Above, a Tomodachi 3DS. (Photo credit: Nintendo)

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Nintendo is bringing its “Tomodachi” game for the portable 3DS system to the U.S. and Europe following its success in Japan.

Called “Tomodachi Life,” the game geared mostly toward kids is similar to “The Sims” and Nintendo’s “Animal Crossing.” Tomodachi means “friends” in Japanese. The game features Mii characters, which can be created by players from scratch or based on a photo of the player. The characters live on their own island, where they eat, sleep, ask each other out and perform rap battles, among other activities.

It’s a challenging time for Nintendo, which has seen declining sales for its Wii consoles and its 3DS as more people shift to smartphones and tablets to play games.

“Tomodachi Life” goes on sale on June 6 in the U.S. for $35.