Nintendo has shared an in-depth look at Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, the first new entry in the Tomodachi Life series in more than a decade. The latest presentation highlights how the life simulation series is evolving on Nintendo Switch, while retaining the playful, unpredictable charm fans expect. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches April 16 and will also be playable on Nintendo Switch 2.
At its core, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream once again centers on creating Mii characters inspired by family, friends, celebrities, or entirely original creations, then placing them on a lively island where unexpected interactions constantly unfold. Players can shape not only how Miis look, but also how they behave, what they like, and how they interact with others. Time in the game passes in sync with the real world, encouraging players to check in regularly to see how their island residents are getting along.
Nintendo has expanded Mii creation with a broader range of customization options. Players can either answer guided questions to generate a Mii or build one entirely from scratch using a wide selection of facial features, hairstyles, and parts, including new additions made specifically for this title. Face paint tools allow for more imaginative designs, while additional settings let players adjust name, height, body type, gender, voice, and personality traits such as energy level and quirkiness.
Once Miis move onto the island, players can help foster relationships by physically placing residents near each other. These encounters may lead to casual conversations, shared interests, or the beginning of friendships. Miis who become acquainted will start interacting on their own, and up to eight residents can live together as roommates. Shared living spaces introduce new dynamics, sometimes leading to humorous or dramatic situations between housemates.
Island life is supported by a variety of shops and facilities. Food can be purchased at Fresh Kingdom, clothing at Where & Wear, and furniture or room renovations at T&C Reno. The Marketplace offers rotating items depending on the time of day, while Quik Build provides island decorations. Players can also visit the MNN news station for updates about island happenings and use Foto-Tomo photography for staged snapshots of their Miis.
A major new addition is the Palette House Workshop, which allows players to create a wide range of custom content. Players can design pets, invent drinks, create TV shows, decorate clothing, draw house exteriors, customize ground tiles, and craft original items for use around the island. These tools aim to give players more creative control over the look and personality of their island.
Island customization has also been expanded. Players can place landscape objects such as trees, benches, vending machines, and playground equipment, move buildings around, and expand land areas. Changes can be guided by resident suggestions or personal preference, allowing each island to develop its own identity.
Miis themselves can receive additional personality touches through small quirks that influence how they pose, eat, or even sleep. Players can also assign favorite phrases that Miis will use in conversation, adding another layer of individuality to each character.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches April 16 on Nintendo Switch and will be playable on Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders will be available later today on the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store.
