Today’s dedicated Nintendo Direct has revealed new details on Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, the next title in Nintendo’s social sim series headed to Switch and Switch 2.
Hosted by long-term Nintendo producer Yoshiaki Koizumi, the 20-minute broadcast introduced a look at the latest entry in the Tomodachi series — the first in over a decade. Within the first few minutes, Nintendo answered one of fans’ big questions of the game: whether it would cater to same-sex relationships, following a previous controversy.
Nintendo makes good on promise for Tomodachi Life to become more “inclusive”
Players will be able to set their Mii character’s “dating preferences” with a combination of three options: Male, Female and Non-binary. The game notes that players “can pick one, more than one, or none.” Your character’s gender can also be set with the same three options, and there are a series of options and sliders to customize your Mii’s voice, based on its speed, pitch and more.
Memorably, the series’ previous game Tomodachi Life experienced a backlash over its lack of same-sex relationships, something Nintendo was forced to comment on after rumors spread online that they had been cut from the game, prompting commentary from late night TV host John Oliver — who broadcast a skit featuring Mario and Link snogging. Notably, Nintendo then promised that if it did make another Tomodachi Life game, it would make it “more inclusive, and [something that] better represents all players.”
Today’s broadcast comes just days after a separate Nintendo Direct focused on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie that debuted our first look at Yoshi, Birdo and more. And already, there’s speculation about another upcoming Nintendo Direct — this time a major, full-fat version expected to lay out more of the company’s 2026 release slate.
Expanded character and island customization
Living the Dream begins with an empty island with few buildings and only a handful of characters. Luckily, it also features plenty of customization options for your characters, islanders and the island itself. Characters don’t even need to be human, either — teddy bears and aliens also feature.
Much of this feels like a version of The Sims mixed with Animal Crossing, with the ability to mould your fellow islanders into friends or love interests, introduce other characters to each other, and sit back to watch bizarre storylines play out as your various inhabitants interact.
Mii characters have a range of traits and mannerisms, and when interacting can prompt some truly odd vignettes. Sometimes your fellow islanders will come to you with requests, and you’ll also be able to keep them happy with dishes from the food mart, and fresh items of clothing. You can also use the Switch’s touchscreen to draw new items, clothing and even pets for your character to interact with.
Islands can be fully built and customised, meanwhile, with houses and items placed to grow your town into a sprawling settlement. Over time, you may find your characters moving in together, fall in love and get married.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream release date announced
Today’s presentation concluded with an announcement of the game’s release date on April 16, 2026. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will arrive then for Nintendo Switch, and also be playable on Switch 2.
No specific details of any differences for Switch 2 (or a separate Switch 2 Edition) were mentioned.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
2026-01-29 14:13:00
