Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm+ Joins Apple Arcade with DLC

The Hidden Leaf Village is officially expanding its territory to the Apple ecosystem next month. Bandai Namco has confirmed that Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm+ is set to launch on Apple Arcade on December 4, 2025. This release marks a significant expansion for the 17-year-old franchise, bringing the hit 3D fighting game to Apple’s subscription service. The title will be accessible across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, allowing Apple Arcade subscribers to access the full game at no additional cost, distinct from the standalone premium versions currently sold on digital storefronts.

Designed as the definitive mobile experience, this "Plus" edition builds upon the mobile version introduced in 2024. It will feature a robust roster of 25 playable characters that covers the anime's early "Genin Training" arc through the dramatic "Sasuke Retrieval" arc. Players can control iconic shinobis, including Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru. 

A key upgrade for this version is the inclusion of support characters that were formerly available only as downloadable content (DLC), which are now integrated directly into the base game. Players can utilize these fighters across multiple game modes, such as the story-driven "Ultimate Mission Mode," which involves exploring the Hidden Leaf Village, and "Free Battle Mode" for custom matchups.

Optimized Controls for the Apple Ecosystem

To ensure the game plays as well as it looks, Bandai Namco has included technical optimizations specifically tailored for the Apple ecosystem. The release features updated menus, tutorial functions, and auto-save capabilities to suit on-the-go gaming. Control options have been significantly expanded to bridge the gap between mobile and console gaming. 

Players can choose between refined touch controls, simplified assisted options for casual play, or full gamepad support for a traditional experience on Apple TV and Mac. These features aim to make the complex fighting mechanics accessible to a broader audience of mobile subscribers.

From a business standpoint, the launch highlights Bandai Namco’s strategy of leveraging the "nostalgia economy" to drive engagement on modern platforms. With the Ultimate Ninja Storm series having sold over 30 million units worldwide as of 2025, the publisher is tapping into an established fanbase while removing the friction of upfront costs. 

While the standalone mobile app typically retails for $9.99—currently seen at discounted rates like $5.99 for Black Friday—the Apple Arcade release provides a value-add for subscribers, positioning the title as a major competitive entry in the mobile market during the high-traffic holiday season.

Fan Backlash Over 'Connections' Support

However, the announcement has sparked a wave of criticism from the dedicated fanbase on social media. Following the reveal on X, the comment section was dominated by negative replies regarding the state of Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections. 

Fans questioned the decision to release another version of an older game rather than update the 2023 title, which hasn't received new content since 2024. Community complaints focused on the lack of a second season pass, the absence of new DLC fighters, and unresolved technical issues, such as flickering textures on the PlayStation 5 version. While Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm+ offers a polished trip down memory lane for mobile users, core console players remain concerned about the lack of support for the franchise's current flagship title.