Your Miis, Their Choices, Your Soap Opera: Tomodachi Life Living The Dream 2025

Courtesy of NINTENDO

By Ari Gappmayer, Arts Editor

Tomodachi Collection, a Japanese social simulation series popular during the early to mid 2010s, resurges with Tomodachi Life; Living the Dream. During the Nintendo Direct 3.27.2025, it was announced that the latest game would be released 2026, Before later confirmation it would be on the market in Spring.

Nintendo responded after over a decade of quiet to the attention the game received.

The Tomodachi Collection series entails a unique blend of character customization, unpredictable events, and surreal humor. The player is allowed to step back, and watch randomly generated scenarios and relationships unfold in an entertaining and quirky manner.

After 2013, Tomodachi Life had mediocre profit, allowing for similar Mii based games to discontinue them. Nintendo’s shift towards an adventure-RPG based format allowed Mii games such as Miitopia to profit due to its player driven relationship aspects.

However, during 2020, so-called ‘cozy games’--life simulating video games- -rose in popularity due to the lack of social stimulation. During quarantine, these games entertained many, allowing Tomodachi Life to regain popularity and become one of many titles that people enjoyed, alongside Animal Crossing and the Sims.

“I think cozy games are fun and all, but focusing on aesthetics sort of ruins how long I can play them, you know?” Junior Student Alyssa Flores said, “ I guess I like comedy, but it’s hard to find a game that can make me laugh. Some games try too hard to balance being serious and being fun.”

The series’ past installments have made an impact on non-violent video game’s popularity; the offbeat charm and humor have left a lasting imprint on cozy games.

Tomodachi Life does not take itself seriously and allows for the unpredictable to happen. However, the main focus is on relationships.

The upcoming Living the Dream is expected to further flourish relationship features, advance customization options, and have cuter stylization. This installment’s tone is expected to stay unserious, and the player’s ability to develop relationships between their Miis has the audience excited to have more of a series they had so little of.

“We’ve kept the original spirit of Tomodachi intact, but with more ways for players to influence their Mii’s stories,” the Nintendo representative team said. “The unpredictability is still there, but the experience feels fresh and surprising.”

Just as previous games, the player can expect an island life simulator in which you, as a creator, stand by to watch relationships blossom after being able to customize clothes, personalities, and appearances.

“All in all, I’m really excited for Living the Dream! One of my biggest problems with the original Tomodachi life was the random romantic advancements.” Northwood University Freshman Mer McGougan said. “Randomized pairings can be fun! But it’s for that reason I’ve preferred Miitopia’s friendship system. So I’m most excited about the ability to pair Miis together!”

Nonetheless, fans are excited. “I’m relieved that a lot of the original charm seems to have been left intact from the original releases!” McGougan said. “I can’t wait to empty my pockets!”