With Hello Kitty Island Adventure finally leaving its Apple Arcade exclusivity, many devoted players are wondering what this means for their save files. After an initial launch in 2023, players will soon be able to explore the world of Hello Kitty and her friends on Switch and PC on January 30th, 2025, with PS and Xbox launches coming later this year.

While the mobile version of Hello Kitty Island Adventure is arguably one of the best mobile games available for cozy players, especially in the Apple Arcade library, mobile gameplay isn't everyone's preferred method. This means that many players who have spent the last two years on mobile will be looking to make the jump, but there are a few things to consider first.

Apple Arcade Save Files Are Not Transferable

Players Will Need To Restart The Game On Their Chosen Platform

While it's not ideal to essentially throw away 2 years of gameplay, those looking to swap to the Nintendo Switch or PC will just have to accept it as the console release will not cross-save. This means that any data in the save file on an Apple Arcade version of the game will have to remain there. For some, this may mean simply not swapping at all and, for others, it may mean starting over from scratch.

That being said, it may not be as entirely bad as it sounds. Yes, starting over will be time-consuming at most, but for those who have already had time to learn the game, understand what resources are important, and develop a flow, it won't take nearly as long to progress to the same point as it did initially. However, given the lack of difference, it's really up to each player to decide whether it's worth it. Those who have made substantial progress may want to consider what they'd be giving up.

In addition to a lack of cross-save, players should also note there is no cross-play functionality either. Multiplayer may only be used between players on the same platform, which is another thing to keep in mind before purchasing.

It's important to consider that the console version will be no different content-wise from the mobile version, so those who don't have a preference for one platform over another should probably just stick with their current playthrough. That being said, if players want access to the content in the Deluxe Edition, this can only be done by purchasing the more expensive console edition of Hello Kitty Island Adventure.

The Switch & PC Versions Offer A Way For Players To Catch Up

The Deluxe Edition Somewhat Makes Up For Starting Over

While the Deluxe Edition is a bit pricier than the already expensive base game, there are some benefits to considering it, especially for those who are fully committed to a Switch or PC playthrough. Hello Kitty Island Adventure's Deluxe Edition is the same in every aspect as the base game, except for access to additional items. It will not only include exclusive event items but also crafting recipes and a starter bundle, all aimed at making starting over a little less dreadful.

Although access to all of these items won't be immediate, as players will have to progress a little to gain access to the bonus content, most of these items are otherwise unobtainable since they were exclusive to events that only existed in the mobile version. Beyond that, one thing players will gain somewhat immediate access to is a starter bundle that contains items designed to help players increase friendships and complete quests faster, somewhat alleviating the burden of starting over.

Playing on a console doesn't have to mean giving up the mobile version. Lots of cozy gamers often make several playthroughs of games like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, or Dreamlight Valley purely for the enjoyment of getting a chance to start fresh with background knowledge while keeping their original hard work.

So, while it may not be an ideal scenario, and it will still require a bit of work to get caught up, there are positives to switching and starting over Hello Kitty Island Adventure. Progressing will be easier a second time, even for those without the Deluxe Edition, and the cost can somewhat be argued as well if players take into consideration how much Apple Arcade costs annually to maintain, especially if this is the only game played on it.