# ArcadeMania vs Itchy for Scratch

The clearest difference is monetization model: Itchy for Scratch at free against ArcadeMania's paid. Itchy for Scratch also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). ArcadeMania's advantage is rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (131 vs 32). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

ArcadeMania holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 131 and 32 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of ArcadeMania's written reviews are positive against 77% of Itchy for Scratch's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ArcadeMania ships an update monthly, Itchy for Scratch every 3 days. Both last shipped on November 12, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ArcadeMania | Itchy for Scratch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (131 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcademania/id6496971234/reviews)** | [4.0 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/itchy-for-scratch/id6743445859/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **131** | 32 |
| Positive reviews | 74.6% of reviews | **77.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 305 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Infinite Evolution Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/382641860) | [David Banziger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802904084) |

## 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


### Itchy for Scratch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/itchy-for-scratch/id6743445859)

This app provides a streamlined way to access and interact with the Scratch platform. Users can read messages, engage with projects, leave comments, and search for content within a user-friendly interface. It offers a free, ad-free experience for Scratch enthusiasts.

**Highlights:** Read messages, Interact with projects, Leave comments, Search content, Beautiful interface, Easy to use

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ArcadeMania free?

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

### Is Itchy for Scratch free?

Itchy for Scratch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ArcadeMania or Itchy for Scratch?

ArcadeMania is rated higher. ArcadeMania averages 4.4 out of 5 from 131 ratings, while Itchy for Scratch averages 4.0 from 32 ratings.

### Do ArcadeMania or Itchy for Scratch have ads?

Neither ArcadeMania nor Itchy for Scratch shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ArcadeMania or Itchy for Scratch?

ArcadeMania ships an update monthly, and Itchy for Scratch every 3 days. Most recently, ArcadeMania was updated on November 12, 2026 and Itchy for Scratch 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.*