The closest game to Pou is My Talking Tom 2, which has the same feed-bathe-sleep-play routine with a cartoon cat. If you want something calmer, Chill Capy keeps the care loop but gives you a capybara in a hot spring who can never die. For the official original, there’s Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom on Apple Arcade. Neko Atsume 2 and Cats & Soup are good picks if you liked Pou’s cuteness but want less upkeep.
What made Pou so popular? #
Paul Salameh released Pou in 2012, first on Android and then on iOS. It’s estimated at about 100 million downloads and was one of the most downloaded games of 2014. The idea is simple: an alien blob you feed, bathe, put to bed and entertain with mini-games that earn coins. You spend the coins on outfits, hats and wallpaper, brew potions in the lab, and visit friends’ Pous.
It came back in 2024, when TikTok videos of Pou plushies went viral. As of September 2026, Pou on the App Store is a $1.99 download that also has ads and in-app purchases ranging from $0.99 to $24.99, and it’s rated 4+.
A game like Pou needs three things: a creature with simple needs, quick mini-games that pay for upgrades, and something to customize.
Games like Pou at a glance #
| Game | Why it’s like Pou | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| My Talking Tom 2 | Same care loop, plus a cat that repeats your voice | Free, with ads and in-app purchases |
| My Talking Tom Friends | Several Outfit7 characters in one game | Free, with ads and in-app purchases |
| Chill Capy | Care loop and mini-games, but calm and no death | Free, optional subscription and gem packs |
| Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom | The original virtual pet, officially | Apple Arcade subscription |
| Neko Atsume 2 | Cute, collectible and low effort | Free to play |
| Cats & Soup | Cute cats, idle progress | Free, in-app purchases and optional ads |
| Finch | A pet that grows with your habits | Free, optional Finch Plus |
1. My Talking Tom 2 #
This is the most Pou-like game you can get. Outfit7’s first My Talking Tom came out in 2013, and the sequel followed in November 2018. You feed Tom, take him to the bathroom, tuck him into bed, and play mini-games for coins to spend on outfits. He also repeats what you say in a squeaky voice, which kids love.
How it differs: it’s busier and more ad-heavy than Pou. Great for kids, a lot for adults.
2. My Talking Tom Friends and the other “My Talking” pets #
Outfit7 has made a whole family of these. My Talking Angela came out in December 2014, My Talking Hank in December 2016, and My Talking Tom Friends in June 2020, which brings several of the characters together. If you like one, the others play in a similar way.
3. Chill Capy #
Chill Capy is what Pou would feel like if it were designed to relax you. Your pet is a capybara who lives in a hot spring and wears a yuzu on his head. The care loop will feel familiar: feed him one of eight snacks, give him a bath, and put him to sleep to restore energy. There’s also an onsen soak that raises his mood for ten minutes. Three mini-games (Yuzu Drop, Bubble Pop and Steam Says) each last under a minute and pay coins for 26 cosmetics across four slots, from a Straw Hat to a Duck Floatie.
The big differences from Pou: he can never die or leave, stat loss stops after 18 hours away, and you don’t need an account. Friends’ capybaras visit through QR-code playdates instead of online visits. It’s free, with rewarded ads you choose and an optional subscription. See our capybara virtual pet game guide for a full tour.
4. Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom #
If you want to go back to where Pou’s idea came from, Bandai’s Tamagotchi game arrived on Apple Arcade in 2024. Arcade games have no ads or in-app purchases, so it’s the cleanest option here, but it needs the subscription and runs only on Apple devices. Our Tamagotchi app guide covers what’s available on Android.
5. Neko Atsume 2 #
Hit-Point’s October 2024 sequel keeps the cuteness but drops the care. You set out food and toys, cats visit, and you collect photos and gifts. It’s a good choice if you loved looking at Pou more than looking after it.
6. Cats & Soup #
This idle game has cats cooking soup and gathering ingredients on their own, including while you’re away. You decorate, collect and add more cats. It’s rated 4+ on the App Store, with in-app purchases from $0.99 to $11.99 and optional ads.
7. Finch #
Finch is Pou for grown-ups with a to-do list. Your bird grows when you complete self-care goals like journaling or a breathing exercise. It’s free with an optional Finch Plus subscription, and it’s on iOS and Android.
Which Pou alternative should you play? #
- You want Pou, but new: My Talking Tom 2.
- You want Pou, but calmer: Chill Capy. If the constant upkeep is what wore you out, read virtual pet games where your pet doesn’t die.
- You want no ads: Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom on Apple Arcade.
- You want less work: Neko Atsume 2 or Cats & Soup.
Frequently asked questions #
Is Pou free? #
On the App Store, Pou costs $1.99 as of September 2026, and it also has ads and in-app purchases. Check Google Play for the current Android pricing.
Can you visit friends in Pou? #
Yes. Pou’s App Store description says you can visit and play with your friends. For a friend feature that needs no account, Chill Capy’s playdates work by QR code or a pasted text code.
What’s the game where you take care of a cat like Pou? #
That’s My Talking Tom 2 by Outfit7. You feed Tom, take him to the bathroom, put him to bed and play mini-games, just like Pou.
Is there a Pou game where your pet can’t die? #
Chill Capy is built around that rule. Its capybara never dies or leaves, however long you’re away, and stat loss is capped at 18 hours.