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Introduction
This Tomodachi Life demo Welcome Version guide explains everything you can do in the free trial. Nintendo released a substantial demo called the “Welcome Version” ahead of the full game’s launch. It lets you create Miis, manage a small island, and even transfer your progress to the paid version.
The demo is not time-limited. You can play it indefinitely. However, it restricts how many Miis you can have and which buildings are available. By the end of this guide, you will know whether the demo is right for you and how to get the most out of it.
Welcome Version vs. Full Game – Key Differences
| Feature | Welcome Version (Demo) | Full Game |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $59.99 USD |
| Maximum Miis | 3 | 70 |
| Island customization | Limited (basic layout only) | Full terraforming |
| Buildings available | Town Hall, Shop, Beach | All buildings (Amusement Park, Hospital, School, etc.) |
| Relationships | Can form friendships only | Full romance, marriage, babies |
| Demo exclusive | Hamster costume unlock | Not applicable |
| Save transfer | Yes (to full game) | N/A |
| Playtime limit | None | Unlimited |
The demo gives you a genuine taste of the full experience. (For creating your first Miis, see our Tomodachi Life Mii creation guide.)
How to Download the Welcome Version
Nintendo eShop Instructions
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2
- Open the Nintendo eShop from the home screen
- Search for “Tomodachi Life Living the Dream”
- Look for the Welcome Version (free) – not the paid version
- Click Download
- Wait for the download to complete (approx. 2.5 GB)
- Launch the game from your home screen
The demo is available in all regions where the full game is sold.
What You Can Do in the Demo
Create Up to 3 Miis
The demo includes the full Mii creation studio. You can:
- Choose male, female, or non-binary
- Set dating preferences
- Adjust facial features (eyes, mouth, nose, ears)
- Use face paint and two-tone hair
- Set voice and personality
Spend time here. These Miis will transfer to the full game.
Manage a Small Island
Your demo island has:
- A Town Hall (manage settings)
- A Shop (buy basic items, clothes, food)
- A Beach (Miis can relax)
- Three Mii houses (one per Mii)
You cannot terraform or place new buildings. But you can rearrange existing houses.
Watch Miis Interact
Your three Miis will:
- Become friends or enemies
- Have conversations
- Make requests (find lost items, solve problems)
- Develop crushes (but cannot date or marry in demo)
Complete the Hamster Costume Quest
This is the demo’s unique reward. To unlock it:
- Play the demo until all three Miis have moved in
- Fulfill at least 10 requests from your Miis
- A special visitor will appear at the beach with a quest
- Complete the quest to receive the Hamster Costume
The costume is saved to your demo save file and transfers to the full game.
(For more on quests and events, see our Tomodachi Life relationships and marriage guide.)
What You Cannot Do in the Demo
The demo has intentional limitations to encourage purchasing the full game.
| Locked Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Romance and marriage | No dating, proposals, or weddings |
| Babies and families | No children or generational play |
| New buildings | Amusement Park, Hospital, School, Observation Tower |
| Island terraforming | Cannot change land shape or water |
| More than 3 Miis | Island feels empty |
| Local wireless sharing | Cannot send Miis to friends |
| Custom UGC creation | Cannot design new food, clothes, or items |
If you enjoy the demo, you will want the full game. (For what the full game offers, see our pillar post on Tomodachi Life Living the Dream.)
How to Transfer Your Demo Progress to the Full Game
Transferring is simple and automatic.
Step-by-Step Transfer
- Purchase and download the full game from the eShop
- Launch the full game
- On the title screen, select Transfer Demo Data
- Confirm you want to import your Welcome Version save
- Your Miis, hamster costume, and progress carry over
What Transfers Exactly
| Item | Transfers? |
|---|---|
| Your 3 Miis (appearance, personality, voice) | Yes |
| Hamster costume | Yes |
| Friendship levels between Miis | Yes |
| Completed requests history | Yes |
| Shop purchases (clothes, items) | Yes |
| Island layout (basic houses) | Yes |
| In-game currency | Yes (limited amount) |
Nothing is lost. You continue exactly where the demo left off.
Important Notes
- You cannot transfer multiple demo saves. Only your most recent save transfers.
- Transfer is one-way. You cannot go back to the demo after transferring.
- If you delete the demo save, you lose the hamster costume permanently.
Real-World Applications
Scenario A: Testing Before Buying
You are unsure whether Tomodachi Life is for you. Download the free demo. Play for a few hours. If you enjoy watching your Miis interact and complete requests, buy the full game. Your progress carries over.
Scenario B: Unlocking the Hamster Costume
You want the exclusive costume but do not plan to buy the full game immediately. Play the demo until you complete the hamster quest. The costume stays in your demo save. When you eventually buy the full game, transfer and claim it.
Scenario C: Creating Perfect Miis First
You want to spend hours perfecting your Miis before committing to the full game. Use the demo’s full creation tools. Make three Miis exactly how you want them. Then transfer. You save time recreating them later.
Common Demo Mistakes
Mistake #1: Deleting the demo save before transferring. You lose your Miis and the hamster costume.
Mistake #2: Expecting romance in the demo. It is not available. Do not wait for proposals that never come.
Mistake #3: Playing the demo indefinitely. The demo is fun, but the full game has 70 Miis, terraforming, weddings, and babies. Upgrade when ready.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the hamster quest. The costume is exclusive to the demo. Complete it before transferring.
FAQ About the Welcome Version Demo
Is the demo really free forever?
Yes. There is no time limit. You can play the demo indefinitely without paying.
Can I transfer my demo progress to a physical copy of the full game?
Yes. The transfer works with both physical cartridges and digital downloads.
Does the demo require Nintendo Switch Online?
No. The demo is fully playable offline. You only need internet to download it.
Will my demo Miis look different after transferring?
No. Appearance, voice, and personality transfer exactly as created.
Conclusion
This Tomodachi Life demo Welcome Version guide has shown you how to enjoy the free trial. Create up to three Miis with the full editor. Complete requests to unlock the hamster costume. Play indefinitely without time limits. When you are ready, transfer everything to the full game.
The demo is the perfect way to decide if Tomodachi Life is for you. And if you love it, your progress comes with you.
Next steps: After transferring, expand your island with our Tomodachi Life island customization guide. For managing more Miis, see our Tomodachi Life 70 Mii limit guide.
