Summary
Balatro, widely considered one of the best new game releases of 2024, has been added toXbox Game Passin a surprise update for the subscription service. Microsoft typically announces newXbox Game Passadditions well in advance, but the company has been known to shadow drop games on the service from time to time as well.
One of the most famous examples of an Xbox Game Pass shadow drop came at the beginning of 2023 whenHi-Fi Rushwas shadow dropped for the service. More recently,Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackwas shadow dropped for Game Pass. Now yet another game has been added to Xbox Game Pass with no prior announcement, and it’s one of the highest-rated games of 2024.
Balatro is Now on Xbox Game Pass
Not only isBalatronow on Xbox Game Pass, but its debut on the service coincides with the release of the latest Friends of Jimbo update.Friends of Jimbo updatessee special themed cards added toBalatrothat are based on other franchises. The newest Friends of Jimbo update will be adding cards based onDead by Daylight,Civilization,Assassin’s Creed,Bugsnax,Slay the Princess,Fallout,Slay the Princess, and more. The new Friends of Jimbo update should be available toBalatroplayers across all platforms, not just those checking out the new Xbox Game Pass release.
Balatrohad an incredible 2024. Not only did it sell millions of copies, but the game also found itselfnominated for multiple awards at The Game Awards 2024, including Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game, winning the latter three.Balatro’s Xbox Game Pass debut should ensure that the game reaches an even larger audience in 2025.
