"Balatro is an almost perfect mobile port."

The year 2024 has become a significant moment for Balatro, a game that has captured the attention of many with promises of exciting matches and memorable moments. However, the true impact has been felt since its launch on iOS and Android devices this fall. While I don't have concrete figures, Charlie Brooker, known for his work on Black Mirror, made an interesting prediction by commenting that following the release of Balatro on mobile, "human activity will decrease by about 25 percent." This suggests the significant effect the game has on players.

One of the highlights of Balatro on mobile devices is its price. It is offered in the Apple App Store and Google Play for $10, which represents a $5 reduction compared to the desktop edition available on Steam and consoles such as Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. What makes it even more appealing is that, unlike many mobile games that are saturated with microtransactions, Balatro does not include ads or additional purchases that disrupt the gaming experience. All content, including crossover cards inspired by titles like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, will be available at no extra cost.

The mobile adaptation of the game has taken into account almost all important details. The mobile version of Balatro features cloud saves, multiple profiles, and support for several languages. Furthermore, it offers the option to easily achieve accomplishments, which is ideal if you use the mobile version as a secondary platform. There is also a High Contrast Cards option, which not only enhances accessibility but also makes it easier to distinguish between different suits of cards.

The game interface has been optimized for easier handling of items, making the card-moving experience very satisfying, especially for those who prefer touch controls over a keyboard and mouse. Personally, I find that the mobile version surpasses the original in terms of gameplay.

Balatro on mobile performs well on a variety of devices, especially on foldable phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. These wide screens fit perfectly with the game’s interface, preventing players from feeling cramped due to lack of space. However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to point out, such as the fact that on foldable devices, the game does not utilize all the available vertical space, although this does not significantly affect the overall experience. Additionally, the position of the jump button when opening packs can lead to unintentional selections, something that has occurred more times than I would like to admit.

Despite these small issues, the mobile version of Balatro meets all my expectations. In a landscape where many portable games seem to be low-effort designs aimed solely at making profits, Balatro stands out as a product that will certainly be worth enjoying for many years to come.