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NieR:Automata is worth playing if you want an action RPG where fast melee and ranged combat share the spotlight with an unusual, story-led adventure. There is no universally best platform: choose based on your hardware, whether portability matters, your control preferences, and the edition available to you.
What kind of game is NieR:Automata?
Square Enix describes NieR:Automata as a single-player action RPG about androids 2B, 9S, and A2 in a world overrun by machines. Its combat mixes melee attacks with ranged weapons. The story and the action are both central to the experience, so it is a better fit for players interested in a narrative-driven game than for someone seeking only a conventional, straightforward action campaign. Whether its unusual storytelling works for you is a matter of taste.
Square Enix’s game page and PlatinumGames’ developer page list the game for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One; the game is also available on PC through Steam and on Nintendo Switch. PlatinumGames reports that sales exceeded 4,500,000 across PS4, Xbox One, and Steam. The page does not state when that threshold was reached, so it should not be read as a current sales total.
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Which platform should you choose?
Match the version to the way you prefer to play, rather than assuming one platform is best for everyone. Performance depends on the specific hardware and settings, while controls and edition contents can differ.
#1 Best Overall
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- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
| Platform | What the available information establishes | Best reason to consider it | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC / Steam | Steam lists the game and the Game of the YoRHa Edition. That edition includes the game, DLC, and bonus content. | You prefer playing on PC and want to use the settings and controls available on your setup. | Review the live Steam listing for current system requirements, edition contents, and availability. |
| PlayStation | Official Square Enix and PlatinumGames pages list a PS4 release. | You already play on PlayStation and want to use that platform. | These sources establish PS4, not a native PS5 edition. Check PlayStation’s current listing for availability and whether play on your hardware is supported through backward compatibility. |
| Xbox | Official Square Enix and PlatinumGames pages list an Xbox One release. | You already play on Xbox and want to use that platform. | Current regional edition details are not fully established here. Check the live Xbox listing for the edition name, included content, compatibility, and availability. |
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo identifies the Switch release as The End of YoRHa Edition. | Portability is an important part of how you want to play. | A GameSpot review of its tested Switch play reported that combat felt smooth, while noting control-mapping and motion-option issues. Those observations describe that review’s experience, not a guarantee for every player or setup. |
What to weigh before choosing
Portability versus your preferred play setup
Switch is the portable option among the platforms listed here. If you mainly play on a television or desk setup, PC, PlayStation, or Xbox may suit your routine better. Portability is useful only if you are comfortable with that version’s controls and presentation.
Performance and visual presentation
Do not assume a broad performance comparison applies to every device. PC hardware and settings vary, and console generations differ. Square Enix has published platform resolution and frame-rate information in a technical post updated in connection with the Switch release, but exact figures should be checked against that post for the particular platform before relying on them: Square Enix’s platform specifications.
Rank #2
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- 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.
Controls
Consider whether you prefer your PC input setup, a PlayStation or Xbox controller, or Switch controls. The cited Switch review found specific mapping and motion-option drawbacks, so those details may matter if you are sensitive to control layout. They should not be treated as universal findings about every configuration.
Edition contents and availability
Edition names are not interchangeable. Steam describes Game of the YoRHa Edition as including DLC and bonus content, while Nintendo identifies its release as The End of YoRHa Edition. For Xbox, the complete current regional edition inventory is not established here. Check the relevant live storefront for the exact contents, local availability, and current price before purchasing.
Rank #3
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How to make the call
- Start with where you play. Choose the platform you already use unless portability is a priority.
- Check the exact release. Confirm the platform and edition on its current storefront; in particular, distinguish the documented PS4 release from any play on newer PlayStation hardware.
- Weigh your control preference. If Switch mapping or motion options could frustrate you, consider whether another platform better matches your preferred input setup.
- Verify compatibility and edition contents. For PC, check current system requirements; for every platform, confirm the live listing’s included content and availability.
Verdict
NieR:Automata is a strong candidate if you want a single-player action RPG built around both combat and story. Choose PC, PlayStation, or Xbox according to your hardware and preferred setup; choose Switch when portability is worth weighing against the control considerations reported in its review. Confirm the exact current edition and compatibility on your platform’s storefront before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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.
