Balatro surprise release!
It has just been revealed at today’s Xbox Indie Showcase that none other than Balatro is arriving on Xbox Game Pass as a surprise drop! The game will likely be available soon for console (and quite possibly PC too) as part of the service.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Balatro is a card game that many consider to be a Game of the Year contender for 2024, renowned for being extremely addictive—so be cautious before you rush to download it on Game Pass later today!
Here’s a bit of what we stated in our Balatro review from last year:
“Balatro is an incredibly clever indie treasure that utilizes the fundamentals of traditional poker to create a remarkably accessible and irresistibly addictive experience.
This game features a wonderfully smooth core, crafting decks and challenging dealers while incorporating wild special cards and variables into your collection is mesmerizing, and, with a beautifully subtle soundtrack and stunning visuals, it stands out as one of the top, genuine, must-play games of 2024.”
In addition to the Xbox Game Pass launch, a variety of collaborations have also been announced for Balatro today as part of the Pack 4 update, featuring titles such as Bugsnax, Assassin’s Creed, and even Fallout joining in on the excitement.
Balatro was not the only Game Pass reveal at the Xbox Indie Showcase today, as well, with a host of other titles being announced for later in 2025. We’ve covered these in other places on Pure Xbox.