Tomodachi Life-oppfølgeren legger vekt på kreativitet, men begrenser spillerdeling

The sequel to the 2013 title Tomodachi Life is scheduled to launch on April 16 for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 console. A recent Nintendo Direct event dedicated to Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream revealed extensive details about the upcoming social simulation game, but a policy from Nintendo regarding in-game images has already generated questions.

While the presentation focused heavily on the game's creative tools, a statement on the company's official website outlined a decision to place restrictions on certain image-sharing features. This move surprised observers, given the game’s deep focus on player-made designs and customization. The game allows players to design Mii residents, their homes, and gifts. The presentation showed how much control users will have, including detailed face painting and the ability to create unique patterns for clothing and building exteriors.

The original Tomodachi Life arrived on the 3DS, letting players create and manage a community of Mii characters on an island. Their looks and personalities could be customized, which in turn shaped their relationships and interactions with other residents. A key part of the experience involved observing the autonomous and often surprising activities of the Miis. Living the Dream expands on this foundation, first announced during a Nintendo Direct in March 2025. The new game will introduce same-sex relationships and non-binary gender identity options, features not present in the original. During Mii creation, players can now set a gender preference for their characters. Customization options have been deepened with new facial features like ear selection, while personality is shaped by tweaking five core facets. Players can further develop their Miis by gifting them Little Quirks, which introduce small, unique personal habits.

The town itself is also highly customizable. The game will feature several businesses, including a food store, a clothing shop, a news station, and a home renovation company. Two specific locations, Quik Build and Palette House, allow players to decorate the town with items like fences and greenery, and to create custom patterns for use on objects ranging from sweaters to entire houses. Interaction between Miis remains the central component of the experience. Players can now pick up and place Miis into situations to influence relationships, and up to eight Miis can live together in one home, creating new potential for complex social dynamics.

Despite this focus on creative expression, Nintendo explained its reasoning for limiting sharing. The company’s website noted that the game's freedom can "sometimes lead to humorous, surprising, or unpredictable moments during gameplay." It stated that because of this, "out-of-context scenes may be misunderstood or may not reflect the spirit in which the game is intended to be enjoyed." The restrictions are an effort to prevent the sharing of moments and designs that could be deemed inappropriate. When Polygon reached out for more specific details, Nintendo of America provided a direct answer clarifying the limitations. The company explained what the new policy means for users who want to share their in-game creations with others.

Players can share their created Mii characters and items with others via local communication. Mii characters and items received through local communication cannot be passed on to other players. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream does not feature any online communication features. In terms of the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 system features, the image transfer function to smart devices, direct posting to social media, and automatic image upload function (only on Nintendo Switch 2) are not enabled for Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.

— Nintendo of America

These rules mean that players will not be able to share their Mii characters or island creations with others online through the game's own systems. Sharing is only possible when players are physically in the same room using local communication. The only way to post screenshots or video clips online would be to use an external device, like a phone camera, to capture the screen. This stands in contrast to games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, where sharing custom designs and island tours became a significant part of its community engagement. It is not yet clear how these restrictions might affect streamers who plan to broadcast the game. The degree to which these limits on sharing will ultimately influence the game's success will become clearer after its release.