Nintendo Switch 2: New Tomodachi Life Removes Controversial Incest Element

Nintendo's game catalog features many unique titles, and Tomodachi Life certainly stands out as one of its more eccentric creations.

The upcoming installment, "Where Dreams Come True," set to launch on April 16 for the Nintendo Switch 2, is expected to deliver its signature blend of slapstick humor and bizarre situations. Thankfully, a controversial element from the predecessor that made many players uncomfortable has been deliberately removed: accidental incestuous relationships.

Tomodachi Life: No Chance for Incest in the Nintendo Switch 2 Title

Video Games Chronicle indirectly confirmed this in a preview for the new Tomodachi Life. Author Chris Scullion tested the game with his daughter, creating them both as Miis. Scullion reported, "When I confirmed that we were father and daughter, the game informed me it would exclude our characters from romantic possibilities." This confirms a much-desired improvement that fans of the 3DS version surely hoped for in a sequel.

For those surprised to learn that the 2013 original allowed for incestuous relationships: yes, this was indeed an aspect of the game, though it was largely unintentional and not a deliberate decision by Nintendo.

Why Was Incest Possible in Tomodachi Life for the 3DS?

Many fans explained under a Twitter post by MiiMage4Smash, referencing the VGC preview, that in the original game, players could only set familial relationships for the very first Mii they created.

Therefore, if you added your virtual parents or siblings, it was possible for, say, your brother to fall in love with your sister – a situation no one truly wants to see. The new Tomodachi Life appears to offer more robust options to clearly define kinship ties, effectively nipping any uncomfortable romantic confessions in the bud from the outset.

Some of the other new options, such as those in the character editor, are available to try out for free right now. A complimentary demo for Tomodachi Life was released today, offering a fun way to pass the time until the official launch.