Are you wondering if Apple Arcade is worth paying for every month Or is it just another subscription service you'll eventually forget about? The truth is, it raises a lot of questions: price, catalog, game quality, whether it's worth it if you already have a console or PC, what type of player it's designed for… and on top of that, the service has changed quite a bit since its launch, with more games, new prices, and even integrations with Apple One.
In the following lines we will break down everything Apple Arcade offers in great detailThis guide blends practical information (price, compatible devices, catalog, advantages, and limitations) with real opinions and examples of specific games. Whether you're coming from consoles, only play on mobile, or are thinking of getting it for your kids, this will give you a pretty clear idea of whether it's the right service for you.
What exactly is Apple Arcade and what does it aim to offer?
Apple Arcade is basically a subscription service to a closed catalog of games within the App Store. You pay a monthly (or annual) fee and have access to a list of titles that you can download to your Apple devices and play without ads or in-app purchases. No paying for gems, battle passes, or surprise chests: what's in the game is what you get.
Apple's idea with Arcade is not to compete head-to-head with platforms like Xbox Game Pass or cloud gaming services like Stadia, but to offer a "premium" gaming space for mobile, tablet, Mac and Apple TV, with a cleaner and healthier experience than the typical free-to-play full of microtransactions and invasive advertising.
In addition, all Apple Arcade games are run natively on the deviceYou don't play via streaming or through a browser; instead, you download the game from the Arcade tab of the App Store. This has two clear advantages: you can play No internet connection (except for specific online modes) and the experience is much more stable, without depending on the quality of your network.
Another point that Apple has taken great care with is that these are titles designed to be more “healthy” and family-orientedIdeal for children, for family play, and for people who want a catalog without surprises on the bill. There are no in-app purchases, no pop-up ads, and no aggressive monetization mechanisms.
On which devices can you use Apple Arcade?
One of the service's biggest advantages is that, with a single subscription, you can play on virtually the entire Apple ecosystemYou don't need to pay multiple times: simply sign in with your Apple ID on each compatible device.
Currently, Apple Arcade works on:
- iPhone that support iOS 13.1 or later.
- iPad with iPadOS 13.1 or later.
- Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later.
- Apple TV that can run tvOS 13 or later.
- apple vision pro with any version of visionOS.
It's important to understand that, although the minimum requirement is iOS 13 or equivalent versions, Not all games will work equally well on older devices.Some Apple Arcade titles require more graphics power or memory, so some games may be restricted to newer models. It's always recommended to update to the latest system version your device supports.
A very interesting bonus is that Many Apple Arcade games are compatible with physical controllersYou can use PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and other Bluetooth controllers on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or Vision Pro. This makes certain titles feel almost like you're playing on a console, especially if you connect the device to a large screen.
How to play: experience and gameplay with and without a controller
It's easy to use: from the Arcade tab in the App Store, You choose the game that catches your eye, download it, and that's it!Just like with any app, but with the peace of mind that everything in that section is covered by your subscription, at no extra cost.
One aspect highly valued by those who have tried the service since its inception is that The gameplay is usually very polished.Apple has been very careful about the types of studios that make it into the catalog, and it shows in the quality of the controls, both touch and with a controller. Action and platform games like Shantae respond wonderfully with a PS4/PS5 controller, with precise jumps and zero noticeable lag.
Now, Not all games are designed for a controllerSome titles can only be played in portrait mode and rely entirely on the touchscreen, such as certain RPGs or more "pure mobile" games. This means that they may not be available on devices without a touchscreen (for example, Macs or Apple TVs), or may not be recommended if controller support isn't added in the future.
In practice, this translates into Apple Arcade covers many different gaming situationsFrom quick games on the subway with your iPhone in portrait mode, to longer sessions on the couch with your iPad or Apple TV and a physical controller. There are games clearly designed for mobile, others that shine on a big screen, and plenty that work well in both contexts.
Apple Arcade catalog: quantity, types of games, and exclusives
The current Apple Arcade catalog is around More than 200-250 games availableDepending on the time, because the list is constantly being updated. Apple adds new titles regularly and occasionally removes some. Even so, the overall feeling is one of abundance: there's plenty to choose from, whether you prefer short bursts of gameplay or longer adventures.
If you want to see the full list, from any compatible device you can go to the Arcade section of the App Store or use the special link that Apple provides for check all the games available at that timeThere you will see both exclusives and "+" versions of well-known games that are offered complete and without extra payments in the Arcade.
A recurring question is about quality: are these "kids' games," very casual titles, or is there real substance to them? The reality is that the catalog is a mix. games for all ages and skill levelsIt's true that there are very family-friendly and accessible options, but there are also deep RPGs, roguelites, challenging puzzles, fast-paced platformers, and meticulously crafted narrative experiences.
Behind many titles there is major studios and companies like Capcom, Konami, and Square Enixwho have developed games specifically for arcades or sequels to well-known franchises. This translates into highly polished art styles, powerful soundtracks, and refined mechanics; in short, they're not just hastily made "mobile games."
