Yes. Balatro arrived on Xbox Game Pass on February 24, 2025, in a surprise launch announced by Xbox. Microsoft’s Canadian Xbox storefront currently lists the game as included with Game Pass; check the current Canadian listing for availability and access terms, which can change.
Is Balatro included with Game Pass in Canada?
At the time of the current Canadian Xbox storefront listing, Balatro appears in the Xbox Card & Board Game Pass catalog as “Included with Game Pass.” That indicates catalog inclusion, but it should not be confused with a separate cloud-play entitlement or a purchase requirement displayed on the product page. Confirm the live catalog and the terms for your account before starting the game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Balatro: Special Edition - For Nintendo Switch | $34.20 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Balatro: Special Edition - For Playstation 5 | $28.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Balatro Special Edition - Compatible for NS - UK PAL | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Balatro (Special Edition) for Xbox Series X | $43.33 | Buy on Amazon |
Which platforms and access options are listed?
Xbox announced the Game Pass release for February 24, 2025, and said the game was also headed to Windows PC. The Xbox product listing identifies Xbox Series X|S optimization, controller play, Xbox achievements, cloud saves, and Xbox Play Anywhere.
- Game Pass catalog: The Canadian storefront currently marks the title as included with Game Pass.
- Cloud play: The product page says cloud play is available with Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate, and separately says a game purchase is required. That wording does not establish that cloud play is included without owning the game.
- Windows PC: Xbox announced Windows PC availability alongside the Game Pass news; check the current listing for regional access details.
What is Balatro?
Balatro is a single-player, poker-inspired roguelike deck builder developed by LocalThunk Inc. and published by Playstack Ltd. Players make valid poker hands, combine them with Joker cards to create synergies, earn chips, and try to beat successive blinds. Xbox’s listing gives February 20, 2024 as the game’s Xbox release date.
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- 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.
Why is Balatro described as Canadian-made?
MobileSyrup identified LocalThunk as a Canadian developer in its February 24, 2025 coverage of the Game Pass arrival. Xbox’s product listing confirms LocalThunk Inc. as the developer, but does not specify a country. Playstack is the publisher.
What came with the Game Pass announcement?
Xbox’s February 24, 2025 announcement paired the Game Pass launch with the fourth Friends of Jimbo collaboration. The update added crossover themes from Fallout, Assassin’s Creed, Civilization VII, Rust, Slay the Princess, Bugsnax, Dead by Daylight, and Critical Role. MobileSyrup reported that deck customization is available through Options on the main menu.
Rank #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
What LocalThunk said about the game
In Xbox Wire’s announcement, LocalThunk described Balatro as a personal passion project and said the attention it received could help spotlight other independent games: “I think it’s a great time to be a fan of indie games!”
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Over 150 unique jokers, 15 decks with modifiers, and 22 tarot card variants.
- Dive into a psychedelic world complete with a synthwave soundtrack.
- Track your progress with an in-depth stats screen and permanent buffs from voucher cards.
- Special Edition includes 10 exclusive physical playing cards for real-life play.
Rank #3
- UK e-store account may be required for any online features
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.
