Antstream Launches on iOS: Stream Over 1,300 Retro Games

Apple opened the door for game streaming services in its App Store following the implementation of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) last year. The first such service arriving on iOS and iPadOS next week will cater to hardcore retro gamers, as pointed out by Cult of Mac.

Antstream, which is already available on several platforms like Xbox, Windows, Android, and Amazon devices, boasts a catalogue of over 1,300 retro games that can be played on demand. Titles include classics like Missile Command, Sam & Max Hit the Road, Asteroids, and Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Several excellent retro gaming emulators are available for Apple’s mobile devices, including Delta, RetroArch, and PPSSPP, which focuses on the PlayStation Portable. The challenge with these emulators is that they don’t include any 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 offers a library of legally licensed retro titles 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 titles from ancient platforms like the Commodore 64, the ZX Spectrum, and the Commodore Amiga. However, you’ll find just 28 Atari 2600 games, five from the Game Boy, two from the original PlayStation, and 42 from the Super Nintendo. So, even with 1,300-plus games offered through the Antstream service, you might have to dig a little to find something you’ll actually want to play.

As much as we enjoyed the Super Star Wars trilogy on the SNES, that might not be enough to justify the price of an Antstream subscription. For a limited time after launching on the App Store on June 27th, subscriptions will be discounted to $3.99 per month or $29.99 per year, which is slightly cheaper than the standard $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year that Antstream usually charges.

Antstream's launch on iOS and iPadOS marks a significant milestone for retro gaming enthusiasts. With its vast catalogue of legally licensed games, it offers a convenient and legal way to enjoy classic titles on the go. Whether the service's value justifies its cost will depend on the individual player's nostalgia and gaming preferences. For those who have been longing for a legitimate way to access retro games on their Apple devices, Antstream presents a compelling option.