# ArcadeMania vs SameBoy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ArcadeMania at none against SameBoy's 5. ArcadeMania also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). SameBoy's advantage is review sentiment (84% vs 74%). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SameBoy sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. ArcadeMania asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for ArcadeMania against 4.5 for SameBoy. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 122 and 110 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 74% of ArcadeMania's written reviews are positive against 84% of SameBoy's.

ArcadeMania ships an update monthly, SameBoy every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 10, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ArcadeMania | SameBoy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (122 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcademania/id6496971234/reviews) | **[4.5 (110 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sameboy/id6496971295/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **122** | 110 |
| Positive reviews | 74.2% of reviews | **83.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 300 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.4 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Infinite Evolution Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/382641860) | [Lior Halphon](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741211844) |

## What reviewers say

### ArcadeMania

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcademania/id6496971234)

Relive classic arcade, computer, and electronic games from over three decades. This app utilizes the MAME emulation core to support thousands of titles, offering enhanced graphics and extensive controller support for an authentic retro gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Supports 5,000+ arcade games, MAME 0.278 emulation core, Native Metal Graphics Renderer, Custom Shaders and HDR Support, Full controller support (Xbox, PS, Switch), Save States and Cheats

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth emulation
- 👍 Great UI and options
- 🎮 Flawless ROM importing and controller support
- 💰 Free with no ads or IAPs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on older iPad models
- 🔊 No sound or music in some games

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on iPad with iOS 16.7.11
- Crashes on iPad with iPadOS 13.5

**Requested features**

- Support for 8Bitdo Bluetooth controllers
- Fix for game mode not working


### SameBoy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sameboy/id6496971295)

Experience classic handheld gaming with a highly accurate emulator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Super Game Boy. Enjoy advanced features like save states, rumble support, and controller compatibility. Play on your Apple Watch and customize your experience with various filters and themes.

**Highlights:** Accurate Game Boy emulation, Save states with gesture support, Rumble support, Apple Watch playability, Scaling filters, Game Boy Camera emulation, Controller support

**Features:** Game Controller support, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Supporter | $0.99 | per month |
| Supporter Plus | $2.99 | per month |
| Supporter Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| Lifetime Theme Access | $4.99 | one-time |
| SameBoy for Apple Watch | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 No ads or intrusive monetization
- 🎮 Highly accurate Game Boy/GBC emulation
- 💡 Innovative gesture controls (swipe to save/load/fast-forward)
- 🎨 Beautiful, authentic design with multiple themes
- ⚙️ Extensive customization and emulation options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Apple Watch support requires paid subscription
- 🐛 iPad portrait mode menu bug
- ❌ No Game Boy Advance emulation despite claims
- 🎮 Small button sizes for large hands
- ⚠️ Cheats feature limited or non-functional

**Reported bugs**

- iPad portrait mode triggers menu on A button/Up arrow press
- Game Boy Camera crashes on iPhone 17 Pro Max when switching cameras
- Rewind function causes game data loss in some titles
- 200% and 400% speed boost settings don't work
- Cheats don't function properly for certain games

**Requested features**

- Game Boy Advance emulation support
- Cheat code functionality
- Multiplayer/wireless linking for Pokémon games
- Online multiplayer support
- Adjustable screen and button sizes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ArcadeMania free?

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

### Is SameBoy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ArcadeMania or SameBoy?

SameBoy is rated higher. ArcadeMania averages 4.4 out of 5 from 122 ratings, while SameBoy averages 4.5 from 110 ratings.

### Do ArcadeMania or SameBoy have ads?

Neither ArcadeMania nor SameBoy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ArcadeMania or SameBoy?

ArcadeMania ships an update monthly, and SameBoy every 4 months. Most recently, ArcadeMania was updated on October 10, 2026 and SameBoy on October 10, 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.*