Animal Crossing Alternative Drops Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade

An Animal Crossing: New Horizons alternative just got a new-gen upgrade on the Nintendo Switch 2.

There aren't many games as cosy as the Animal Crossing series, and that’s pretty much been the case since the original game in the series first launched on the Nintendo GameCube all the way back in 2001.

The most recent game in the series, not including spin-offs, is 2020’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which was released on the Nintendo Switch. Then, earlier this year, it received a ‘Switch 2 Edition’ that comes with an improved resolution and framerate, increased online player lobbies, and Joy-Con 2 mouse support.

However, at the start of this year, Animal Crossing: New Horizons encountered an unexpected alternative for fans who were perhaps on the lookout for something new but similar on the Nintendo Switch. The alternative in question is Hello Kitty: Island Adventure.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Sunblink

Hello, Hello Kitty

“If there’s anything about cosy gaming that appeals to you, Hello Kitty Island Adventure should undoubtedly be high on your to-play list,” said GAMINGbible’s Kate in her review.

“Developer Sunblink, in partnership with Sanrio, may have built a game on the foundations of those that have come before in the genre, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that the end result is a sunshine-filled tonic that’s sure to delight every single player who consumes it.”

As brought to our attention by Comicbook.com, Hello Kitty: Island Adventure now has a ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’.

Unfortunately, however, much like most Switch 2 upgrades, this isn't free and will cost you £9.99/$9.99.

Similar to the Animal Crossing: New Horizons upgrade, the ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’ of Hello Kitty: Island Adventure will have an improved resolution and framerate, Joy-Con 2 mouse compatibility and added CameraPlay support.

Whether those upgrades are worth the £10 is subjective, because you can still enjoy the original game via Nintendo Switch backwards compatibility at no extra cost.

Some gamers aren't happy, and we get it

“This is absolutely ridiculous. Making players pay $10 for an update? I paid $40 for the base game when it came out. Then I bought the Deluxe upgrade for another $20. Then they want $15 for the ‘Wheat Wonderland’ DLC,” exclaimed cynnb160 in the comments section on YouTube.

“This seems way too expensive for an upgrade pack in my opinion. I’ve been playing since the day it was released on Switch and love the game, but that price is too much,” said mackenzieallyn.

Hello Kitty: Island Adventure is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch consoles and compatible mobile devices.