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Apple opened the doors to game streaming services on its App Store last year following the implementation of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), but the first service to launch on iOS and iPadOS next week will be aimed at die-hard retro gamers like Cult of Mac pundits. outside.
Antstream is already available on multiple platforms, including Xbox, Windows, Android and Amazon devices, with more than 1,300 retro games available on demand, including Missile Command, Sam & Max Hit the Road, Asteroids and Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Apple now has several great retro game emulators available for mobile devices, including Delta, RetroArch, and PPSSPP (focused on the PlayStation Portable). The problem with these emulators is that they don't include games. They rely on ROMs, digital copies of classic video games, that are plagued with complicated legal questions when it comes to using and acquiring them. Antstream features a library of legally licensed retro titles that’s similar to the Evercade lineup of gaming consoles, so users don’t have to visit the dark corners of the web to source their own.
There are hundreds of games for outdated systems such as the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore Amiga, but only 28 Atari 2600 titles, including 5 from the Game Boy, 2 from the original PlayStation, and 42 from the Super Nintendo. So, while the Antstream service has over 1,300 games, you may need to go a little deeper to discover the ones you want to play. Although we liked the Super Star Wars trilogy on the SNES, it may not be enough to warrant the cost of an Antstream membership. For a limited period after the debut on the App Store on June 27, memberships will be lowered to $3.99 per month, or $29.99 per year.
