This guide walks you through downloading and running tomodachi-pc on Windows. You do not need any programming skills. Just follow these steps.
tomodachi-pc is a desktop tool that lets you play Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on your Windows computer. It combines a lightweight launcher with the Ryujinx emulator, HD texture packs, a 60 FPS mod, and a save editor. You can share Mii characters via QR codes, tweak the resolution, and enjoy smooth performance.
Visit the release page to download the latest version.
On that page you will see a list of releases. Look for the newest one at the top. Click the link that says tomodachi-pc-setup.exe (or similar). Your browser will download the installer file.
Your PC needs these minimum specs to run smoothly.
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (or better)
- Memory: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 (or better)
- Storage: 15 GB free space (for the game and assets)
- Internet: Required only for download and QR code sharing
If your PC meets these, you are good to go.
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Run the installer. Double-click the downloaded
tomodachi-pc-setup.exefile.
Windows may ask for permission. Click Yes to continue. -
Follow the setup wizard. The installer will guide you. Accept the default folder (usually
C:\Program Files\tomodachi-pc) unless you prefer another location. -
Wait for installation to finish. This takes a minute or two.
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Launch the program. After installation, check the box "Run tomodachi-pc now" and click Finish.
When you first open the program, you see a simple window with a few buttons.
You need a copy of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (the Nintendo Switch version).
Click the Select Game button and browse to the folder or file of your game (usually a .nsp or .xci file).
If you do not have the game files yet, you must get them legally from your own Nintendo Switch cartridge or eShop download.
tomodachi-pc lets you turn on several improvements.
- HD Texture Pack – Sharper images and cleaner text.
- 60 FPS Mod – Doubles the frame rate for smoother movement.
- Custom Resolution – Choose a resolution higher than the original (e.g., 1080p, 1440p, or 4K).
- Save Editor – Edit your island data, Mii clothes, and more.
- QR Code Sharing – Scan QR codes to import or export Mii characters.
Check the boxes next to the features you want. They activate automatically when you start the game.
Press the Play button. The Ryujinx emulator launches and loads the game.
You can now play Tomodachi Life on your PC with better graphics and performance.
From the tomodachi-pc main menu you can also:
- Open the Save Editor – Change your island name, unlock all items, or edit Mii personalities.
- Share Miis – Click QR Code to show a code that other players can scan.
- Tweak settings – Adjust volume, controller mapping, or resolution.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ryujinx Emulator Integration | tomodachi-pc bundles the Ryujinx emulator. You do not need to install anything else. |
| HD Texture Pack | Replaces low-res textures with high-resolution versions for a crisper look. |
| 60 FPS Mod | Unlocks double the original frame rate. Motion feels smooth and responsive. |
| Custom Resolution | Supports resolutions from 720p all the way up to 4K. |
| Save Editor | Edit game saves without extra tools. Change Mii names, clothes, relationships, and more. |
| QR Code Mii Sharing | Easily share or import Miis with a phone or camera. |
| Lightweight Desktop Utility | The program runs quietly in the background. It uses little memory when idle. |
| Automatic Updates | When a new version comes out, tomodachi-pc notifies you. You can update with one click. |
Q: Do I need the Ryujinx emulator separately?
No. tomodachi-pc includes its own tuned version of Ryujinx. You only need the installer.
Q: Where do I get the game files?
You must own a copy of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream from the Nintendo Switch eShop or a game cartridge. Dump the files legally using your Switch. We cannot provide game files.
Q: Will this work on Windows 7 or 8?
No. tomodachi-pc requires Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit). Older Windows versions lack needed drivers.
Q: The game lags or stutters. What can I do?
Try lowering the resolution to 720p in the settings. Also close other programs to free up RAM. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, make sure you run the game on the dedicated GPU (not the integrated one).
Q: How do I use QR codes?
Open the QR Code tool inside tomodachi-pc. A code appears on your screen. Use your phone’s camera or a QR code scanner app to read it. The Mii data will be saved on your device or shared online.
Q: Can I use my existing Ryujinx saves?
Yes. Place your save files in the folder that tomodachi-pc shows in the Save Editor section. The program reads them automatically.
The installer says “Windows protected your PC.”
This happens because the program is unsigned (a common situation for open-source tools). Click More info then Run anyway. It is safe.
The game opens but shows a black screen.
Wait a few seconds. If it persists, check that your graphics drivers are up to date. Also try turning off the HD texture pack from the main menu.
QR code scanning does not work.
Make sure your camera is clean and the code is fully visible. If using a phone, try a different QR code app. The code updates every few seconds.
The program crashes on launch.
Reinstall the latest version. If the problem continues, delete the folder %appdata%\tomodachi-pc and try again. This resets your settings.
tomodachi-pc is an open-source desktop utility built for fans of the life simulation game. It is not an emulator by itself, but a wrapper that makes Ryujinx easy to use. The project is maintained by community contributors. You can view the source code on GitHub and suggest improvements.
If you skipped the download earlier, click the link below.
Download tomodachi-pc (Latest Release)
The file is about 50 MB. After download, run the installer and follow the steps above.
If you have questions or find a bug, open an issue on the GitHub repository. You can also join the community discussions on the same page.
For feature requests, please explain your idea clearly. The team reads every suggestion.