Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstalliTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you have just finished a classic Mario, Sonic, Donkey Kong, or similar side-scroller, choose your next game by the kind of movement and structure you want. Rayman Legends is the broadest modern successor to mascot platforming, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the most direct 8-bit homage, Celeste is built around precise challenge, Hollow Knight and Ori and the Will of the Wisps expand the formula with exploration, and Sonic Origins returns you to speed-focused classic campaigns.
How to choose your next 2D platformer
“Classic favorite” can describe several different experiences. A Mario-style game usually emphasizes readable stages, varied obstacles, collectible routes, and a forgiving rhythm. Sonic is more about acceleration, momentum, and learning how terrain carries you forward. Other classic side-scrollers may prioritize direct combat, fixed-stage mastery, or secrets hidden just off the main path.
The six games below cover those different continuations rather than pretending there is one universal best choice. Use the table first, then read the individual sections for the trade-offs that matter to your play style.
| Game | Movement and structure | Challenge profile | Best fit after | What the descriptions establish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rayman Legends | Stage-driven, immediately readable mascot platforming | Broad-accessibility focus; exact difficulty curve is not stated | Mario-like platformers | PC Gamer calls it a strong choice for players seeking the Mario mold; Nintendo includes it in a 2D-platforming roundup |
| Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove | Stage-driven 8-bit action-platforming | Retro-style challenge; exact difficulty and playtime are not stated | Classic NES-era platformers | A complete Shovel Knight action-adventure series with an 8-bit retro aesthetic |
| Celeste | Precision movement in tightly authored rooms | Demanding and exacting | Players who want mastery through repetition | The official site calls it a “super-tight, hand-crafted platformer” |
| Hollow Knight | Interconnected exploration with combat and ability progression | Exploration and discovery driven; exact difficulty is not stated | Players ready to move beyond discrete stages | Nintendo describes a classically styled 2D action adventure across a vast interconnected world |
| Ori and the Will of the Wisps | Fluid movement, puzzles, and exploratory adventure | Adventure-oriented; exact difficulty is not stated | Players who value atmosphere and emotional storytelling | Nintendo includes it among its platforming recommendations |
| Sonic Origins | Momentum- and speed-focused classic campaigns | Classic Sonic challenge and replay; no new difficulty ranking is established | Anyone who wants more of the original Sonic formula | A remastered collection of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD |
No common sales figure, review average, completion rate, or playtime is stated for these games, so the recommendations are qualitative. Storefront editions, prices, and availability can change by region and date. Co-op details are also not specified here; verify the listing for the edition you intend to buy if shared play matters.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Rayman Legends: the closest broad successor to mascot platforming
Why it follows a Mario-style classic well
Rayman Legends is the safest all-round recommendation when what you miss is the classic mascot-platformer shape: a sequence of distinct stages, immediately understandable goals, colorful hazards, and movement that is readable without a long tutorial. PC Gamer identifies it as a strong option for players who want the Mario mold, and Nintendo includes it in a roundup of 2D platformers.
That makes it a useful first step after finishing a familiar classic. You do not have to relearn the entire genre’s vocabulary. The stage-driven structure lets you play in short sessions, while the variety of environments keeps the campaign from feeling like one repeated obstacle course.
Who should pick it
- Choose it if you want a modern presentation without abandoning traditional mascot-platforming structure.
- Choose it if you prefer moving from one authored stage to the next instead of mapping a single world.
- Choose it if your ideal follow-up should be broadly approachable rather than built exclusively around high-precision execution.
What to consider first
No universal difficulty rating, exact campaign length, or edition-by-edition feature list is specified. Treat “best broad successor” as a fit judgment, not a claim that every player will find it easy. Check the current platform listing for the version you plan to use.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove: the clearest retro homage
What makes the collection distinctive
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the most direct choice when “classic” means an 8-bit action-platformer rather than a modern reinterpretation. Nintendo describes Treasure Trove as the full Shovel Knight action-adventure series with an 8-bit retro aesthetic. Instead of merely borrowing a few visual cues, it presents itself as a complete collection built around that older design language.
