OTwo Co-Editor Laura Molloy discusses Nintendo’s upcoming new release, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
Nintendo is set to release their new game Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on 16 April 2026. It is the third game in the Tomodachi series, succeeding Tomodachi Collection and Tomodachi Life. Many won’t be familiar with the original game, Tomodachi Collection, as it was only available for the Nintendo DS in Japan.
However, the 2nd game in the series, Tomodachi Life, was immensely popular. The game was available on the 3DS and was released originally in Japan, before coming worldwide available in 2014. The game was a social simulation where users could create their own Mii characters.
With the discontinuation of Nintendo’s beloved DS consoles, and the infamous Wii, many of Nintendo’s popular games from the 2010s have been forgotten about. Although, recent years have seen some of Nintendo’s favourite titles make a comeback. With the return of Just Dance, Mario Bros, Animal Crossing, and many more, it was about time Tomodachi made a return.
But will it meet our expectations?
The game incorporates its predecessor’s original foundation of creating Mii characters from scratch by choosing individual face parts and hairstyles, or by answering a series of questions. You can also select your Mii’s height and body type, their gender, and give them a voice. A new addition is the ability to adjust their dating preferences. There is also a bigger selection of ways to customise your Miis and you can now teach them different words and catchphrases which they will use in their conversations.
If you think conversations will be similar to how they work in Animal Crossing, then think again. In Tomodachi Life, you can introduce your Miis to one another allowing their relationships to develop in a variety of ways. The characters can become friends, get into heated arguments, make confessions or even get tangled in unlikely love triangles!
The characters’ interactions are certainly less limited compared to other Nintendo games. They may even end up married or as parents. Although, your creative freedom does not end with the characters. You can completely customise your island in whatever way you want. This level of flexibility in designing your island will appeal to fans of simulation games. It’s not a feature that a lot of Nintendo games include, and so is likely to strengthen Tomodachi’s reputation.
Another new feature is the custom crafts section, where you can give your island even more personal touch. Here you can make all kinds of original items at the Studio Workshop. From unique house exteriors and ground tiles, to design custom clothing, to cooking up new foods, the studio workshop means the possibilities for your island are endless. You can even make pets for your residents! Think of it as the modern Etch a Sketch.
The island comes with some essentials to get you started with more features to be unlocked as you progress through the game. From the renovation centre, to the market stall, to the photo studio, to the supermarket , to the clothes shop, to the news station, your Mii characters will have plenty to do.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is available for both the original Switch console, as well as the Switch 2. Irish retailers such as Smyths are selling the game for €54.99. You can also order it directly from the Nintendo website.
With it being over ten years since Tomodachi Life was available, fans are undoubtedly excited for its return. Nintendo have already released a free demo in advance, a smart move to build anticipation. With the game offering new and improved features, but maintaining its nostalgic Nintendo roots, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is set to be a success.