Tomodachi Life is not officially available for PC—you will need an emulator or a Nintendo 3DS

Tomodachi Life is a life simulation game made by Nintendo for the 3DS handheld console only. There is no official PC version, and Nintendo has not released one. Your options are to buy a used 3DS and the game cartridge, or to use an emulator—a program that mimics 3DS hardware on your computer.

Emulation is legal in most places when you own a copy of the game, but Nintendo's terms of service prohibit it. If you choose to emulate, you will need to dump the game files from a physical cartridge you own, not read them from the internet. This article explains both routes and what each one costs and requires.

Key Takeaways

  • The only official way to play Tomodachi Life on PC is not possible—the game exists only on 3DS hardware.
  • Buying a used 3DS and a copy of Tomodachi Life is the straightforward legal path, and both are available secondhand for under $150 combined in most markets.
  • Emulation using Citra (the most stable 3DS emulator) works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, but requires you to own the game and extract its files yourself.
  • Emulation performance varies by PC specs; a mid-range computer from the last five years will usually run Tomodachi Life at full speed.
  • Downloading game files from the internet rather than extracting them from a cartridge you own violates copyright law, even if you own the game elsewhere.

Buying a 3DS and playing the original version

The simplest and most straightforward route is to purchase a used Nintendo 3DS and a copy of Tomodachi Life. The 3DS was discontinued in 2020, so all units are secondhand. You can find them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and retro game shops. Prices vary by condition and model—the original 3DS and 3DS XL are cheaper than the New 3DS, which has a faster processor.

Tomodachi Life cartridges are also secondhand only. Expect to pay $25 to $45 for a used copy depending on condition and whether the case and manual are included. A used 3DS in working condition typically costs $80 to $120. Combined, you are looking at $110 to $165 for both. This is the path Nintendo intends, and it supports the secondhand market for the game.

The downside is that you are buying and storing physical hardware. The 3DS screen is small compared to a modern monitor, and the battery will eventually degrade. If you plan to play only Tomodachi Life and nothing else, this may feel like overkill.

Using Citra emulator on Windows, Mac, or Linux

Citra is the most mature 3DS emulator and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is free and open-source. You can read it from citra-emu.org. The emulator itself is legal; what matters is how you obtain the game files.

To use Citra legally, you must own a physical copy of Tomodachi Life and extract the game files from the cartridge yourself using a device called a cartridge reader (around $20 to $30) and software like Godmode9 or Decrypt9. This process is technical and requires some patience, but it is the only way to play via emulation without breaking copyright law. Downloading the game from the internet, even if you own a copy elsewhere, is copyright infringement.

Once you have the game files, you load them into Citra and play. The emulator handles the rest. On a computer with a modern processor (Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the last five years) and 8 GB of RAM, Tomodachi Life runs at full speed with no lag. Older or lower-spec machines may experience slowdowns, but the game is not demanding compared to modern titles.

What your PC needs to run Citra smoothly

Tomodachi Life is not a graphically intensive game, so Citra's requirements are modest. A processor from 2018 or later (Intel i5-8400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600, or equivalent) will handle it without strain. You need at least 4 GB of RAM, though 8 GB is safer if you run other programs at the same time.

Your graphics card matters less than your CPU for this emulator. An integrated GPU (the graphics built into your processor) is usually enough. A dedicated graphics card like an NVIDIA GTX 1050 or AMD RX 560 will not hurt, but it is not necessary.

Storage is minimal—Tomodachi Life takes up about 200 MB. An SSD is not required, but it makes the emulator launch faster. Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.12 or later, or any recent Linux distribution will work.

Setting up Citra and loading your game

After downloading Citra, install it like any other program. Launch it and go to the settings menu. You will need to configure the emulator's graphics settings—the default settings work for most people, but you can adjust resolution and frame rate if you want. Citra can upscale the 3DS's native 320×240 resolution to 1080p or higher, making the game look sharper on a modern monitor.

Once configured, point Citra to the folder where you have stored your game files. The emulator will scan the folder and display any games it finds. Click on Tomodachi Life and it will launch. The first boot may take a few seconds longer than subsequent ones.

If you encounter crashes or graphical glitches, check the Citra documentation and community forums. Most issues have known workarounds. The emulator is actively maintained, and updates are released regularly.

Extracting game files from a cartridge you own

If you decide to emulate, you will need to extract the game files yourself. This requires a cartridge reader (a small USB device that reads 3DS cartridges) and software to decrypt the files. Popular tools include Godmode9 (which runs on a hacked 3DS) and Decrypt9 (similar). Both are free.

The process involves inserting your cartridge into the reader, connecting it to your PC, running the decryption software, and saving the output files to a folder. It takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your setup. Detailed guides are available on sites like GBAtemp and the Citra wiki.

This is the legal and ethical way to emulate. It proves you own the game and keeps you on the right side of copyright law. Downloading game files from ROM sites or torrent sites, even if you own the game, is not legal in most jurisdictions.

Why Nintendo has not made a PC version

Nintendo rarely ports its games to PC. The company makes money from hardware sales—selling you a Switch, a 3DS, or a Game Boy—as much as from the games themselves. Porting Tomodachi Life to PC would cannibalize 3DS sales and would not fit Nintendo's business model. The 3DS is also over a decade old now, and Nintendo has moved on to the Switch.

There is no indication that a PC version is planned. If you want to play Tomodachi Life on your computer, emulation or buying a 3DS are your only options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use Citra if I own the game?

Emulation itself is legal, but Nintendo's terms of service prohibit it. If you extract game files from a cartridge you own, you are on firmer legal ground than if you read them. Laws vary by country, so check your local copyright rules. Many people emulate without legal consequences, but there is always some risk.

Can I play Tomodachi Life on Switch?

No. Tomodachi Life was made for 3DS only and has never been ported to Switch. Nintendo has not announced any plans to bring it to Switch.

Where can I buy a used 3DS?

eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local retro game shops all sell used 3DS units. Check the listing carefully for condition, included accessories, and whether it powers on. Ask the seller about battery health if possible.

What if Citra crashes when I try to play?

Check the Citra wiki and community forums—most crashes have known fixes. Common solutions include updating your graphics drivers, adjusting the emulator's graphics settings, or updating Citra itself. The community is active and helpful.

Can I transfer my save file from a 3DS to Citra?

Yes, if you extract the save file from your 3DS using a cartridge reader and the right software. Citra can read 3DS save files. This lets you continue your game on the emulator if you switch from hardware to emulation.