Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides 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
Order of the Sinking Star launched on PlayStation 5 on October 8, 2026, with October 9 timing in some regions. Early ratings were strong: PlayStation LifeStyle reported an 86/100 PS5 Metacritic average and a 4.99/5 PlayStation Store rating on October 9. Those figures support calling it an early ratings success, but they do not establish sales or player numbers.
What is Order of the Sinking Star?
Order of the Sinking Star is a narrative puzzle adventure developed by Thekla Inc. under director Jonathan Blow. The official game description calls it “a narrative adventure set in a realm of magic and enigma.” Thekla describes a mystery unfolding across a magical setting, with unique playable heroes, evolving mechanics, and more than 1,000 interconnected, hand-crafted puzzles.
PlayStation Blog’s July 21, 2026 pre-launch hands-on report described grid-based puzzles, a rewind or undo mechanic, multiple worlds, and characters whose abilities interact. That gives a sense of the game’s puzzle focus, though it is not a platform-by-platform performance comparison.
When did it launch, and where can you play it?
Thekla’s official launch announcement gives October 8, 2026 as the launch date, with October 9 depending on region. It lists three platform families:
#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.
- PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PC via Steam, including Steam Deck
The PlayStation Store listing describes a PS5 version with offline play for one player, DualSense vibration support, and basic subtitles for the main story and main characters. Its release-date field still showed “to be determined” when consulted; that field is stale in light of the later launch announcement.
| Platform | Availability established by the sources | Reader context |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Launched October 8, 2026, with October 9 timing in some regions, according to Thekla’s announcement. | The Store listing specifies one-player offline play and DualSense vibration support. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Listed in Thekla’s launch announcement. | Portable-play details and comparative performance are not stated in the cited information. |
| PC via Steam and Steam Deck | Listed in Thekla’s launch announcement; Steam has a digital listing. | The sources do not provide a like-for-like performance comparison with console versions. |
Why is it being called an instant PS Store hit?
In an October 9, 2026 report, PlayStation LifeStyle cited an 86/100 Metacritic average for the PS5 version and a 4.99/5 PlayStation Store rating based on more than 100 verified player votes. These are separate, time-sensitive measures: one is a review-score average and the other is a storefront rating snapshot. They describe early reception, not commercial performance.
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.
The same report gave a U.S. PlayStation Store price of $29.99 and said PS Plus Premium members could cloud stream the game on PS5 and PS Portal. Treat both details as dated reporting, not a guarantee of current price or availability; check the relevant store for your region and subscription status.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What the early-hit label does—and does not—mean
The available evidence supports saying that the game received strong early ratings. It does not establish how many copies it sold, how many people are playing, or whether it topped a chart. Nor do the cited listings establish a physical edition: Steam’s official listing is digital, and the available PlayStation Store information is for a digital PS5 version.
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.
For players choosing where to buy, the confirmed options are PS5, Switch 2, and Steam/Steam Deck. The best fit depends on the platform you own and whether you want a puzzle-heavy, single-player adventure; the cited sources do not establish a technical winner among the versions.
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.
- 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.
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
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.
