Apple launched a new monthly subscription gaming service in September 2019 known as “Apple Arcade.” Apple Arcade is basically a monthly gaming subscription service that allows access to many exclusive games (which have no additional in-app purchases). Here is the complete rundown on Apple Arcade and everything you need to know about it below.
What Is Apple Arcade?
Apple Arcade is Apple’s Mobile and Mac gaming subscription service that allows users to play exclusive games made specifically for the service. You can think of it as a “Netflix for gaming” service, allowing Apple users to play exclusive content. Apple claims it has “handpicked” all the games that are available with the service, hence offering the best games available. All games are available to play offline, so a constant Internet connection is not required.
It’s important to note that developers that do not opt for Apple Arcade will continue releasing their games directly on the App Store as they usually do. Apple Arcade is just an additional gaming subscription that you can buy for exclusive games and content.
What Games Are Included?
Apple Arcade currently includes over 100 new and exclusive games for which Apple has teamed up with various game developers. The service doesn’t include any games that already exist on the App Store. Similarly, all games offered in Apple Arcade do not have any in-app purchases or additional purchases, so the monthly subscription service is the only money you need to spend.
Some of the games currently confirmed for Apple Arcade are, Frogger in Toy Town, Lego Arthouse, Pac-Man Porty Royale, Rayman Mini, and Sonic Racing among others.
Which Devices Can Apple Arcade Be Played On?
Apple says the Apple Arcade will be available on the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. It also supports Handoff in a way. (You can pick up where you left off in a game – even if you switch devices.) However, the subscription is currently only available on the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. There’s no word on when it’ll release for the Mac.
Does It Have a Controller?
Everyone knows that serious gaming can only be done on an ergonomic controller, which is one of the reasons we’ve seen so many developments in Playstation’s Dualshock and the Xbox One controller to improve a gamer’s experience. Apple hasn’t announced a specific controller for Apple Arcade just yet, but iOS 13 does support wireless connectivity for the Dualshock 4 and Xbox One controllers. Hence, you can use these controllers on the games that support MFi Bluetooth controllers.
How Much Does It Cost?
The subscription service costs $4.99 / AED 19.99 / £4.99 / AU$7.99 per month, with a one-month free trial. This is a bit cheap compared to Xbox Games Pass and PS Now. In addition, Apple Arcade’s Family Sharing plan will allow you to share your subscription with over six family members for no additional cost.
How Do I Sign Up?
There isn’t a separate dedicated app for Apple Arcade. In iOS 13, it is accessed through the App Store. You’ll find the Arcade button at the bottom of the App Store app. You’ll be presented with a sign-up form with a “Try It Free” button. As mentioned above, the first month is free, after which you’ll be charged $4.99 per month.
Once registered, the Arcade section of the App Store will show all available games. To access a game, tap on it in the App Store and then tap on the Get button. Once installed, the Get button will turn into a Play button, which you can then tap to launch the game. The game app icon will also appear on your device’s Home page when you can access and play it directly.
Are you interested in Apple Arcade or would you prefer downloading games the normal way from the App Store? Let us know in the Comments section below!
Shujaa Imran is MakeTechEasier’s resident Mac tutorial writer. He’s currently training to follow his other passion become a commercial pilot. You can check his content out on Youtube
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