Apple recently made a change to iCloud+ in Singapore that caught my attention: Apple Arcade and Apple TV are now included with paid iCloud+ subscriptions at no additional cost. So that means that games like Hello Kitty Island Adventure are included in the iCloud subscription.

I originally played Hello Kitty Island Adventure on my iPad, but eventually deleted it and moved over to the Nintendo Switch version. Although I am no longer playing on Apple devices, I think this makes the game much easier for existing iCloud+ subscribers to try.

[First Impressions: Hello Kitty Island Adventure (Apple Arcade)]

[Hello Kitty Island Adventure on Nintendo Switch: Finally Returned to the Island]

So, is Hello Kitty Island Adventure Free Now?

The full game is included with Apple Arcade, and Apple Arcade is now bundled with paid iCloud+ plans in Singapore. So if you already have iCloud+, you don't need to pay for a separate Apple Arcade subscription to play it.

So yes, you can think of Apple Arcade as being included “for free” with your existing paid iCloud+ subscription, but you still need the iCloud+ plan itself.

Apple's 50GB iCloud+ plan starts at S$1.48 per month in Singapore, so if you're already paying for iCloud storage, Apple Arcade is now an added benefit rather than another monthly subscription.

There are also more than 200 games in the Apple Arcade catalogue, so Hello Kitty Island Adventure is just one of the games you get access to.

My First Experience With Hello Kitty Island Adventure

As mentioned earlier, I first played Hello Kitty Island Adventure on my iPad. It seemed like a perfect game for a tablet. Cute characters, a cosy island and plenty of things to explore. The problem for me was the touchscreen controls.

I found the native controls a little cumbersome, particularly when moving around and interacting with things. It wasn't enough to make the game unplayable, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected.

[First Impressions: Hello Kitty Island Adventure (Apple Arcade)]

Additionally, since I was on the free trial for Apple Arcade and it was no longer something I wanted to pay for, I deleted the game and eventually picked it up on Nintendo Switch instead.

Why I'm Still Playing on Switch

For me, it really comes down to the controls and battery lifespan. I prefer playing Hello Kitty Island Adventure with physical buttons and sticks rather than touchscreen controls. It makes exploring the island feel more comfortable, and it fits better with how I normally play cosy games.

So even though I could now go back to the iPad version without paying an additional Apple Arcade subscription, I don't really feel the need to. Moreover, playing on the iPad using battery I could have used for video editing or something else, and playing on an iPhone is not satisfying as the screen is too small.

A Good Alternative If You Haven't Played It

However, if you don't have a gaming device or simply want to try out games, I think this is where Apple's change is interesting.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is now available on Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, Steam for PC and PlayStation 5. The versions on Switch, PC and PS5 are sold separately, while the Apple Arcade version is included with the subscription.

So if you already have iCloud+ and have been curious about the game, Apple Arcade gives you an easy way to try it without buying another copy. And if you decide it's not for you, there are plenty of other games in the Apple Arcade catalogue to explore.

For Me, It's Still a Switch Game

It's slightly funny that I started Hello Kitty Island Adventure on an iPad, stopped playing it there and eventually ended up with the Nintendo Switch version. Now Apple has made the Apple Arcade version easier to access again, but my preference hasn't really changed.

The Apple Arcade version is a good alternative, though, especially if you already have iCloud+ and have been curious about the game, or want to try out other games.

More Cozy Games to Try on Apple Arcade

Hello Kitty Island Adventure isn't the only cosy or cute game worth checking out on Apple Arcade. There are quite a few games in the catalogue that caught my eye, so I think that deserves its own post rather than turning this one into a huge list.

I'm planning a separate roundup of 5 cozy Apple Arcade games to try, with a mix of cute, relaxing and easy-going games that might appeal to the same kind of player.

Here's to cosy gaming and happy weekends!~

Don't get to share your experience with Hello Kitty Island Adventure or any other cosy games you would recommend in the comments below!