Its stage-driven format is easy to understand: select an adventure, learn its hazards, and improve by recognizing patterns and controlling your character more deliberately. That structure suits players who enjoy finishing a level, replaying it for a cleaner run, and then moving to a different themed challenge.
When it is a better choice than Rayman Legends
- Pick Treasure Trove when audiovisual presentation that evokes 8-bit games is part of the appeal, not just the side-scrolling camera.
- Pick it when you want a named, complete collection rather than one broad modern mascot adventure.
- Pick it when deliberate retro-style challenge sounds more attractive than a softer, family-oriented tone.
Limits of the comparison
No single playtime, cross-platform feature matrix, or standardized difficulty score is stated. “Complete collection” refers to the series included in Treasure Trove, not a promise that every player will finish every included adventure at the same pace.
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.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Celeste: the precision-first follow-up
How its movement changes the question
Celeste is for players who want the act of moving through a room to be the main event. Its official site describes it as a “super-tight, hand-crafted platformer” and frames the game around helping Madeline survive her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain. The rooms are tightly authored, so progress depends on learning exact movement sequences rather than simply reaching the end of a long stage.
This is a different answer to the question “what feels like the classics?” Classic platformers often teach through repetition, but Celeste makes precision and deliberate retrying the central rhythm. A failed attempt is useful information: it shows which jump, dash, or timing needs a cleaner input on the next try.
Who will enjoy the challenge
- Choose Celeste if you like repeating a short section until your inputs become consistent.
- Choose it if a demanding, tightly authored challenge is more appealing than free-form exploration.
- Choose it if you want a game whose identity comes from movement accuracy rather than a large combat system or sprawling map.
Platforms identified by the official site
The official site lists Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, itch.io, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. Storefront availability and edition details can change, so confirm the current listing in your region before purchase.
Hollow Knight: when you want a 2D world to get lost in
From stages to an interconnected map
Hollow Knight is the major structural departure in this group. Nintendo describes it as “a classically styled 2D action adventure across a vast interconnected world.” Instead of selecting a self-contained stage and moving on, you explore connected areas, uncover routes, fight enemies, and gain abilities that change where you can go.
That design suits someone who has finished a linear classic and now wants the same side-on perspective with more discovery. The satisfaction comes from remembering a blocked passage, finding a new route, and understanding how separate regions fit together. Combat and ability progression are part of the identity, so it is not simply a longer sequence of jumps.
Choose it when exploration matters more than instant clarity
- Pick Hollow Knight if you enjoy revisiting places with new abilities and building your own mental map.
- Pick it if combat belongs in your definition of a 2D adventure.
- Pick it if you are comfortable with a less linear structure and the possibility that the next destination is not always obvious.
Why it may not be the immediate successor you expect
Players seeking the rapid, stage-select rhythm of a classic Mario or Sonic campaign may find an interconnected action adventure slower to parse. The game’s described world scale and structure do not include a universal difficulty rating, completion time, or platform list for every current edition. Check the relevant storefront before buying.
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.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps: fluid movement and emotional adventure
Where Ori differs from a pure retro homage
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the pick for players who want platforming to share the spotlight with presentation, puzzles, and an emotional adventure. Nintendo includes it among its platforming recommendations. Its description emphasizes fluid movement and painterly presentation, so the appeal is not limited to reproducing an older console’s look or level grammar.
Its combination of movement and exploration makes it a bridge between traditional platforming and the broader adventure structure represented by Hollow Knight. You can approach it when you want to move through a beautiful world, solve environmental problems, and feel that the journey has a narrative and emotional direction.
Who should start here
- Choose Ori if visual atmosphere and an emotional tone are as important to you as jumping accuracy.
- Choose it if you want fluid traversal rather than a deliberately retro presentation.
- Choose it if puzzles and exploration sound like welcome additions to a platforming foundation.
What the available information does not settle
No complete platform matrix, price, playtime, or standardized difficulty comparison is given for Ori. Treat the recommendation as a description of its movement, presentation, puzzles, and adventure emphasis, then verify the edition available to you.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Sonic Origins: return to speed, momentum, and classic campaigns
Why a collection can be the right “next” game
If the classic you finished was Sonic, the most faithful follow-up may be more classic Sonic rather than a modern reinterpretation. Nintendo describes Sonic Origins as a remastered collection containing Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD.
