On June 6, 2014, Nintendo released Tomodachi Life in America, the soon-to-come cult classic life simulator. The popular video game company had recently popularized the use of their Miis, which were small avatars with a distinct, cartoonish appeal, in the late 2000s. In 2009, the company released a Japanese-exclusive “prequel” called Tomodachi Collection, which is virtually the same as the American release, but with a different title.
The game revolves around an island full of living Miis while you spectate their lives. When you first open the game, you create a custom Mii, which guides you through the basics of the game. Other NPC’s refer to you as this character ‘look alike’ as you work your way through the game. As your Mii enters their living quarters, you are tasked with several activities to better the island life. As more Miis enter their apartments, buildings grow, relationships flourish, and island life becomes more prominent.
On March 27, 2025, the long-awaited sequel, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, was announced with positive commotion surrounding it. The trailer included scenes of the newly stylized Miis doing tasks and activities over the island. With the minimal dialogue over a pan over the new look of the island, we get a glimpse into what could be in the sequel. With a 2026 release date and a vague teaser trailer, fans have been speculating on what the sequel could entail.
“Tomodachi Life was a really integral part of my childhood,” said junior Bethany Wilmoth, “I had quite an impressive island with an immense amount of my in-person friends at the time added in it, although I’m not sure I ever told them about the online life I’d fostered for all of us.”
With fans of the game waiting impatiently for the sequel, other life simulators have been released to mimic the experience.
“Miitopia was another game I quite enjoyed with a similar style, since you could add Miis directly from your gallery into the game, although the game itself followed a story-based approach,” said Wilmoth.
The short announcement trailer showcased many similarities to the original, with some new concepts and visuals.
“I think, on a general game level, the graphics and interface (ex. being on the Switch instead of DS) will make the gameplay so much easier,” said senior Bella Seminario, “But to be honest, I hope most of the features from the original game stay the same, or at least similar, because I think that’s what made the original so special to players everywhere.”
Tomodachi Life relies on simplicity for its appeal.
“I really hope that it encapsulates the same randomness that the original game had,” said senior Kiersten Francisco, “I feel like that’s part of the charm to it. It’s just so weird and so random. Yeah, I don’t know, I can’t wait for next year, and I really hope it doesn’t get postponed.”
Many players look forward to more information surrounding the sequel to a beloved 2010s Nintendo game. With a promising 2026 release date, players will have to wait a little longer to see what the sequel will entail. Go to nintendo.com to find out more information about the upcoming game and console!
