Unexpected Issues with Balatro Mobile Port

The recently launched mobile versions of the hit roguelike Balatro have sparked some criticism over changes to the game’s sell mechanic, which is notably different from what players on PC and consoles are used to. Fans have expressed frustration with how Joker cards are handled in the iOS and Android versions of the game.

Released on September 26, Balatro’s mobile ports have been met with largely positive feedback, with the game even earning a perfect five-star rating on the Apple App Store based on nearly 7,000 reviews. However, concerns have surfaced regarding the new system for selling Joker cards, a core part of the game’s Poker-themed deck-building strategy.

In a post on the Balatro subreddit, user docpagliacci voiced their frustration about how easy it is to accidentally sell Joker cards in the mobile versions. These special cards, crucial to gameplay, can only be obtained through a shop that appears mid-match, making careful card management essential.

In the PC and console versions, selling a Joker requires an additional click or button press, but in the mobile ports, players must drag the cards to a sell zone located next to the cards themselves. Docpagliacci suggested moving the sell zone to the far right side of the screen after unintentionally selling a Joker while trying to rearrange cards.

Community Concerns Over Mobile Changes to Balatro's Sell System

Many players on the subreddit agreed with docpagliacci, with some even questioning why the mobile version of Balatro implemented a different sell mechanic at all. Responding to this feedback, Balatro's solo developer, LocalThunk, quickly addressed the issue by adjusting the placement of the sell box in subsequent patches. Between updates 1.1.1 and 1.1.4, the sell zone was gradually moved further to the right side of the screen, in line with community requests.

Despite these concerns, Balatro has been a massive success on mobile, becoming the top-selling game on both Android and iOS. It even surpassed mobile giants like Minecraft in key markets such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Earlier in August, Balatro hit an impressive milestone, with over two million copies sold since its initial launch in February. Fans can look forward to even more exciting content, as the game’s first major update is scheduled for 2025, promising new strategies and gameplay features for its growing player base.

With these fixes in place, Balatro continues to thrive, solidifying its position as a favorite in the mobile gaming world.