That lineup preserves the speed-focused design that makes Sonic distinct from Mario-style platforming. Momentum, route choice, and the way terrain carries you through a level matter as much as stopping precisely on a platform. The collection format also makes replay central: you can return to familiar campaigns, compare how each one handles speed, and practice routes you remember from earlier play.
Choose Sonic Origins when
- You specifically want acceleration, momentum, and fast traversal rather than precision-room platforming.
- You would rather revisit the classic campaigns than learn a wholly new movement system.
- You value having multiple foundational Sonic games together in one remastered collection.
Know what it is—and is not
Sonic Origins is a remastered collection of the listed classic games, not evidence of a new, unified modern campaign. No single current platform list, price, or edition feature set is established, so check your regional storefront for those details.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Match the game to the feeling you want next
If you want the Mario mold
Start with Rayman Legends. It is the clearest broad successor for players who want stage-by-stage mascot platforming with a modern presentation.
If you want an 8-bit throwback
Choose Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. Its stated identity is a complete Shovel Knight series collection with an 8-bit retro aesthetic.
If you want hard, exact movement
Choose Celeste. Its “super-tight, hand-crafted” design and demanding precision make it the focused mastery option in this group.
If you want a large world and discovery
Choose Hollow Knight. Its defining distinction is the vast interconnected world, supported by combat, abilities, and exploration.
If you want atmosphere, puzzles, and fluid traversal
Choose Ori and the Will of the Wisps. It extends platforming into a painterly, emotionally oriented adventure.
Recommended Free Tools
If you want classic Sonic speed
Choose Sonic Origins. It keeps the focus on the original Sonic campaigns and their momentum-driven identity.
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.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
A practical buying and setup checklist
- Identify your preferred structure. Decide whether you want discrete stages (Rayman Legends or Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove), precision rooms (Celeste), or an interconnected adventure (Hollow Knight or Ori and the Will of the Wisps). Choose Sonic Origins when replaying classic campaigns is the main goal.
- Decide how much precision you want. Celeste is explicitly the demanding, precision-first option. If you want a broader mascot-platforming experience, begin with Rayman Legends; if you want retro action-platforming, begin with Shovel Knight.
- Check the exact edition. Verify platform, region, included content, language options, controller support, and current price on the storefront you will use. The only explicit platform list here is for Celeste; current edition details are not established for every other title.
- Plan for the right session length. Stage-driven games are easy to approach one level at a time. Exploration-focused games reward longer sessions in which you can remember routes and unfinished objectives. This is a play-pattern recommendation, not a claim about official completion times.
- Confirm shared-play requirements. Multiplayer or co-op support is not specified in the descriptions. If another player will join, confirm the exact mode and edition before purchase rather than assuming a side-scroller supports shared play.
Common mismatches and how to avoid them
Buying exploration when you wanted a stage select
Hollow Knight and Ori and the Will of the Wisps add exploration and ability progression. If you want to clear one self-contained level and move directly to the next, Rayman Legends or Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a closer structural match.
Choosing precision when you wanted a relaxed mascot adventure
Celeste makes exact movement and repeated attempts its central appeal. If that sounds exhausting rather than satisfying, start with Rayman Legends and reserve Celeste for when you specifically want a demanding movement challenge.
Expecting modern Sonic from a collection of classics
Sonic Origins is valuable precisely because it preserves the classic campaigns. Choose it for speed, momentum, and replaying those games; do not buy it expecting the structure of a newly designed, unified adventure.
Assuming every edition has the same contents
Prices, storefront listings, editions, and regional availability are volatile. Recheck the current listing, especially when a collection or remaster is involved, and confirm that the named content is included in the version you are purchasing.
Final recommendation
For most players leaving a classic Mario-style game, begin with Rayman Legends. Pick Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove when the attraction is an explicit 8-bit homage, Celeste when precision mastery is the priority, Hollow Knight when you want a vast interconnected 2D adventure, Ori and the Will of the Wisps when fluid movement and emotional presentation matter, and Sonic Origins when the thing you want most is the speed and momentum of classic Sonic campaigns.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
