Comparison

Arcade Reference vs GameZ

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Arcade Reference

Access comprehensive information on classic arcade games from the 70s to the 2000s. This app provides a detailed guide with tips and data compiled from enthusiast communities, focusing on video games and excluding gambling machines.

Highlights
  • Extensive arcade game database
  • Information compiled from Mame data
  • Tips and reference material
  • Organized game data
  • Covers 70s-2000s titles
  • Excludes gambling machines
Features
Read full description

Every information about the "arcade" games just with a tap! Please note: this app does not contains any games, but information about games! This app takes all the data exported from Mame(c) and from various files created and updated by enthusiasts, it groups it together and it organizes it in order to have all the information in your device as a guide or simply as a reference for reading information and tips. Note: As a functional choice, only the "Parent" set are shown. In addition, all "mechanical" machines and all the "Gambling" games (Video Poker, Blackjack etc.) have been eliminated. The result is a list of about 3600 Arcade titles from the 70s to the 2000s. Credits: All trademarks used belong to their respective owners. See the section Info in the App for all details about the Credits.

About

GameZ

Organize and track your entire game library. Discover information, news, and progress for your favorite titles across all platforms. Sync your collection seamlessly between devices.

Highlights
  • Vast game database (450,000+ titles)
  • Track game progress and platforms
  • View game information and images
  • iCloud synchronization across devices
  • Clean and minimalist design
Features
Read full description

Every game you play. Every game you own. GameZ is the home for your whole gaming life — the games you're playing, the ones you've finished, and the physical collection on your shelf. YOUR LIBRARY - Track what you're playing, want to play, and have beaten. - Organize by platform, progress, and status. - Discover new games, upcoming releases, and what's hyped. YOUR COLLECTION - Catalog your physical games, consoles, and accessories. - See every box in stunning 3D — front, back, and spine. - Track condition, region, and your own photos. - Follow the market value of your collection over time. INSIGHTS & SOCIAL - Beautiful stats about how you play and what you own. - Share your collection and activity with friends. AND MORE - Huge database with 450,000+ games. - iCloud sync — everything on all your devices. - Home Screen widgets and a clean, modern design. By using this app, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Apple's Standard Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Arcade Reference4 screens
GameZ4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: GameZ at 4.4 against Arcade Reference's 3.1. GameZ also leads on review sentiment (65% vs 46%) and ratings volume (184 vs 52). Arcade Reference's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Arcade Reference sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and GameZ sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GameZ holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 52 and 184 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of Arcade Reference's written reviews are positive against 65% of GameZ's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Arcade Reference ships an update every 5 days, GameZ weekly. The most recent releases landed on June 10, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Arcade Reference versus GameZ: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArcade ReferenceGameZ
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.1 (52 ratings)4.4 (184 ratings) — better
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews65.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings52184 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size170 MB116 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNicola CanaliRaul Lermen

Customer experience

Arcade Reference

All ratings52 ratings
Positive48.1%
Neutral9.6%
Negative42.3%
Written reviews65 reviews
Positive46.2%
Neutral6.2%
Negative47.7%

GameZ

All ratings184 ratings
Positive87.0%
Neutral2.2%
Negative10.9%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive65.4%
Neutral11.5%
Negative23.1%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Arcade Reference

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$0.99
4 purchases

GameZ

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly$0.997 Days
  • Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Anual$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$39.99

Questions

Is Arcade Reference free?
Arcade Reference is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GameZ free?
GameZ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Arcade Reference or GameZ?
GameZ is rated higher. Arcade Reference averages 3.1 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while GameZ averages 4.4 from 184 ratings.
Do Arcade Reference or GameZ have ads?
Neither Arcade Reference nor GameZ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Arcade Reference or GameZ?
Arcade Reference ships an update every 5 days, and GameZ weekly. Most recently, Arcade Reference was updated on June 10, 2026 and GameZ on September 26, 2026.

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