I Switched from Nintendo to Apple Arcade: A Week of Surprising Fun
In an unexpected experiment, a gaming enthusiast set aside their Nintendo Switch for a week, opting instead to immerse themselves in gaming through Apple Arcade on an iPad. This shift came after a decline in satisfaction with mobile gaming following the removal of popular titles from Netflix Gaming in July 2023. With modest expectations, the gamer sought to evaluate whether Apple Arcade could effectively fill the void left by their beloved Switch.
The first step was to explore the offerings on Apple Arcade, particularly seeking games reminiscent of popular Nintendo titles such as Animal Crossing and Breath of the Wild. While recognizing that iconic Nintendo games would not make their way to iOS, the search for comparable experiences led to some surprising discoveries.
Discovering Apple Arcade’s Cozy Games
Apple Arcade boasts a diverse library that includes numerous cozy games. Among the standout titles is Hello Kitty Island Adventure, which has garnered positive reviews and provided a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The absence of financial pressures, like paying off a home loan as seen in similar games, adds to its charm. The exploration continued with Outlanders, a resource management simulator that balances relaxation with strategic challenges. First launched in 2020, it remains a favorite.
Additional titles in the cozy genre include Stardew Valley+, Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom, and Disney Dreamlight Valley, each promising engaging gameplay. Even games that were less explored still contributed to the overall enjoyment of Apple Arcade.
RPGs and Ports That Impress
The role-playing game (RPG) selection on Apple Arcade exceeded expectations, featuring notable ports such as Final Fantasy IV: 3D Remake, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, and Final Fantasy I. Each of these titles functioned seamlessly on the iPad, particularly when paired with an Xbox controller. Another highlight is Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, a game reminiscent of Zelda that offers a comprehensive RPG experience.
“It’s much more ambitious than I’d expect from a mobile game,”
remarked the player, underlining the quality of the titles available on Apple Arcade. Fantasian also impressed with its unique design, crafted from physical dioramas, and showed that mobile games can reach new creative heights.
By the end of the week, over a dozen games had been downloaded, illustrating the breadth of options available and ensuring there was no shortage of entertainment without the Switch.
Challenges with Hardware and Performance
Despite the enjoyable gaming experience, there were notable challenges. Many games supported landscape mode, which is preferred, but some, such as Japanese Rural Life Adventure, restricted users to portrait mode, complicating controller use. Although many games offered controller support, inconsistencies arose; for example, Trials of Mana+ used a Switch-style button layout that created confusion for Xbox controller users.
Performance issues were prominent with Disney Dreamlight Valley, where the game struggled to run smoothly on a 10th generation iPad. While the device did meet the minimum requirements, the overall performance affected the experience, indicating that the choice of Apple device can significantly impact gaming quality.
As the week concluded, it became clear that while Apple Arcade may not replace a dedicated gaming PC, it presented a strong alternative to the Switch Lite for portable gaming. The platform is particularly suited for casual gamers, families, and fans of cozy titles.
In summary, Apple Arcade offers a diverse selection of games that can satisfy the needs of various players, especially those seeking engaging casual experiences. Despite some limitations, the platform’s offerings provide more value than initially anticipated, making it a viable option for gamers looking to explore beyond traditional consoles.
