store.

Unravel

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Unravel has you play as a tiny red yarn doll named Yarny in a journey through the (comparatively gigantic) real world. You use Yarny’s yarn to navigate environments, balancing string conservation with forward progress — knowing that if you unravel yourself, you can’t progress. The game’s a nice middle-of-the-road experience for those who like a hint of difficulty without going crazy, making it perfect for platformer fans of all ages. Between its charming, yarn-based silent protagonist and gorgeous, realistic environments, it’s also a treat to look at. You can play it on Game Pass, along with its sequel, Unravel 2. Both are also available on the Xbox Store.

Hollow Knight

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Hollow Knight is one of the most famous action-platformer metroidvanias on the market for a reason. Its meticulously detailed, incredibly clean art style makes its world uniquely engaging and satisfying to explore. And explore it you will, as its world is intricately assembled and eager to put your navigational skills to the test. Few games demand a player’s focus like this one. You’ll get lost, platform around, and fight tough enemies for hours on end, all while having a big smile plastered on your face. You can play Hollow Knight and its brand-new sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, on Game Pass or buy both on the Xbox store.

Yoku’s Island Express

Image credit: Gamesplanet

Yoku’s Island Express is a pinball platformer in a class all its own. Its roly-poly gameplay sees you fling a little bug protagonist and his ball around labyrinthian environments to get from point A to point B. The game’s sense of locomotion is supremely satisfying, as are its level layouts and challenges. For platformer fans who want a unique spin on their favorite genre, Yoku’s Island Express and its vibrant world full of cute critters are ready to please. Grab it on Gamesplanet or the Xbox store.

Sonic Superstars

Image credit: Gamesplanet

Sonic Superstars is a classic 2D Sonic experience with contemporary visuals, fusing the fun of the 90s with the vibes of the 2020s. Its high-speed sidescrolling action extends across a variety of zany stages and two distinct campaigns. The first has you play as Sonic and friends, while the second puts you in control of an all-new character. And should you beat both, you’re in for a wild “secret” finale. Check out Sonic Superstars on Gamesplanet and the Xbox store. Or, if you want a truly retro Sonic experience complete with pixel art, go with Sonic Mania, also on Gamesplanet and the Xbox store.

Planet Alpha

Image credit: Gamesplanet

If you’re a gamer obsessed with art design and color composition, Planet Alpha is a unique treat just for you. The sci-fi platformer is all about exploring alien terrains and soaking in vibrant visuals. You may very well witness shades of colors you’ve never seen before, given how obsessive the game is with highlighting hues. Planet Alpha is not hard or long, making it a perfect piece of interactive art to experience to completion within a few satisfying sessions. Grab it on Gamesplanet or the Xbox store.

Neva

Image credit: Gamesplanet

Neva is a mood–heavy platformer that’ll leave you with more questions than answers, making it ideal for gamers who want a surreal, atmospheric journey. You play as a girl with a pet dog who must survive the threat of a mysterious corruption gobbling up her world. Over the course of four-ish hours, you’ll explore strange, magical environments and witness some of the finest art direction in gaming since the studio’s last release, Gris. You can pick up Neva on Gamesplanet or the Xbox store.

These are just some of the best 2D platformers you can play on your ROG Ally. Rest assured, there are many more 2D and 3D gems perfectly suited to the handheld. Check out our other favorite games for the ROG Ally, and share your favorites with us on Discord.