Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The 1989 Prince of Persia and 2003 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time are separate games, not the original and a remaster of it. The first is a timed, side-view rescue adventure; the second is a 3D action-adventure with a different Prince, Farah, and a rewind mechanic. The announced Sands of Time remake was canceled: Ubisoft said on January 30, 2026, that it had stopped development, so there is no released remake edition to buy or play. (Ubisoft’s official statement)
| Name | Best for | Key distinction or status | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince of Persia (1989) | A classic 2D, time-pressured platforming adventure | Apple II original; later ports can differ in graphics, music, levels, settings, and enemies | Nov 2026 |
| Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003) | 3D traversal, combat, and a rewind mechanic | A new game and the start of a trilogy, not a remake of the 1989 game | Nov 2026 |
| Prince of Persia Classic | Readers checking a separately listed franchise entry | Ubisoft lists it separately; the sources cited here do not establish its exact edition details | Nov 2026 |
| Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake | Readers checking whether the announced project shipped | Development stopped; no released remake edition | Nov 2026 |
What is the difference between Prince of Persia and The Sands of Time?
The 1989 game is a 2D platform adventure built around precise movement and a fixed deadline. The Sands of Time, released in 2003, is a different, three-dimensional adventure with wall-running, combat, a companion character, and the ability to rewind recent mistakes. They share a franchise name, not an edition lineage.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The 1989 original: a race through a dungeon
Jordan Mechner’s original debuted on Apple II on October 3, 1989. Ubisoft’s 2024 anniversary account describes its central challenge: cross 12 levels and rescue the princess within 60 minutes. The clock makes ordinary platforming decisions consequential; falling, misjudging a jump, or losing time in a fight can affect how much room remains to finish the rescue. Ubisoft also identifies the game’s rotoscoped animation as a defining part of its presentation. (Ubisoft’s history of the original)
That design is fundamentally different from the later 3D games. The original’s side-on view asks you to judge platform edges, hazards, and timing in a constrained space. Its pressure comes from the overall rescue deadline, rather than from a rewind system that lets the player undo a recent error.
Popular on Amazon
- 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 Sands of Time: a new Prince and a rewind mechanic
Ubisoft’s retrospective describes The Sands of Time as a new story: the Prince inadvertently releases the Sands and then works with Farah. Its palace traversal uses 3D movement, including wall-running, while the Dagger of Time lets the player rewind recent traversal or combat errors. That rewind changes the feel of failure: a mistake can be corrected in the moment, rather than only avoided by restarting or managing the 1989 game’s fixed clock. (Ubisoft’s retrospective on the series)
The game begins a trilogy continued by Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (2004) and Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (2005). Those are sequels to the 2003 game, not ports or editions of the Apple II original. If continuity matters to you, play The Sands of Time before those two follow-ups; if you simply want to understand the series’ earliest design, start with the 1989 game instead.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Is The Sands of Time a remake of the original game?
No. The 2003 Sands of Time is a separate game, with its own story and 3D gameplay. The project called The Sands of Time Remake was instead announced as a modernization of the 2003 game; it was not a remake of the 1989 Apple II title.
Also popular on Amazon
- 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.
This distinction matters when searching store listings, used copies, or game histories. A listing for the 2003 game means the released 3D adventure. A reference to Prince of Persia Classic means a separately named entry in Ubisoft’s franchise catalog; it should not be silently treated as the Apple II original, the 2003 game, or the canceled remake. The available source information does not establish enough edition-specific details to identify exactly what content or platforms every Classic listing includes.
Is the Sands of Time remake out?
No. Ubisoft’s official statement, dated January 30, 2026, says the team stopped development on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. There is no shipped remake edition to review, purchase, or compare as a playable release. (Ubisoft’s cancellation statement)
The project had previously been discussed as a planned modernization of the 2003 game. In a June 2024 interview, Ubisoft described intended updates involving accessibility, combat, level design, and characters, and discussed a 2026 target. Those were plans for a project that did not ship; they are not features of a released edition, and the former target year is not a current release date. Ubisoft’s later cancellation statement takes precedence over those earlier projections.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAlso popular on Amazon
- 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.
