Hello Kitty Island Adventure has become a surprise hit since its release on the Nintendo Switch earlier this year. Developed by Sunblink, the game has surpassed 500,000 sales across Switch and PC in just 30 days. The hard work of the team seems to have paid off, thanks in part to the upcoming physical Deluxe Edition.
Released originally on Apple Arcade, Hello Kitty Island Adventure brought a fresh experience to the social sim genre. While borrowing from other games like Animal Crossing, it offers a unique twist that is sure to appeal to fans looking for their next cosy fix.
According to our review, Hello Kitty Island Adventure “proves an innovative entry into the social sim genre.” The game’s core loop involves walking around your island, giving gifts to villagers to build friendships and picking up resources. However, it also features a surprising number of quests, including friendship-related ones, quest to expand the island, and unlock new characters.
One notable difference between Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Animal Crossing is its RPG-like quest system and puzzle dungeons. The game also offers exploration and decorating houses, giving players a sense of accomplishment similar to Animal Crossing’s “happy home paradise” DLC.
While some fans may find the NPCs’ dialogue lacking compared to other games in the genre, they do have more personality and plot. Plus, players can explore the world as an animal rather than a human, adding a unique twist.
With its upcoming physical release on March 25th, 2025, Hello Kitty Island Adventure is poised for even greater success. The Deluxe Edition promises over 300 new items and rewards, including starter bundles, legacy clothing, furniture, and cosmetics from past seasonal events.
Source: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/03/hello-kitty-island-adventure-sales-surpass-half-a-million-in-30-days