Unofficial Nintendo DS Port of Balatro Released

Unofficial Nintendo DS Port of Balatro Released

Overview of Balatro’s New Nintendo DS Port

  • Balatro is now accessible on the Nintendo DS system via homebrew modifications.
  • This homebrew version of Balatro is limited, lacking features such as in-game music and a comprehensive card collection.
  • Exciting updates are anticipated for the official version of Balatro in 2025.

For fans eager to enjoy Balatro while on the move, an exciting development has emerged: the game is now playable on the Nintendo DS, leveraging homebrew modding techniques. This popular indie title already graced numerous platforms and smartphones, and now DS enthusiasts can join the fun.

Since its launch, Balatro has captivated players with its engaging yet straightforward gameplay mechanics. This unique blend of deck-building and roguelike elements reinvents traditional genre norms, presenting them in a captivating poker format. Despite its depth and rewarding strategies, Balatro shines with quick session capabilities, making it ideally suited for handheld consoles; the game was previously available on the Nintendo Switch. Now, it expands its reach to another beloved Nintendo device—though in a non-official manner.

Homebrew Mod Unlocks Balatro for Nintendo DS

The development, led by modder Haynster via GitHub, facilitates playing Balatro on the DS. The process is relatively simple, although users must have MicroLUA homebrew development software to proceed. However, potential players should note that this port isn’t a full-featured experience. It notably lacks in-game music and is limited to the original card deck, featuring only 12 Boss Blinds and 15 Joker cards out of a total of 150 available in the main game.

Furthermore, the DS version struggles with recognizing certain gameplay hands. For example, a hand that consists of a pair alongside three random cards may not be acknowledged correctly. While it’s a nostalgic thrill to see Balatro functioning on a classic console like the Nintendo DS, these limitations position it as a fun novelty rather than a primary platform for beginners. Given Balatro’s surging popularity following its debut last year, it is no wonder that fans are eager to adapt the game for various devices, with additional mods even extending its reach to the Apple Watch.

2023 has proved to be a significant year for Balatro and its creator, LocalThunk. The recent “Friends of Jimbo”update introduced new card art featuring characters from franchises such as Civilization and Fallout. Furthermore, LocalThunk successfully appealed to alleviate Balatro’s restrictive 18+ rating, originally imposed due to its content related to poker and gambling. As the community eagerly anticipates the major updates slated for 2025, the excitement surrounding Balatro continues to build.

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