# Mars Quest vs Retro Game Console

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Retro Game Console at none against Mars Quest's 5. Retro Game Console also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly). Mars Quest's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mars Quest sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Retro Game Console asks for nothing beyond the download.

Mars Quest ships an update fortnightly, Retro Game Console every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mars Quest | Retro Game Console |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (91 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mars-quest-8-bit/id491304485/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **91** | — |
| Positive reviews | 68.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 98 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [First Class Media B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1394094946) | [HTS-TEAM](https://appshunter.io/developer/1669236231) |

## What reviewers say

### Mars Quest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mars-quest-8-bit/id491304485)

Embark on a challenging retro adventure guiding an astronaut through alien-infested Martian levels. Experience nostalgic 8-bit graphics and music while avoiding obstacles and increasing speed. Compete with friends via Game Center.

**Highlights:** 8-bit retro music, Guide astronaut through levels, Avoid aliens and obstacles, Smart level progression, Increasing speed challenges, Game Center scores and achievements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove advertising | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1 extra life | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5 extra lives | $1.99 | one-time |
| 10 extra lives | $2.99 | one-time |
| 25 extra lives | $4.99 | one-time |


### Retro Game Console

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-game-console/id6746507414)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mars Quest free?

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

### Is Retro Game Console free?

Retro Game Console is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Mars Quest or Retro Game Console have ads?

Both Mars Quest and Retro Game Console show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mars Quest or Retro Game Console?

Mars Quest ships an update fortnightly, and Retro Game Console every 6 days. Most recently, Mars Quest was updated on October 23, 2026 and Retro Game Console on October 25, 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.*