Hands-on Preview: Tomodachi Life - Living the Dream
It’s been 13 years since the original Tomodachi Life released on the Nintendo 3DS in its native Japan. The game still holds up well today, thanks largely to its inclusion of player-created characters (in the form of Miis) random, absurd comedy elements, and its rediscovery thanks to the internet and meme culture. Thankfully, you won’t have to shell out over $250 for a second hand copy, as a sequel being developed for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 arrives on April 16, 2026. I’ve been fortunate enough to get my hands on it and I’m delighted to say island life is addicting and wackier than ever.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is the sequel to Tomodachi Life (originally released on the Nintendo 3DS). Developed for the Switch and Switch 2, it is a life-sim. While comparisons to Animal Crossing are inevitable, the two titles couldn’t be more different from each other. Animal Crossing sees you controlling a customisable character who interacts with anthropomorphic animals, operate tools to transform the island, hunt bugs, etc. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, on the other hand, sees players more separate from fully interacting with the game’s characters – all of whom you will create.
Instead, you’ll pick up and drop characters near each other to see how they interact, give them advice on how to approach social situations, fulfill their needs and more. You’re more like a deity in this world than an actual character.
Speaking of the Miis and how they interact, for the most part, they will converse with each other. The unusual speaking system from the first game returns, with customisable text-to-speech allowing for conversations between Miis on varying topics. The game recognises your inputs, so if you want to Miis to become friends over video games, the best Reuben sandwich recipe, or your favourite manga, they’ll be able to do it.
The game opens with you creating your first Mii to inhabit the island, as well as naming the island itself. Being highly imaginative, I made a Mii version of myself, which was made incredibly simple thanks to the new Mii creator prompt questions. I was asked my rough age, face, hair, eyes, nose, lips, etc, and then if I wanted to make any changes. The game absolutely nailed my appearance, though I have had to tweak a few of the friends I’ve created later on.
From there, I interacted with my Mii, who very quickly asked for a friend to interact with. Then, the two interacted, slowly getting acquainted, then becoming friends. Relationships improving is just one of the ways you earn Warm and Fuzzies. Earn enough warm and Fuzzies and you’ll be granted wishes from the Island’s Wishing Well. There is a staggering amount of unlockable items, from physical props your Miis can use (guitars, dancing DVDs, soccer balls) to new interior and exterior design options, island customisation options (trees, plants, vending machines) character quirks (how they walk, eat, greet, etc). Increasing your island level overall will lead to more unlockable items revealing themselves. There will be more options than that in the final game, but that is all I have been able to see so far.
The original Tomodachi Life’s random events and interactions were a fan favourite, and something truly unique that no other game has been able to replicate. These are truly what hooks me about Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and despite my decades of playing games, I still can’t quite tell how the game decides who is going to do or see what. I’m certain creating a Mii’s personality is a huge factor, but even that can’t explain some of the absolute absurdity that is on display.
Later in the evening, some of your Miis will go to sleep. Others will wander the island searching for an activity or other character to interact with, but those sleeping may talk in their sleep, or perhaps dream. You can watch these dreams should you be so inclined and they are incredibly odd. One of my Miis stood above the island on a ledge, begging me not to push him. I did, and it was revealed he had a bungie cord equipped. He bobbled up and down for a minute or so before waking up from his dream, bewildered. Another Mii dreamt of all the utensils in their kitchen talking about them behind their back. I can’t wait to see what other dreams pop up in the full release of the game.
I have had access to Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for a few days now, and I can’t stop playing it. I frequently find myself chuckling at the ridiculous scenarios my Miis find themselves in, or how eerily realistic situations play out between myself and my friends. Honestly, it low-key freaks me out. The odds are, I will play this game for the foreseeable future. I won’t say it has universal appeal – people wanting a more traditional life-sim or cosy game might miss the point of the game entirely, but those wanting a unique, rewarding and bizarre life-sim for the Switch and/or Switch 2 might just have a new addiction when Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream releases on April 16th.
Time Until Launch (April 16, 2026)