GOG has said it is bringing the released 2003 Sands of Time into its Preservation Program. That is a preservation commitment for the existing game, not a substitute remake or a guarantee that it will run on every computer. For current purchasing details or compatibility, check the specific live store listing rather than treating preservation status as universal hardware support. (GOG’s series history and preservation note)
Which version should I play?
Choose based on the kind of game you want, not on the assumption that one version replaces another. The 1989 game offers a compact, deadline-driven 2D challenge; the 2003 title offers 3D exploration and a rewind mechanic. The canceled remake is not a playable option.
- Choose the 1989 original if you want to see the series’ starting point and prefer a side-view platforming challenge where a 60-minute rescue deadline is central to the design.
- Choose the 2003 Sands of Time if you want 3D palace traversal, the story with Farah, and the Dagger of Time’s short rewind. It is also the entry point for the trilogy that continues with Warrior Within and The Two Thrones.
- Choose a specific 1989 port deliberately if you are interested in playing the original on later hardware. Port differences are significant enough that the platform and version should be part of your choice.
- Do not buy a listing on the expectation that it is the canceled remake. The remake did not ship; check the title and platform on any listing for an older game.
Ubisoft also features Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and The Rogue Prince of Persia as later franchise games. They are distinct entries, not editions of either the 1989 original or the 2003 Sands of Time. Their existence does not change which game a listing for either older title refers to.
Also popular on Amazon
- 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
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- 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
Why do 1989 ports need to be compared separately?
Because “the original” can refer either to the Apple II release or to a later version of the same game, and those versions are not necessarily identical. Ubisoft’s 2024 history reports that Mechner personally oversaw the later PC version with Broderbund, reworking graphics and music; Mechner regards that edition as closest to his definitive port. He also singled out the Japanese Super Famicom version for additional levels, settings, and enemies. (Ubisoft’s account of the ports)
That makes platform a meaningful part of the edition name. An older console copy is not automatically a pixel-identical Apple II version, and “same game” does not guarantee the same audiovisual presentation or level content. If you are choosing a version for historical comparison, identify the platform and regional edition before assuming that a playthrough or description of one port applies to another.
What to check on a physical listing
For a vintage copy, confirm the exact game title, platform, region, condition, and required hardware before purchasing. A cartridge or disc made for a historical console does not by itself establish that it will run on a current console, and no blanket modern-hardware compatibility claim follows from the game’s franchise status. For a digital listing, confirm that the named product is the released 1989 or 2003 game rather than a separate catalog entry. Current stock and resale inventory can change, so a historical format name is not a promise that a particular copy is available.
Also popular on Amazon
- 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.
What does the remake cancellation mean for buyers?
It means the planned 2003-game modernization is not a product you can buy. Treat any old page, preview, or search result that describes a projected 2026 launch as outdated unless it is clearly discussing the project’s former plans; Ubisoft’s January 2026 statement records the later status.
If your goal is to play the 2003 story, look for the released The Sands of Time and verify the edition and platform rather than searching for a remake edition that never shipped. GOG’s stated preservation commitment concerns the existing game, but it does not establish the availability of every platform version or compatibility with every machine. Likewise, the canceled project’s proposed accessibility and design changes cannot be treated as a feature checklist for the old release.
The useful distinction is between a game’s identity, its individual port, and a project that remained unreleased. The 1989 original and the 2003 Sands of Time are both real games; the former has materially different ports, while the latter is the beginning of a trilogy. Prince of Persia Classic is a separate catalog entry whose details should be checked by edition, and the remake is canceled rather than another available version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many platforms did the original Prince of Persia reach?
Ubisoft’s 2024 anniversary account, reporting Jordan Mechner’s history of the game, says it was ported to at least 18 platforms besides Apple II. That figure describes the breadth of its ports, not sales or the number of versions currently available to buy.
What did Jordan Mechner say about the original game’s ports?
Mechner summarized the original’s survival with the words, “It was saved by the ports.” The line reflects the role later releases played in carrying the game beyond its Apple II debut.
Where can I read about how the original Prince of Persia was made?
Jordan Mechner’s official books page lists The Making of Prince of Persia, including an illustrated hardcover collector’s edition and a paperback. The page links to options for finding the book: Mechner’s development journals.
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.
