Nintendo Brings Back Social Simulation Games in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Nintendo will soon release the latest entry of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, known in Japan as Tomodachi Collection: Exciting Life, which is scheduled for a global launch on April 16, 2026.

The game is being developed and published by Nintendo exclusively for the Nintendo Switch platform.

This release marks the return of the Tomodachi series after over a decade, following the success of the Japan-exclusive Tomodachi Collection (2009) and Tomodachi Life (2013) for the Nintendo 3DS.

In the game, players are transported to an open-air tropical island, where they oversee and interact with a diverse population of Miis.

With improved interaction controls and broader customization options, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream promises a more personalized and dynamic life simulation.

The initial announcement of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was first made during a Nintendo Direct presentation on March 27, 2025.

Further details about the game, specifically regarding Mii creation and interactions, were revealed during a second Nintendo Direct presentation held on September 12, 2025.

Nintendo officially confirmed that Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will launch globally on April 16, 2026.

The game will be available for Nintendo Switch and will also be fully compatible with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console.

For eager fans, pre-orders for Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream are now open. The game is priced at $59.99 USD.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream offers an open tropical island setting, where players can observe and manage the Mii population.

Players can witness interactions between characters, such as petty squabbles, and even eavesdrop on their dreams, similar to the experience in previous games.

Unlike previous entries, this game introduces enhanced interaction controls, allowing players to directly influence the relationships between Mii.

One significant improvement is expanded inclusivity, particularly regarding Mii gender and dating preferences.

Players can now choose their Mii gender from three options: Male, Female, or Non-binary, reflecting Nintendo's commitment to broader representation.

Mii can also have flexible dating preferences, allowing for heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, or pansexual relationships in the game.

The Mii customization aspect in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream has been significantly improved.

The improved Mii Creator offers more facial features, including new options like ear selection, allowing for more unique and personalized character creation.

Hairstyle options are now split between front and back styles, similar to wigs in Miitopia, with a "Sets" option that includes both original and new Mii hairstyles.

Additionally, there are new options for face shape, nose (including "None"), mouth, and eyebrows, as well as unnatural skin tones.

In addition to character customization, players can also build and customize their own islands.

They can place houses and various items to develop towns into sprawling settlements, creating truly unique environments for their Miis.

Another exciting feature is the ability to give Miis pets by drawing 2D animal cutouts in the Palette House shop.

Players can also see what's on their Miis' minds, help solve problems, and foster friendships, making interactions even more immersive.

Time in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream runs similarly to the real world, encouraging players to visit their Mii daily to monitor their progress.

The game begins with an empty island that players can gradually expand with new buildings and characters.

The characters in the game don't have to be human; teddy bears and aliens can also appear, adding an element of fantasy and uniqueness.

The game shares elements with The Sims and Animal Crossing, allowing players to form relationships with the island's inhabitants and experience whimsical storylines.

The Mii have a variety of traits and behaviors, and their interactions can create unique and entertaining scenes.

Players can also purchase food and clothing for their Mii at shops on the island, adding a dimension to life management.