New on Apple Arcade January 2023: Games for iPhone, iPad and Mac

As usual, Apple Arcade subscribers get new releases every Friday, plus a bunch of content updates in January 2023 — and it’s shaping up to be the best month on the service in quite a while.

We’ve got a new version of a cult classic Nintendo 3DS game from the makers of Pokémon, a couple of puzzle games, and a new take on a popular interactive storytelling series, plus content updates for some of the biggest games on the service, including the official Best Game on Apple Arcade, Grindstone.

Jan. 6 — Episode XOXO

Photo: Pocket Gems/Apple

Episode XOXO This is the new interactive version of the romantic interactive story series. Episode: Tell Your Story. Whereas that’s a free-to-play title with thousands of stories available to buy, Episode XOXO brings “a premium, curated, and streamlined Episode experience” to Arcade with five stories at launch, and more to be added in future updates.

Jan. 13 — Illustrated

Image: Border Leap/Apple

You will love these puzzle games: They are cozy and relaxing. Stitch Patterned go down well with the Apple Arcade audience, and here’s another. Illustrated Mixing jigsaws and word puzzles, you will solve an illustrated story and see the picture come to life. Illustrated The exhibition includes artwork from a variety of artists.

Image: Apple/Game Freak

The month’s most exciting release is this new version of Pokémon developer Game Freak’s bizarre mashup of horse racing and solitaire. First appearing on Nintendo 3DS a decade ago, Pocket Card JockeyThis is an exciting mix of racing and track tactics.

Jan. 27 — Squiggle Drop

Image: Noodlecake/Apple

The classic touchscreen physics puzzle genre is now represented by a brand new smartphone entry. Squiggle DropAsks players to draw a single shape using their fingers to solve physics puzzles.

Content updates

Apple Arcade is just as concerned about keeping your favourite titles up to date as new releases. January will see patches for some of Apple’s most loved titles:

• Grindstone — new biomes and more levels
• Angry BirdsReloaded — a sci-fi themed makeover
• Jetpack Joyride 2 —New story levels
• Skate City — a new Pro Skate mode
• Lego Star Wars: Castaways
• Zookeeper World
• How about the golf?
• Subway Surfers Tag
• Racers of Warped Karts

What’s Apple Arcade?

Apple Arcade is Apple’s subscription service that offers access to more than 200 games. Each of these games are compatible with iPhones and iPads, and some can be played on Apple TVs and Mac computers. You can also download the definitive mobile versions of hits such as Jetpack Joyride 2., Reduce the Rope, Fruit Ninja, Angry Birds, The Oregon TrailPlease see the following: Crossy RoadYou can also play newer games such as Fantasian, Mini Motorways, NBA 2K23, How about the golf?Please see the following: Wylde Flowers. Apple promises that Apple Arcade games won’t ever have ads or in-game purchases.

Apple Arcade: How Much?

It costs $4.99 a month, and it’s also included as part of Apple One, a bundle that bundles it with Apple Music, TV Plus, and iCloud for $16.95 a month for an individual, or $22.95 for a family of five. Apple Arcade offers an initial one-month trial, while users can enjoy three consecutive months free if they purchase new Apple devices.

Apple Arcade: Is it worth the effort?

If you like playing games on your phone but don’t like the ads and in-app purchases that have become synonymous with mobile gaming, then Arcade is worth checking out. It’s relatively cheap, and it’s carefully curated — the included games are of decent quality and cover the whole broad spectrum of mobile gaming, from indie narrative games to casual puzzle games, console-style role-playing games to kids’ titles. It’s perhaps the best gaming subscription service for families, and it feels great to be completely free of microtransactions and ads.

However, it’s worth noting that there is a strong casual-gaming bias to the game catalog, and that Apple has struggled to find truly exciting new exclusives for the service of late. If you’re looking for a steady stream of exciting new releases to justify the subscription fee, you might find it wanting.