Start with ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN if you are new to the series. Bandai Namco says its numbered games have self-contained stories, and ACE COMBAT 7 is officially listed for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. Choose ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR first if you specifically want its earlier origin-story context and can access the PlayStation 2 game.
Do you need to play Zero before Ace Combat 7?
No. Bandai Namco’s series overview says the numbered games have self-contained stories, although they share the fictional world of Strangereal. That makes ACE COMBAT 7 a reasonable first game; the publisher does not establish ZERO as required background.
ZERO adds optional lore context: Bandai Namco describes it as an origin story for the ACE COMBAT universe. If you want to follow that earlier context and have access to the PS2 title, playing it first is a sensible alternative—not a prerequisite.
How the games differ
| What to compare | ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR | ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Bandai Namco describes it as an origin story for the series’ universe. | A standalone numbered story set during the 2019 conflict between the Osean Federation and the Kingdom of Erusea. |
| Distinctive feature | An Ace Style gauge responds to mission approach and choices in battle; Bandai Namco says it affects story outcome and pilot identity. | Its story follows the hopes and ambitions of multiple squadrons amid the deployment of drones. |
| Official platform information | The official series archive lists PlayStation 2. | The official product listing names PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam, and Nintendo Switch; editions vary by region and format. |
These are differences in story framing, access, and the systems the publisher highlights. They do not establish which game is more enjoyable, harder, longer, or technically superior.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Which game is easier to access?
Ace Combat 7
ACE COMBAT 7 is the more straightforward choice if you want a game with official listings across several console and PC platforms. Its product listing gives a release date of January 17, 2019. Check the edition and regional store listing before buying, because formats and editions differ.
The Nintendo Switch listing is for a Deluxe Edition and says flight sticks and VR mode are not supported on Switch. Those limitations are specific to the Switch listing; do not assume they apply to other platforms.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ace Combat Zero
The official archive lists ZERO as a PlayStation 2 game. Bandai Namco’s June 2, 2026 announcement about ACE COMBAT 8 mentioned a digital copy of ZERO as part of a digital preorder offer. That dated offer does not establish current standalone availability on modern platforms. Confirm the platform, region, and edition through an official current listing before purchase.
A simple play-order decision
- New to the series: Start with ACE COMBAT 7 for its self-contained story and broader officially listed platform choices.
- Want origin-story context: Start with ZERO if you can access its PS2 release and want to explore the earlier lore first.
- Choosing by gameplay feature: ZERO foregrounds its Ace Style gauge; ACE COMBAT 7 centers its story on multiple squadrons and drone warfare. The publisher’s descriptions do not establish a winner for enjoyment or difficulty.
What the sales milestone tells you
Bandai Namco reported on January 16, 2026, that ACE COMBAT 7 had surpassed 7 million units worldwide. This is the publisher’s reported sales milestone, not an independent market estimate; it does not determine which game is the better first choice for an individual player.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
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