Discover the Unbeatble Value of Apple Arcade – 5 Compelling Reasons to Dive In

The Antidote to Terrible Mobile Games

Remember the days of mobile gaming when you would buy a game, play it, and then move on to the next one? Maybe you spent hours playing Tetris or Breakout, or tried to three-star every level in Angry Birds.

These were simple and enjoyable experiences that were not yet spoiled by pushy microtransactions, cooldown timers, or repetitive full-screen ads. Some of you may be too young to remember a time when mobile games didn't try to exploit you for money, but trust us, it was truly a magical era. You could buy a game, have fun playing it, and there was no expectation of being constantly bombarded with microtransactions.

Apple Arcade stands out in this regard. It offers a gaming experience completely devoid of advertisements and microtransactions. Instead, it presents you with a collection of games that you can freely engage with at any time. No pressure will be exerted on you to purchase items that enhance gameplay or to bypass waiting periods. Additionally, you won't have to endure intrusive full-screen mobile ads.

Breathing New Life into Old Classics

Although there are still a few games available on the App Store that do not include microtransactions, they are quite rare. However, it is still possible to purchase and own games like Red's First Flight (the original de-branded Angry Birds). But if you are looking for a gaming experience with no microtransactions, then Apple Arcade is the perfect choice.

Some of the most captivating games on Apple Arcade are nostalgic classics. These games not only run on modern devices, but they have also been revamped with new features, additional content, and compatibility with physical controllers.

A few examples of enhanced games on Arcade are Temple Run+, Tiny Wings+, and Jetpack Joyride+. In some cases, like Crossy Road+, the microtransactions that were present in the original release have been eliminated, increasing the joy of playing even more. These games are perfect for quick and immersive mobile gaming sessions.

In addition to games originally released on the App Store, Apple has also expanded this treatment to include games that initially debuted on PC and console. Stardew Valley+, Slay the Spire+, and Dead Cells+ were first made available on other platforms; however, they have now been skillfully optimized for a seamless mobile gaming experience, offering all their content without any additional charges.

There Are Plenty of New Games to Play Too

Apple demonstrates its dedication to consistently offering up-to-date games, albeit not necessarily entirely new. Referred to as Apple Originals, many of these titles are initially exclusive to the Apple Arcade platform on mobile devices before eventually becoming available on other platforms. Backloggd provides a comprehensive list of Apple Arcade Exclusives. These games, branded as "Arcade Originals" by Apple, encompass a wide range of options, from newer titles like Hello Kitty Island Adventure (originally conceived as a satirical reference in South Park) to fully reimagined versions of established franchises specifically developed for Arcade.

Apple Arcade has introduced a wide variety of games, including popular series like Cooking Mama, Ridiculous Fishing, Tetris, Zookeeper, and Angry Birds. Additionally, there are spin-offs like What the Car? and Mini Motorways from the creators of What the Golf? and Mini Metro respectively. It offers an opportunity to discover something new without much financial risk. Think of Arcade as a game buffet where you can try out different games since you've already paid for access. Titles like Dear Reader blend the boundaries of ebooks and mobile games, while finity brings a fresh twist to the match-three puzzle genre.

There’s Something for Everyone

Apple Arcade offers something for everyone thanks to Apple's comprehensive approach. You can access Arcade through a dedicated tab in the App Store and easily locate installed games in the Arcade section of your App Library on iPhone or iPad. Additionally, you have the flexibility to play on your Mac or Apple TV, both of which seamlessly integrate with a connected controller.

There is a remarkably large selection of "classic" games that translate exceptionally well to mobile devices. This includes popular card games such as solitaire, hearts, and deck builders. Additionally, there are brain-teasing puzzles like sudoku, mind-bending challenges like Threes!+, and physics-based puzzlers like Cut the Rope Remastered.

Cityscapes: Sim Builder and Pocket Build+ are city and world builder games that cater to the interests of Arcade users. Along with these, enhanced versions of popular sports games like Football Manager 23 Touch and NBA 2K3 Arcade Edition are also available. Additionally, the Arcade offers Arcade-enhanced editions of retro throwback titles such as Retro Goal+ and Retro Bowl+.

With new games being added every week and older ones being phased out, Apple Arcade provides access to a collection of over 200 games at any given time. All of these games can be enjoyed through a subscription-based pricing model.

Cheaper than Netflix, Game Pass, and Others

Apple Arcade, priced at $4.99 per month, offers a cost comparable to that of a reasonably-priced mobile game. In fact, it can be argued that it is even more affordable than the in-game purchases demanded by free-to-play titles. Although subscribing to the service means that you do not own the games you play, Apple Arcade functions similar to Netflix or Game Pass by providing a payment for the overall gaming experience.

Arcade is inexpensive compared to Netflix (which ranges from $6.99 to $19.99 per month) and Game Pass (which ranges from $9.99 per month on PC to $16.99 per month for Ultimate). Similar to these other services, Arcade also functions well as a flexible subscription that you can utilize as needed. If you predict that you won't have much time to play mobile games in the upcoming weeks, you can cancel your Arcade subscription and then resubscribe whenever you have the desire to do so.

If you are already a subscriber to Apple services such as iCloud+, Music, and tv+, then an Apple One subscription could provide you with access to Arcade for just a few additional dollars per month. Furthermore, you may also receive extra services such as Fitness+ and News+. In case you have never tried Apple Arcade before, you can avail a free month of subscription. To redeem, simply go to the "Arcade" tab on the App Store or Mac App Store.

How to Cancel Apple Arcade

If you’ve given Arcade a go and it hasn't quite made the mark, fret not, as canceling it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is a breeze. Simply head to your (System) Settings and click on your name located at the top of the menu. On an iPhone or iPad, proceed to tap on Subscriptions, or on a Mac, click on Media & Purchases followed by the "Manage" option in the Subscriptions box.

From here, you can tap on the service and select "Cancel Subscription" on your iPhone and iPad, or tap "Edit" and then "Cancel Subscription" on a Mac. If you're currently in a free trial, please note that your access will be terminated as soon as you cancel. Therefore, we recommend setting a reminder to cancel closer to the renewal date in order to enjoy the entire month for free.

Is Apple Arcade Worth It?

The value you receive from Apple Arcade depends on your interest in mobile gaming and how frequently you play these games. As there are limited hours in a day for gaming, if you already subscribe to services like Game Pass or frequently buy games on Steam, adding another subscription may be overwhelming.

However, if you anticipate spending extended periods alone with your iPhone, iPad, or even Mac, such as during travel, spending $4.99 on Apple Arcade can be a worthwhile investment to pass the time. Considering the higher costs of airport coffee, this subscription is relatively affordable. It is recommended to engage with the service intermittently to fully enjoy the content available each time you purchase it.

We think that Apple Arcade is one of the best ways of transforming your iPhone into a handheld console, complete with controller support.