Let me tell you, as someone who's spent more time jumping on digital mushrooms than I care to admit, the PlayStation 5 in 2026 is an absolute paradise for platforming fanatics like me. 😂 It's wild how this seemingly simple genre—run, jump, don't fall into the pit—has evolved into these mind-bending, visually stunning adventures that make my old-school gaming heart sing. The PS5 isn't just a console; it's a portal to worlds where creativity and hardware power have a beautiful, chaotic baby. And the best part? Whether you're eight or eighty, there's a colorful, challenging, or downright silly platformer waiting for you. It's the universal language of fun, with zero loading screens to kill the vibe.
First up on my personal highlight reel is Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Now, I went into this thinking it would be a cute, cozy time. I was not prepared for the sheer amount of joy packed into this yarn-filled world. Playing as the iconic Sackboy, I had to save Craftworld from the hilariously evil Vex. The levels are a masterclass in variety—one minute I'm platforming through a lush jungle, the next I'm bouncing off skyscrapers in a city made of craft supplies. The real magic, though, happened when I convinced three of my friends to join in. What was a charming single-player campaign turned into a glorious, chaotic co-op session where we spent more time accidentally throwing each other off cliffs than solving puzzles. It's pure, unadulterated fun.
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On PS Plus? Yep! (Extra & Premium)
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On Xbox? Nope, this stitch is Sony-exclusive!
Then there's the game that came with the console and somehow stole the show: Astro's Playroom. Calling this a "tech demo" is like calling the Grand Canyon a "big ditch." This game is a love letter to PlayStation history and a wizard's spell that shows off what the DualSense controller can really do. I controlled the adorable Astro Bot inside my own PS5, which is a meta concept that still blows my mind. Feeling the pitter-patter of rain through the controller's haptics or the tension of drawing a bowstring with the adaptive triggers... it was a revelation. It's short, sweet, and free, and it made me appreciate my expensive plastic box in a whole new way. A must-play that's still a benchmark for immersion.
Now, let's talk about a franchise that tests both your skills and your patience: Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. Listen, I have a complicated relationship with this orange marsupial. I love him, but he makes me want to throw my controller through the screen. This sequel is a triumphant return to form—it's the classic, punishing, precision-platforming I remember, but cranked up to eleven with gorgeous modern visuals. Hopping through different dimensions to stop Dr. Neo Cortex was a wild ride, full of inventive new mechanics like gravity flipping and wall-running. It's outrageously difficult but in that "one more try" kind of way. It respected its roots while giving me something brilliantly new to scream at.
If Crash tests your individual will, It Takes Two tests your friendships and relationships. 🤣 This game is a genius concept: you and a partner play as a couple turned into dolls, forced to cooperate to fix their relationship. The keyword is forced—you literally cannot play this game alone. It requires two people, and let me tell you, coordinating with my buddy to swing across a giant wasp hive or pilot a double-sided frog was some of the most fun and frustrating co-op I've ever experienced. It's not just a platformer; it's a relationship simulator with boss battles and mini-games. A true masterpiece of cooperative design.
And finally, we have the crown jewel of PS5 platforming (in my very humble opinion): Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. This game is what "next-gen" dreams are made of. Insomniac didn't just make a game; they built a theme park ride. Rifting between dimensions instantaneously, with zero loading, is a party trick that never gets old. Playing as both the classic duo and the awesome new Lombax, Rivet, felt incredible. The graphics are so good they made my eyes happy, the ray tracing made every neon-lit city pop, and the haptic feedback made every weapon feel unique. It's a funny, heartfelt, action-packed platformer that uses every bit of the PS5's power to create something truly special. It set a new bar, and honestly, I'm still waiting for something to top it.
So, there you have it—my whirlwind tour of the PS5's platforming elite. From the cozy crafts of Sackboy to the dimension-hopping chaos of Ratchet, this console has proven that the platformer is alive, well, and more creative than ever. Each game brings something unique to the table:
| Game | Key Strength | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
| Sackboy | Chaotic, joyful co-op | Parties and friendship tests |
| Astro's Playroom | Immersive controller showcase | Everyone with a PS5 |
| Crash Bandicoot 4 | Classic, punishing precision | Masochists with great reflexes |
| It Takes Two | Innovative co-op storytelling | Couples and best friends |
| Ratchet & Clank | Spectacular next-gen spectacle | Action and eye-candy lovers |
In 2026, hopping and bopping has never felt better. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some more dimensional rifts to jump through. 🚀