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Balatro+ launched on Apple Arcade on September 26, 2024. It is a poker-inspired roguelike deck-builder in which you build poker hands, use ability-granting Joker cards, and earn chips to beat Blinds and reach the final ante. Apple announced support for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Access is through Apple Arcade, so check your local storefront for the current listing and subscription terms.
What is Balatro+?
Balatro+ is the Apple Arcade edition of Balatro, a poker-inspired roguelike deck-builder created by solo developer LocalThunk and published by Playstack. It uses simulated poker hands as the basis for a strategy game: the aim is not to play a conventional poker match, but to build scoring combinations and earn enough chips to clear successive Blinds.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Balatro Special Edition - Nintendo Switch | $30.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Balatro: Special Edition - For Nintendo Switch | $34.20 | Buy on Amazon |
Joker cards add special abilities that can reshape how a run scores. Apple described the central idea 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.”
How does a Balatro run work?
- Make poker hands. Play cards to form hands and earn chips toward the current scoring target.
- Adapt your strategy. Pickups, discards, and Jokers can alter what your deck does and which hands are most useful.
- Clear Blinds. Earn enough chips to beat each Blind, including Boss Blinds, and advance through the run toward its final ante.
Playstack’s US App Store listing describes more than 150 Jokers, along with hidden bonus hands and decks. The changing mix of cards and abilities gives runs different possibilities; it does not mean every run contains every item or has a fixed length.
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- 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.
Which devices support Balatro+?
Apple announced Balatro+ for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. The reviewed US App Store listing gives 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 Pro | visionOS 1.0 |
The same US listing also includes iPod touch in compatibility text, although its platform headline names Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV. Storefront details and requirements can change; check your local App Store listing for the current supported devices and minimum OS versions before downloading.
Do you need Apple Arcade to play Balatro+?
Balatro+ is offered as part of Apple Arcade, Apple’s subscription game service. Apple’s service overview describes 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 details, not a guarantee that a particular game will remain in every regional catalog.
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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.
Apple announced the game’s September 2024 launch with a Canada-specific price of CAD $8.99 per month and a one-month trial. Those were historical launch-era terms, not verified current or global pricing. Check the Apple Arcade page in your own storefront for the present price, trial eligibility, and Balatro+’s availability in your region. The available information does not establish how the Arcade edition differs from a standalone Balatro purchase.
Can you use a controller?
Yes. The reviewed US App Store listing says compatible PlayStation, Xbox, and MFi controllers are supported. A controller is optional; the listing does not say one is required. Check compatibility for a specific controller model before buying it.
Age rating and simulated gambling descriptor
The reviewed US App Store listing shows a 13+ age rating and includes simulated gambling among its content descriptors. These details apply to that storefront listing and can change; consult the rating and content information shown in your region.
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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.
