# Pokémon GO vs SwordArtOnline

The clearest difference is ads: SwordArtOnline at none against Pokémon GO's shown. SwordArtOnline also leads on rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (69% vs 44%). Pokémon GO's advantage is ratings volume (657K vs 12K) and chart position (#1 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pokémon GO sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and SwordArtOnline sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SwordArtOnline holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pokémon GO has 657K ratings behind it against 12K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of Pokémon GO's written reviews are positive against 69% of SwordArtOnline's.

Pokémon GO ships an update weekly, SwordArtOnline fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pokémon GO | SwordArtOnline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (657K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pokemon-go/id1094591345/reviews) | **[4.4 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swordartonline-integralfactor/id1347075404/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **657K** | 12K |
| Positive reviews | 43.7% of reviews | **68.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#1** | — |
| Size | 390 MB | 391 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Scopely Explore, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037205060) | [Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/352305770) |

## What reviewers say

### Pokémon GO

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pokemon-go/id1094591345)

**Currently charting:** #1 Top Free · Role Playing, #1 Top Grossing · Role Playing, #3 Top Grossing · Strategy, #9 Top Grossing · Games, #13 Top Free · Strategy, #34 Top Grossing, #96 Top Free · Games (US App Store)

Explore your surroundings to discover and catch virtual creatures. Journey with your companions, battle in gyms, and team up with others for powerful raids. Get moving for real-life adventures!

**Highlights:** Discover Pokémon in the real world, Catch Pokémon to complete Pokédex, Journey with Buddy Pokémon, Compete in Gym battles, Team up for Raid Battles, Utilize Adventure Sync for walking distance

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 PokéCoins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Event Bonus | $0.99 | one-time |
| Evergreen Ticket 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 550 PokéCoins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ticket | $4.99 | one-time |
| Event Ticket | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1,200 PokéCoins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2,500 PokéCoins | $19.99 | one-time |
| 5,200 PokéCoins | $39.99 | one-time |
| 14,500 PokéCoins | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive and fun gameplay
- 👍 Encourages outdoor activity
- 🚀 Frequent updates and new content
- 👍 Brings people together
- 🚀 Innovative AR features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with data collection
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🚫 Inaccessible for rural/disabled players

**Reported bugs**

- GPS/location issues causing gameplay problems
- Bugs with egg hatching and buddy Pokémon
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Glitches with raid battles and rewards

**Requested features**

- In-game chat/communication system
- Ability to trade items between players
- More customization options for avatars
- Improved tracking and spawn system
- Easier access to rare/legendary Pokémon


### SwordArtOnline

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swordartonline-integralfactor/id1347075404)

Step into the world of Sword Art Online as the protagonist in this MMORPG. Team up with other players to conquer Aincrad, forge weapons, and experience an "what-if" story that diverges from the original anime.

**Highlights:** Become the protagonist, Cooperative MMORPG gameplay, Experience original SAO story from your POV, Forge weapons and use skills, Battle monsters and complete quests, Behind-the-scenes stories

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Boost Mode | $8.99 | per month |
| Arcanagem A | $0.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem B | $3.99 | one-time |
| 1H Sword Rookie's Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem C | $7.99 | one-time |
| Arcana Gem Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem D | $12.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem E | $26.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem F | $39.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem G | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent graphics and visuals
- 👍 Engaging storyline and characters
- 🎮 Smooth and responsive gameplay
- 📱 Great mobile experience
- 🎨 Customizable character creation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔁 Repetitive and grindy gameplay
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🕰️ Slow progression and level grinding
- 🔇 Audio issues and sound cutting out

**Reported bugs**

- Bosses disappearing during battles
- Characters getting stuck and becoming invisible
- Inability to change servers or send messages to friends
- Arcana gems not being properly credited
- Constant update loop with no available updates

**Requested features**

- Controller support
- Ability to change partner character's appearance
- In-game trading system
- Player-vs-player (PvP) mode
- More diverse weapon and skill options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pokémon GO free?

Pokémon GO is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SwordArtOnline free?

SwordArtOnline is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pokémon GO or SwordArtOnline?

SwordArtOnline is rated higher. Pokémon GO averages 4.0 out of 5 from 657K ratings, while SwordArtOnline averages 4.4 from 12K ratings.

### Do Pokémon GO or SwordArtOnline have ads?

Pokémon GO shows ads; SwordArtOnline does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pokémon GO or SwordArtOnline?

Pokémon GO ships an update weekly, and SwordArtOnline fortnightly. Most recently, Pokémon GO was updated on November 7, 2026 and SwordArtOnline on November 7, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*