Recommended Free Tools
Balatro+ launched on Apple Arcade on September 26, 2024. It’s a poker-inspired roguelike deck-builder in which you build poker hands, use ability-granting Joker cards to shape a strategy, and earn enough chips to clear increasingly demanding blinds. Playing it through Apple Arcade requires access to the subscription service, and availability and terms can vary by region.
What is Balatro+?
Balatro+ is the Apple Arcade edition of Balatro, created by solo developer LocalThunk and published by Playstack. It combines familiar poker hands with roguelike progression: each run asks you to assemble hands that score enough chips to get past blinds, including Boss Blinds, and work toward the final ante.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Balatro Special Edition - Nintendo Switch | $30.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Balatro: Special Edition - For Nintendo Switch | $34.20 | Buy on Amazon |
As Apple put it in its September 5, 2024 announcement, “Players combine poker hands with joker cards, each with their own unique abilities, to create varied synergies and builds.” The Jokers alter how a run scores or what strategies are worthwhile, so the challenge is not simply to play the strongest conventional poker hand.
How a run works
Make hands and clear blinds
You play cards to form poker hands and earn chips. Those chips are used to meet the target for each blind. Clearing blinds advances the run; Boss Blinds add a further hurdle on the way to the final ante.
#1 Best Overall
- Endless possibilities - every pick-up, discard and joker can dramatically alter the course of your run.
- In-depth campaign mode complete with 5 difficulties, as well as challenge, daily and seeded runs.
- Deftly deploy an array of potent tools
- Immerse yourself in Balatro’s distinctive psychedelic world.
- Improve your collection and discover new cards and secrets with every single run.
Build around Jokers and changing options
Apple’s US App Store listing describes more than 150 Jokers, along with hidden bonus hands and decks. The cards, discards, and Jokers available during a run can change its direction, encouraging you to adapt your build rather than follow the same plan every time. That variety does not mean every run contains every item or has a guaranteed length.
Which Apple devices can play Balatro+?
Apple’s launch announcement named iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro as supported platforms. The reviewed US App Store listing stated these minimum operating-system versions:
| Device | Minimum OS in the reviewed US listing |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iOS 13.5 |
| iPad | iPadOS 13.5 |
| Mac | macOS 11.0 |
| Apple TV | tvOS 13.4 |
| Apple Vision | visionOS 1.0 |
The US listing also includes iPod touch compatibility text, although its platform headline names Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV. Storefront details and requirements can change; check the Balatro+ listing in your region for the current device and OS requirements before downloading.
What does “on Apple Arcade” mean for access?
Balatro+ was announced as an Apple Arcade game, not as a standalone purchase in that announcement. Apple describes Arcade as a subscription service with a catalog of more than 200 games, access for up to six family members, and games without ads or in-app purchases. Those are service-level terms; they do not guarantee that a particular game will remain in the catalog in every region.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #2
- 150 Jokers, each with their own unique abilities.
- 15 Decks with distinct modifiers to choose from for each run.
- 5 potential variants of each Joker which add further abilities.
- 22 Tarot cards variants that can enhance your regular playing cards.
- 11 Planet cards that help level up your possible poker hands.
The announcement confirmed a September 26, 2024 launch, but that date alone does not establish current local availability. Check the Apple Arcade or App Store listing for your region to confirm that Balatro+ is currently offered and to see the subscription price and any trial terms that apply to you. The Canada-specific CAD $8.99 monthly price and one-month trial mentioned at launch were historical September 2024 terms, not verified current or global pricing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you use a controller?
Yes. The reviewed US listing says compatible PlayStation, Xbox, and MFi controllers are supported. A controller is optional, not a requirement; check the listing and your controller’s compatibility if you plan to use one.
Age rating and simulated gambling
The reviewed US App Store listing labels Balatro+ 13+ and includes simulated gambling among its content descriptors. Those details apply to that storefront listing and may change; consult the rating shown in your local store if it matters to your decision.
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.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
