What is Balatro? Get to know more about the game coming to Apple, Google mobile devices this week

Balatro , a popular poker-inspired roguelike deck builder video game is coming to a mobile device near you (possibly the one in your hand).

The highly praised video game is slated for a mobile release on September 26, and fans are already gearing up for its launch. Balatro is currently available for pre-order in the App Store, pre-registration on Google Play, and you can find it on Apple Arcade.

Released earlier this year by developer LocalThunk, Balatro is playable on Steam, PlayStation, Switch and Xbox, and it has already sold 2 million copies since its launch in February.

This week, Balatro will expand to mobile devices, much to the delight of fans. Reception for the game has been nothing short of positive as Balatro has been known to take up most of your free time, writes The Guardian , thanks to features like holographic, steel and gold versions of cards, and that fact that you're supposed to bend the rules.

Here's what to know about the upcoming mobile release of Balatro.

What is Balatro?

Balatro is a poker-inspired virtual card game that relies heavily on logic and a little bit of luck. It's where poker meets Solitaire, according to the Google Play description .

The goal of the highly addictive game to beat Boss Blinds, or large challenges, by making strong poker hands. An understanding of Poker is said to help, but knowledge alone doesn't get you very far.

How do I play Balatro?

There are three rounds in each ante, or a poker stake, where you play Poker Hands to increase your score and beat each round in turn. Gamers encounter a small blind, a big blind, and a Boss Blind within each ante with restrictions that impact players and makes the game more challenging.

Balatro says that the final ante in a traditional Balatro run, ante eight, will be a special Boss Blind.

What day does Balatro Mobile come out?

Balatro will be available on mobile starting Thursday, September 26, 2024.

How much does it cost to purchase Balatro Mobile?

According to the game's website , Balatro Mobile costs $9.99. For the Nintendo Switch , Xbox , PlayStation , and Steam versions, it costs $14.99 to download the game.

Can I pre-order Balatro Mobile?

Yes. The game is available to pre-order on Google Play , the Apple App Store , and Apple Arcade (subscription required).

Is Balatro available on all mobile devices?

In the App Store, the game is only available on iPhone and iPad.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When is the Balatro mobile release date? Get to know the popular game