Part of the catalog is occupied by exclusive games or exclusive versions These games are only available through Apple Arcade and cannot be purchased individually on the App Store or other platforms. Some notable examples include:
- Jet Pack Joyride 2, a sequel to the legendary side-scrolling shooter, reserved for Arcade.
- Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon, a dungeon crawler with a feel reminiscent of classic cooperative Zelda games.
- Exit the Dungeon, sequel to the famous Enter the Gungeon, with a different but equally frenetic approach.
- Angry Birds Reloaded, which recaptures the original essence of Angry Birds without the hassle of in-app purchases.
- Alto's Adventure: The Spirit of the Mountain, an expanded and more narrative version of the classic Alto's Adventure.
- C, which complicates the physics and adds new elements with two protagonists.
- Castle CrumbleA very satisfying castle-knocking game to kill time.
- Star Trek Legends, a turn-based role-playing game ideal for fans of the Star Trek universe.
There is also a good selection of games that, while not absolute exclusives, are still considered "Star" titles within Arcade. For example: uterine
- Mini motorwaysA mix of urban planning and puzzle that's incredibly addictive.
- Sneaky sasquatch, a fun adventure where you are a mischievous Bigfoot.
- Cat Quest II, sequel to a much-loved RPG, with combat and feline humor.
- oceanhorn 2, an adventure that is very reminiscent of the 3D Zelda games, very ambitious for a mobile game.
- disney melee mania, 3vs3 MOBA with Disney characters in short matches.
- Sayonara Wild Hearts, a very psychedelic and addictive musical and visual experience.
- Alto's Odyssey: The Lost City, expansion of the endless snow runner with more content.
- Fantasian, a classic RPG with pedigree from the creators of Final Fantasy VII.
- Lego brawls, a multiplayer brawler with a Super Smash Bros feel and up to eight players.
- Reigns: Beyond, new installment of the Reigns saga, this time in the style of a space rock band.
Those looking for games with powerful stories or more "auteur" proposals They usually leave happy: there are Gris-type experiences, narrative adventures, titles with very marked indie touches, and games perfect for those who enjoy the artistic and contemplative as much as action.
Powerful new additions: Vampire Survivors+ and Temple Run: Legends
Apple Arcade doesn't just rely on its initial catalog; in recent times, many more have been added. High-profile launches that enhance the appeal of the serviceespecially for those who already play a lot on other platforms.
One of the big signings is Vampire Survivors+The arcade version of the indie phenomenon Vampire Survivors. This edition includes the complete base game and the two main DLCs (Legacy of the Moonspell and Tales of the Foscari) with no ads and no in-app purchases. It also allows local multiplayer games on the same device, making it a fun option for playing with friends or family.
Another notable addition is Temple Run: LegendsA new installment in the legendary endless runner saga. Instead of simply running endlessly, this version It adds levels with specific objectives and a more elaborate narrative.With over 500 stages that expand the Aperion universe, the game is exclusive to Apple Arcade and optimized for OLED screens, offering a significant visual improvement over previous installments.
These arrivals reinforce the idea that Apple Arcade is not stuck in its initial catalogInstead, it focuses on bringing current phenomena and reinterpreting popular sagas with premium versions, without microtransactions or ads.
Clear advantages of Apple Arcade compared to other models
If you enjoy playing games on your mobile device, Apple Arcade's biggest advantage is that You forget about the nightmare of ads and in-app purchasesAll included games offer the full experience through the subscription, with no further payments once you are part of the service.
Another very powerful advantage is the versatility across devicesYou can start a game on your iPhone, continue on your iPad while relaxing on the couch, finish it off on your Mac, and if you like, play in the living room with your Apple TV and a remote. For those who frequently switch between Apple devices, this is incredibly convenient and makes the subscription much more useful.
Furthermore, since it doesn't depend on the browser or streaming, You can play offline anywhereSimply download the game and you're good to go; you can forget about Wi-Fi on the train, plane, or at the local bar. Only online multiplayer modes or specific ranking features require an internet connection.
In terms of selection, Apple has made sure that the catalog has well-crafted games with good artistic design and polished mechanicsNot everything will be to your liking, but it's rare to find "junk" that's just there to fill space. And for parents, it's especially appealing because they know their children won't suddenly be confronted with €50 purchases or advertisements for just anything.
Finally, the possibility of Share the subscription with up to five people using Family Sharing. This makes the actual cost per person very low. If you split the fee among several family members, the service becomes practically free compared to buying individual games.
Apple Arcade price: how much does it cost and what options are available?
The price of Apple Arcade has varied over time. Currently, an individual subscription costs € 6,99 per monthIt was initially offered for €4,99, but Apple updated the price in October 2023 along with other company services.
If you're interested in the long term, there's an annual plan for €69,99 per yearAll told, it works out to about €4,17 per month, which is a significant saving compared to a monthly payment. It's an attractive option if you're already set on using it year-round.
Apple Arcade is also available as part of Apple oneThe bundle includes Apple Music, iCloud+ (with 50 GB or more, depending on the plan), Apple TV+, and, in some cases, other additional services. If you already pay for several of these separately, it might be more economical to integrate them into a single Apple One plan that includes Arcade with minimal price increase.
