Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass launched within days of each other in September 2019 and offer similar services on their respective platforms. Today, neither has changed much, but considerable differences in services set them apart.
Apple Arcade is available on nearly every product, so it works on iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, and tvOS. Google Play Pass, on the other hand, is exclusive to Android devices. If you only plan to play on your mobile phone, choosing the right platform for you is pretty easy. However, if you own several Apple products, things get a little more complicated. Regardless of which camp you sit in, this article will explain the differences between the two services and which one we believe is best for you. If you just got the best Android phone, Play Pass is a great way to try out your new device.
Find out how many Google Play Pass and Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass offer subscription access to thousands of games without interrupting ads or microtransactions. Both have grown since their release, as new games (and apps in the case of Play Pass) are added regularly. Due to the similarities, the best way to compare the two services is to look at their numbers.
number of games | 240+ | ~1000 (including apps) |
price | $4.99/month $49.99/year | $4.99/month $29.99/year |
Additional accounts | Five | Five |
App included? | No | yes |
exclusive game? | yes | No |
compatible device | iOS 13, tvOS 13, iPadOS 13, and macOS Catalina and later | Devices running Android 4.4 and higher |
By the numbers, it might seem like Play Pass outperforms Apple Arcade in every way. It’s cheaper, offers more games, and lets you buy all games without a subscription.You also receive all categories of apps as part of your subscription. However, those familiar with Apple’s business model would correctly assume that Apple offers a more premium, curated list. It’s not that Play Pass is full of junk (although there is some). It has a lot of filler, but it contains some of the best games on the Play Store.
What does Google Play Pass include?
Google Play Pass offers an amazing array of apps and games, including must-download items. A quick look at the Play Pass landing page shows games like Monument Valley and Star Wars: KOTOR in our roundup of the best Android games and best RPGs for Android. Other notable additions include Stardew Valley, Mini Metro and Titan Quest.
One of Play Pass’s strengths is that it’s not just about games. The best roundup with many of the apps we always recommend, such as Tasker.
As with Apple Arcade, there are no gacha games or other pay-to-win experiences. However, there is still a lot of garbage. But Google doesn’t promote these junk games. After scrolling through Play Pass for a while, the only games I found with 1 or 2 star reviews were Play Pass’s[New to Play Pass]was in the section. Google doesn’t seem to want us to play them. Instead, they are there to fill in the numbers. They are breaking promises with some of them. One of these filler his games, a captivating experience called Japanese Office Simulator, contains unskippable ads.
So, after all the junk is gone, Google Play Pass’s collection of apps and games is reduced to roughly the same number as Apple Arcade. However, this is not a problem for most users as they are not bombarded with this junk. Google Play Pass includes some useful features that make your subscription experience more enjoyable. Let’s say you subscribed but only enjoy one or two games. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll keep your save data so you can purchase games separately and pick up where you left off.
In short, Google Play Pass feels like browsing a thrift store. You can find high quality gemstones at low prices, but 90% of stores ignore them. Like a thrift store, it takes time to find what you’re looking for. You can usually find Play Pass games by browsing the Play Store as you normally would.
How does it compare to Apple Arcade?
Browsing the Apple Arcade collection feels more like a museum shop than a thrift store. Each item is tempting, but you know you’re paying a premium.Apple Arcade offers quality games like Alto’s Adventure and Crashlands, plus a series of exclusive games that can only be played on Apple Arcade. increase.
For the most part, these exclusive games seem to be sequels or spin-offs to existing franchises like Jetpack Joyride 2 and Amazing Bomberman. These are not cheap spinoffs. These are high quality games in stark contrast to the JapaneseOfficeSimulators on Google Play Pass. Unlike the Play Pass landing page, exploring Apple Arcade selections is quick and easy. And with fewer choices, you can quickly find what you’re interested in.
However, locking these games behind a subscription comes at the expense of Play Pass’s flexibility. If you’re enjoying one or two games, you’ll need to maintain your subscription to continue playing. Even if the game can be purchased separately, save data will not be carried over. To continue the game where you left off, you will need to re-register.
Add in the $20 difference between annual subscriptions to the service and it can be hard to commit. It’s just the Apple experience, a premium experience that lacks flexibility and freedom.
So which service is better?
In terms of quality, Apple Arcade beats Google Play Pass. However, the lack of apps and the abundance of great games on Play Pass make the Apple experience a tough pill to swallow.
If Apple allowed users to purchase Apple Arcade games individually, it would be a staunch opponent of Play Pass. However, Play Pass’s cheaper subscriptions, broader library, and flexible purchasing options make it a great choice even for those who play games a few times a year. not just saying). Thanks to Play Pass’s vast selection, if you’re not sure where to start, check out our roundup of the best apps and games available with Play Pass.
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