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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sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Updated October 4, 2026: The “before Ace Combat 8” part of this question is already out of date: Bandai Namco says Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launched worldwide on October 2, 2026. Ace Combat 7 is still worth considering if you want a focused flight-combat campaign, but the available official information does not make it a prerequisite for AC8. Start with AC8 instead if its newer cross-play and online modes are your priority.
Is Ace Combat 7 worth playing in 2026?
Yes, if you want an aircraft-centered action game with elaborate aerial combat and a dramatic fictional-war campaign. That recommendation reflects the game’s official feature descriptions and the range of critic commentary, not a claim that every mission or story beat works equally well for every player.
AC7 is an optional older entry, not a confirmed requirement before AC8. Bandai Namco’s AC8 materials introduce a new campaign setting and characters, but do not establish that players must complete AC7 first. If you are choosing between them, consider whether you want AC7’s earlier campaign or AC8’s current online offering rather than assuming one is objectively better.
What AC7 does well—and where reviews raise concerns
The appeal: aerial action and presentation
Critic reviews commonly praise AC7’s combat, aircraft, sky visuals, weather effects and sense of flight. Some reviewers also highlight its VR implementation. Together, those strengths make the game a natural fit for players drawn to cinematic dogfights and the spectacle of flying modern combat aircraft. These are review judgments, not a guarantee that the game will suit every taste. Metacritic’s critic-review listings collect the varied assessments.
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#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.
The trade-offs: campaign pacing and tone
Critical reservations include missions with sparse checkpoints or tedious stretches, a melodramatic plot that does not land for everyone, and complaints about multiplayer or features missing from some versions. Those caveats matter if you mainly want a tightly paced story or expect every edition to include identical modes and hardware support. Steam’s PC listing classifies the release as single-player and online PvP; its changing user-review summary is a separate measure from critic reviews and does not indicate current multiplayer activity.
AC7 or AC8: which should you start with?
| What matters to you | Ace Combat 7 | Ace Combat 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign entry point | An older campaign-focused option; the cited official materials do not say it is required before AC8. | Bandai Namco describes a campaign in which the Federation of Central Usea’s capital, Theve, is occupied and a pilot is known as the Wings of Theve. Publisher launch announcement. |
| Online play | Online multiplayer is listed for the game, but availability and features vary by edition and platform. See Bandai Namco’s product and edition details. | ACE COMBAT ONLINE includes Co-Op Assault and Co-Op Warfare. The official site says its progression and save data are separate from Campaign Mode; the Air Base hub can host up to 100 players. AC8 official site. |
| Cross-play and newer online features | Do not assume cross-platform multiplayer: the Switch edition explicitly does not support it. | Bandai Namco describes cross-play and an online hub supporting up to 100 players, plus co-op, limited-time emergency missions and PvP events. Publisher launch announcement. |
| Platforms named in official materials | PS4, Xbox One, Steam and Nintendo Switch are listed on the product page; CESA’s 2018 award release also lists PSVR. Product page and CESA release. | PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. Publisher launch announcement. |
| Current price comparison | Not established by the cited official product listings; check the store for your platform and edition before buying. | |
AC8 is the clearer starting point if you specifically want its newly described cross-play and online modes. AC7 is the sensible pick if its campaign and flight-combat style appeal to you, or if you want to explore the series without treating AC8’s release as a reason to skip it. The available sources do not establish a quality winner between the games.
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.
Check the AC7 edition before buying
AC7 is not feature-identical across platforms and editions. Bandai Namco’s product page lists several digital and packaged editions, including bundles with differing downloadable content. Some DLC is sold separately. For older packaged Premium Edition copies, the main game is on disc while DLC comes by one-time product codes; do not assume a used copy’s codes remain redeemable.
Important Nintendo Switch differences
- The Switch edition does not support VR or flight sticks.
- It does not support local communication play or cross-platform multiplayer.
- Multiplayer requires Nintendo Switch Online.
These Switch-specific notes come from Bandai Namco’s official product page; they should not be generalized to every other 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.
Other platform and purchase checks
The publisher’s US store lists standard PS4 and Xbox One editions, while its product page lists additional regional and digital editions. Match the edition to your own system and check the current store listing for price and included content. A platform-specific listing does not establish retailer stock or the availability of any particular used or third-party copy. Bandai Namco’s US store listing.
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.