In addition, Apple releases from time to time. promotions with free trial monthsIt's common to find offers of one free month for new users, and sometimes even three or four months free have been offered when purchasing a new iPhone, iPad, or Apple device. It's a great way to thoroughly test the service without risking your money.
Seen in this light, the key question is whether those €6,99 per month is worth it. It depends on how much and how you play. If you share with family, the real price per person drops significantly; if you only play occasionally and already have a thousand subscriptions, it might be harder to justify.
Is it worth it if you already have a console, PC, or Nintendo Switch?
Here's one of the most frequently asked questions: if you already have a home console, a gaming PC, or a Nintendo Switch, Does it make sense to also pay for Apple Arcade?The answer depends a lot on your profile and what you expect from the service.
Some users who already own consoles and powerful PCs believe that They don't find it very appealing.Because many games in the catalog are also available on other platforms or are smaller in scale than the AAA titles they're used to. Furthermore, on consoles or PC you "own" your games, while in Arcade you lose them if you stop paying your subscription.
However, for other players who already own a console, Apple Arcade works very well as accessory for portable and casual gamingIt's not meant to replace Game Pass or your Steam collection, but rather to fill those gaps in your gaming experience on your mobile, tablet, or Apple TV when you don't feel like turning on the big console or sitting down at your PC.
If you're one of those people who only sit down to play seriously in front of the console and barely use their mobile phone for it, you probably You won't get that much out of it.But if you regularly play games on your iPhone or iPad, or have kids at home who use Apple devices, it can be a very cheap way to have a huge and varied catalog without worrying about extra purchases.
On the other hand, if you don't have a console or PC to play on, then Apple Arcade can become almost your only option. main video game platformFor less than the price of a single Switch game at launch, you get a whole month with hundreds of titles, some very comparable to what you find on handheld consoles.
How well does it fit with different types of players?
A logical question is whether the catalog matches your specific tastes. For example, someone who especially enjoys roguelikes in the style of Hades or Dead CellsWhether you're looking for fast-paced action platformers like Katana Zero, story-driven adventures like 12 Minutes, or contained puzzles like Braid, you might wonder if you'll find something to suit your taste.
Yes, it's available on Apple Arcade. roguelites, fast-paced action games, challenging platformers, and many puzzle gamesVampire Survivors+ is a good example for fans of the roguelite genre, and titles like Exit the Dungeon or some action-platformers quite effectively capture that feeling of intense, replayable gameplay. In the realm of puzzles, there are true gems with well-balanced difficulty curves, perfect for those who don't want to rack their brains with impossible riddles but also don't want something trivial.
You also have quite a few narrative adventures and games with powerful storiesFantasian, for example, offers a rich storyline within a classic JRPG, and games like Gris or more indie productions explore adult emotions and themes without resorting to clichés. It's not a catalog focused solely on children, although there are many titles suitable for all ages.
That said, it is true that some of the games in the catalog come from Premium versions of originally free titles (free-to-play with DLCs or microtransactions) or games heavily geared towards young audiences. Some, after quickly reviewing the list, feel that half the catalog isn't for them because they prefer deeper experiences or "hardcore gamers".
Therefore, the smartest thing to do before judging is Take advantage of the free trial month (when available) to search specifically by genres and styles. Arcade has filters and recommendations, and in a couple of weeks you can see if there's enough roguelikes, light puzzles, fast-paced platformers, or narrative adventures to justify the monthly subscription in your particular case.
Apple Arcade for families and children's games
Where Apple Arcade truly shines is in the area of families with children or teenagersBy removing ads and in-app purchases, parents avoid the classic problem of their child unintentionally (or intentionally) spending money on skins, virtual currency, and other such items.
The games in the catalog also go through a certain quality and content filter, which translates into fairly safe and controlled experiencesObviously, there are titles more suitable for children and others more mature, but the platform as a whole is designed to be much more relaxing than browsing the entire App Store without a safety net.
The ability to share the subscription with up to five people in the Family group makes it Each member will have their own game profile, saved games, and preferencesThis way, adults can enjoy complex RPGs or management games, while the little ones have a great time with puzzle games, simple platformers, or LEGO adventures without stepping on each other's toes.
Furthermore, Apple Arcade is well-suited to very different moments in a family's daily lifeCar journeys with the iPad, rainy afternoons playing games together on the TV with an Apple TV and a remote, or occasional use of the iPhone. All at a fairly reasonable cost when shared among several users.
If you already have home consoles at home, Arcade isn't going to replace them, but it can be The perfect complement so you don't have to constantly buy new mobile games or deal with free apps riddled with ads inappropriate for children.
In the end, Apple Arcade has established itself as a A very solid service for those who primarily play on Apple devices. And it values an environment free of ads and microtransactions, with a broad, varied, and largely exclusive catalog. If you're a heavy iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV user and you like to try new games often, a single month trial will let you know whether or not it makes your list of must-have subscriptions; and if several people in your household play games, the value for money becomes hard to beat in the mobile ecosystem.
