Nintendo has revealed much more about Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream in a new Nintendo Direct showcase, confirming it’ll expand on its predecessors significantly, and that it will launch for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on 16 April.
Here’s everything new we just learned about the upcoming game.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream new details – quick links
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream includes non-binary Miis, and same sex relationships
Way back in 2014, as reported by NBC News, Nintendo issued an apology that Tomodachi Life for Nintendo 3DS did not include the option of same-sex relationships and gay marriage. The statement was inspired by plenty of discourse about the game and its rigid structure, as players wished to create islands filled with diverse relationships.
‘We apologise for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to change this game’s design, and such a significant development change can’t be accomplished with a post-ship patch,’ Nintendo said at the time.
‘At Nintendo, dedication has always meant going beyond the games to promote a sense of community, and to share a spirit of fun and joy. We are committed to advancing our longtime company values of fun and entertainment for everyone. We pledge that if we create a next instalment in the Tomodachi series, we will strive to design a game-play experience from the ground up that is more inclusive, and better represents all players.’
More than a decade on from this statement, Nintendo has fulfilled its promise, confirming players will be able to create male, female, and non-binary Mii characters in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, and that these Miis will be able to have relationships with male, female, or non-binary characters, as selected by players.
Miis will get into all sorts of shenanigans in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Beyond being able to fall in love and/or experience heartbreak and relationship drama, the Miis of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will have all sorts of opportunities to experience a magical life in a virtual world.
Players will begin with a single Mii on a relatively empty island, and eventually build out a thriving place where all sorts of folks can interact, play, and form friendships. As you build out your island, you’ll be able to establish an array of functional buildings to spice up daily life, including a supermarket where you can buy food, and a paint store where you can design in-game assets and decorations.
You’ll also be able to place various ‘activity’ items which can enrich your Mii’s days, such as exercise items, beach items, playground items, benches, and more. The overarching goal is to create a space where Miis can live out a fulfilling life, and it will be up to you to ensure your world is rich enough for your tiny people to thrive.
In this latest look, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream looks wonderful, with plenty of opportunities to create an island filled with strange, endearing quirks. It looks to build on past Tomodachi Life games, with a host of new features designed to add more progression into town building, and to ensure your Miis have enough agency and personality to feel unique.
Those keen to see more of Living the Dream won’t have to wait long, as the game is now confirmed for launch in April – and we’re likely to see much more of it in the lead-up.
