# Instant Gaming vs Nintendo Store

The clearest difference is rating: Instant Gaming at 4.7 against Nintendo Store's 3.5. Instant Gaming also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Nintendo Store's advantage is chart position (#62 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Instant Gaming holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Instant Gaming has 1.9K ratings behind it against 195, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Instant Gaming's written reviews are positive against 43% of Nintendo Store's.

Instant Gaming ships an update every 6 weeks, Nintendo Store every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Instant Gaming | Nintendo Store |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instant-gaming/id1199040135/reviews)** | [3.5 (195 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nintendo-store/id1495746988/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.9K** | 195 |
| Positive reviews | **60.2% of reviews** | 42.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#62** |
| Size | 20 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Instant Gaming Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1199040134) | [Nintendo Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062496488) |

## What reviewers say

### Instant Gaming

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instant-gaming/id1199040135)

Discover and purchase PC, Mac, and console games at significant discounts, with savings of up to 70%. Access over 6000 titles digitally and receive instant delivery without extra charges. Stay updated on deals and stock availability.

**Highlights:** Up to 70% off games, Access to 6000+ PC, Mac & console games, Instant digital delivery, Discounted game purchases, Deal notifications, One-click game purchasing

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💰 Great prices
- 🛒 Convenient app experience
- ⭐ Reliable and trustworthy
- 💳 Smooth payment process
- 🎮 Wide game selection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Excessive ID verification
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔄 Lack of navigation features
- 💸 Questionable refund policies
- ⏱️ Slow response times

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes
- Incorrect game codes
- Compatibility issues
- Delayed order fulfillment
- Login/account problems

**Requested features**

- Add more payment options
- Improve app navigation
- Expand game library
- Enhance customer support
- Implement regional pricing


### Nintendo Store

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nintendo-store/id1495746988)

**Currently charting:** #62 Top Free · Shopping (US App Store)

Browse Nintendo systems, games, accessories, and merchandise. Stay updated on the latest game news, receive sale notifications, and review your play activity. Check in at events for rewards.

**Highlights:** Shop Nintendo systems and accessories, Browse physical and digital games, Discover Nintendo merchandise, Get latest game news and updates, Receive sale notifications, Review play activity, Check in at Nintendo events

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Activity log tracks playtime
- 👍 Well-organized store
- 👍 Nice way to browse the online store

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Just launches the browser version of the App Store
- 🚫 No options for filtering when searching
- 🚫 Slow load times and unoptimized interface
- 🚫 Purchasing issues, links to website instead of in-app
- 🚫 Not integrated with other Nintendo apps

**Reported bugs**

- Causing phone crashes when viewing certain character info
- Cache issues when purchasing items

**Requested features**

- Integrate with Nintendo Switch app
- Allow in-app purchases and downloads
- Add filtering and sorting options
- Improve load times and optimize interface
- Keep 3DS and Wii U play data up-to-date


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Instant Gaming free?

Instant Gaming is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Nintendo Store free?

Nintendo Store is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Instant Gaming or Nintendo Store?

Instant Gaming is rated higher. Instant Gaming averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while Nintendo Store averages 3.5 from 195 ratings.

### Do Instant Gaming or Nintendo Store have ads?

Nintendo Store shows ads; Instant Gaming does not.

### Which is updated more often, Instant Gaming or Nintendo Store?

Instant Gaming ships an update every 6 weeks, and Nintendo Store every 2 months. Most recently, Instant Gaming was updated on November 11, 2026 and Nintendo Store on November 12, 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.*