Apple Arcade Expands with Eight New Games, Including NFL Retro Bowl ’25 and NBA 2K25

Apple Arcade, Apple’s subscription-based gaming service, is set to introduce eight new titles to its growing catalog of over 200 games.

With these additions, Apple Arcade continues to cater to a broad range of players, offering experiences from competitive sports to deck-building games, casual life simulators, and even spatial puzzles designed for the upcoming Apple Vision Pro.

New Games Already Available

1. NFL Retro Bowl ’25: A nostalgic NFL-licensed game from New Star Games, it takes players back to a retro era of football gaming. This marks the first NFL game on Apple Arcade, bringing pixelated charm combined with the strategic depth fans of football games will appreciate.
2. Monster Train+: A deck-building roguelike where players defend the last shard of Hell from invaders. With strategy and card synergy at its core, Monster Train+ challenges players to build their decks carefully to battle through various levels and enemies.
3. Puzzle Sculpt: A unique addition designed for Apple Vision Pro, this game introduces spatial puzzle-solving, where players must manipulate 3D shapes in a virtual space. This game showcases Apple’s move into spatial gaming with its upcoming mixed-reality device.

Upcoming Games

1. Balatro+ (September 26): This roguelike deck-building game combines poker-inspired mechanics with tactical gameplay. Players craft powerful poker hands, use jokers for additional abilities, and take on challenging foes to progress through the game’s vibrant world. Created by solo developer LocalThunk and published by Playstack, Balatro+ promises a unique and satisfying experience with its combination of poker and deck-building.
2. NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition (October 3): One of the biggest sports games arrives on Apple Arcade with new features, including the debut of The Neighborhood for mobile. Players can compete in 1v1 or 3v3 matches, complete side quests, and take on challenges in revamped modes like MyCAREER and The Association. The game also features a new Greatest Mode, allowing fans to relive iconic moments from NBA legends.
3. Food Truck Pup+: A feel-good, casual game where players manage their own food truck business with a team of adorable dog chefs. Featuring pixel art and engaging gameplay, players cook dishes, hire part-time workers, and decorate their food truck while expanding their business.
4. Furistas Cat Cafe+: For cat lovers, this game lets players run their own cat cafe, match kittens with customers, and customize their spaces to create a welcoming environment for both felines and patrons. The lifelike interactions between the cats and their caretakers make this game a heartwarming experience.
5. Smash Hit+: This visually stunning game takes players on a journey through surreal environments, where they must use precise timing and physics-based mechanics to smash obstacles in their path. With its immersive soundscapes and graphic styles, Smash Hit+ promises to be a standout title in Apple Arcade’s collection.

Major Updates to Existing Games

Apple Arcade also has plans to release updates for some of its most popular titles:

• Wylde Flowers: A new Magical Creatures update allows players to restore Fairhaven’s lighthouse and uncover new magical secrets.
• Sonic Dream Team: On September 12, the Tails Challenge brings new powers and missions, plus a Jukebox Mode for collecting music tracks.
• Outlanders 2: Second Nature: Arriving on September 17, this update introduces a new leader, Jelena, along with fresh levels, buildings, and crops.
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure: On September 18, players can explore City Town, an entirely new region that offers new characters and locations.

What do you think of the latest additions to Apple Arcade? Which game are you most excited to play? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more details, you can check out the full lineup on Apple’s website or explore the games directly on your device through Apple Arcade.