Platformer Pick: PC, Console or Handheld Guide

Choosing a platformer across PC, console, or handheld can feel overwhelming with so many great options. This guide walks you through the key factors—your hardware, preferred play style, and budget—to help you pick the right game and system for your needs.

What You’ll Need

• A list of platformers you’re interested in (e.g., Celeste, Super Mario Odyssey, Hollow Knight)
• Knowledge of what systems you already own
• A rough budget for new games or hardware
• An idea of your preferred play style (casual vs. challenging, 2D vs. 3D)

Step-by-Step

1. List the platformers you want to play. Start by writing down 5–10 titles that appeal to you. Include a mix of genres: precision platformers (Celeste), action-adventure (Hollow Knight), 3D collectathons (Super Mario Odyssey), and co-op games (It Takes Two). This list will guide your hardware decision.
2. Check which systems already have these games. Visit the official store pages for each game (Steam, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop, Xbox Store). Note which platforms each title is available on. If most of your list is on a system you own, that’s your answer.
3. Evaluate your current hardware. For PC, check your graphics card, CPU, and RAM against the game’s minimum requirements. For consoles, confirm you have enough storage space. For handhelds, check if the game is playable on the base model or requires the Pro version (e.g., Steam Deck vs. Steam Deck OLED).
4. Consider the play experience you want. If you want to play on a big TV with a controller, a console or PC connected to a TV is best. If you want to play during commutes or in bed, a handheld like the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, or a phone with a controller is better. If you want mods, PC is the only option.
5. Think about portability vs. performance. Handhelds sacrifice some graphical fidelity and frame rate for portability. A PC or console will generally run games at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates. Decide which matters more to you.
6. Set a budget for the system and games. A new console or handheld costs $300–$600. A gaming PC can cost $800–$2000+. Games themselves are $20–$70. If you already own a system, the game cost is your main expense. If not, factor in the hardware cost.
7. Check for exclusives. Some platformers are exclusive to one platform. For example, Mario games are only on Nintendo systems, while games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps are on PC and Xbox. If a must-play title is exclusive, that may decide your platform.
8. Read reviews and watch gameplay. Look at recent reviews on Metacritic or watch 10 minutes of gameplay on YouTube. This helps you understand the difficulty, art style, and whether the game’s feel matches your preference.
9. Try a demo or free trial. Many platformers have demos on Steam, the eShop, or PlayStation Store. Play a demo before buying to see if the controls and difficulty suit you.
10. Make your choice and purchase. Once you’ve narrowed it down, buy the game on the platform that best fits your list, hardware, and budget. Start with one game, not three, to avoid overwhelming yourself.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring system requirements. Buying a PC game without checking if your laptop can run it leads to frustration. Always compare specs before purchasing.
• Assuming all platformers are the same. A precision platformer like Super Meat Boy is very different from a relaxed 3D game like A Hat in Time. Know what you’re buying.
• Buying a handheld for games that don’t support it well. Some PC games don’t have good controller support or run poorly on the Steam Deck. Check ProtonDB or Steam Deck compatibility ratings first.
• Overlooking co-op or multiplayer needs. If you want to play with a friend, make sure the game supports local or online co-op on your chosen platform.
• Spending on hardware before checking your game list. Buying a new console only to find your desired game is on PC is a costly mistake. Always reverse this order.

Tips

• Use cloud saves. If you play on PC and handheld, check if the game supports cross-save (e.g., Steam Cloud). This lets you switch between devices seamlessly.
• Look for sales. Platformers often go on sale during Steam Summer Sale, Nintendo eShop sales, or PlayStation Store sales. Wishlist games and wait for a discount.
• Consider a controller for handhelds. If you’re using a phone or a Steam Deck, a good controller (like the 8BitDo or a standard Xbox controller) improves comfort for long sessions.
• Check the game’s difficulty settings. Some platformers have assist modes (Celeste, for example) that let you adjust speed or invincibility. This can make a hard game accessible.
• Think about replay value. Games with speedrun modes, collectibles, or multiple endings give you more hours per dollar.

Troubleshooting

• The game won’t launch on PC. Update your graphics drivers, verify game files (Steam: right-click > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity), and check if your antivirus is blocking it. If it still fails, search the game’s name plus “launch issue” for community fixes.
• The game runs poorly on your handheld. Lower the resolution, turn off anti-aliasing, and cap the frame rate to 30 or 40 FPS. For Steam Deck, check if the game has a verified or playable rating and use the built-in performance overlay to adjust TDP.
• Controls feel wrong. Most platformers let you remap buttons. Go into settings and change jump to a button that feels natural (often A or X). For PC, check if the game auto-detects your controller; if not, use Steam Input to configure it.
• The game is too hard. Look for assist modes, easy difficulty settings, or use a guide for tricky sections. Many games have invincibility or extra jumps in accessibility options.
• You can’t find the game on your region’s store. Some games are region-locked. Check if the game is available in your region; if not, consider importing a physical copy or using a VPN (though this may violate store terms).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a PC or a console better for platformers?
A: It depends. PC offers mods, more sales, and higher performance if your hardware is good. Consoles offer plug-and-play simplicity and exclusive titles. For pure platformers, both work well; choose based on your budget and exclusive games.

Q: Can I play PC platformers on a handheld?
A: Yes, if you have a Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or similar device. Many platformers are verified to run well. You can also stream from a PC to a handheld using tools like Steam Remote Play or Moonlight.

Q: What’s the best handheld for platformers?
A: The Nintendo Switch has the largest library of exclusive platformers (Mario, Kirby). The Steam Deck is better if you want access to PC games and sales. For budget options, a phone with a Bluetooth controller works for many indie titles.

Q: Do I need a powerful PC for 2D platformers?
A: No. Most 2D platformers run on integrated graphics. A laptop with 8GB RAM and any modern Intel or AMD processor will run Celeste, Hollow Knight, or Ori at 60fps. 3D platformers may need a dedicated GPU.

Q: Should I buy a physical copy or digital?
A: Digital is more convenient and often cheaper during sales. Physical copies are good for resale or if you want to share with friends. For handhelds, physical saves storage space.

Q: How do I know if a game is too hard for me?
A: Check reviews or watch gameplay. Look for mentions of difficulty spikes or assist modes. Many games let you adjust difficulty mid-play, so you can start on normal and lower it if needed.

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