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Your Screen Doesn’t Have to Be Boring Anymore
Most personalization apps stop at wallpapers, widgets, or icon packs. But what if your phone could feel alive – like a mini world where tiny characters walk around, climb your apps, and react to your touch?
That’s exactly what Shimeji: Screen Buddies delivers.
With 35+ million downloads worldwide, Shimeji has become a favorite among anime lovers, gaming fans, and anyone who wants a playful, cozy vibe on their phone. And now it’s back with a major update featuring a brand-new animation engine, leveling progression, and a fun in-game currency system that makes unlocking content feel rewarding instead of frustrating.
Cute Screen Buddies That Stay on Top of Your Apps
The core feature of Shimeji is simple – but ridiculously satisfying: animated characters live directly on your screen, always visible on top of your apps.
You’ll see them:
- Walking, sitting, climbing, falling, and playing
- Hanging out while you scroll social media or browse the web
- Reacting when you tap, drag, or even “throw” them
It’s the perfect little distraction when you’re waiting in line, bored in a meeting, or just want your phone to feel more fun and personal.
Even better, you can display up to 10 characters at once, turning your screen into a chaotic (and adorable) mini stage.
Idle-Style Progression That Makes You Want to Keep Them Around
Unlike many customization apps that feel “one and done,” Shimeji adds a light game-like loop that keeps things fresh.
Your Shimeji buddies earn XP simply by moving around your screen. The more they roam, the more they level up. As you progress, you’ll unlock:
- New animations
Surprise interactions - Extra personality and movement variety
You can also earn bonus XP by interacting with them – so the app feels more engaging, not just decorative.
This idle progression system is subtle, but it’s a smart way to make your screen buddies feel like real companions instead of static stickers.
Unlock Features by Playing (Not Paying)
Shimeji is freemium, but it’s designed in a way that doesn’t kill the fun for free users. The newest update introduces a currency called Mushrooms, and you can earn them automatically just by having your screen on. You can then use Mushrooms to unlock:
- Characters
- Animations
- Upgrades
- Rewards and daily gifts
Payments are optional – meaning you can still enjoy a full experience without feeling forced to spend money. If you love grinding progress and collecting cute unlocks, Shimeji makes that loop feel satisfying.
A Full Character Editor for Custom Fans (No Paywall!)
One of Shimeji’s best surprises is the fully unlocked character editor. Instead of limiting customization behind a paywall, Shimeji lets you:
- Import your own artwork
- Recolor and edit sprites
- Duplicate characters
- Build your own unique buddies
This is a huge win for creative users, fandom communities, and anyone who wants a screen buddy that no one else has. Whether you want a custom anime-style mascot, a pixel pet, or a funny meme character, the editor gives you freedom to personalize without restrictions.
Smooth, Smart, and Not Annoying to Use
A lot of “floating character” apps can be messy, laggy, or annoying when you’re trying to tap buttons. Shimeji solves this with a smoother experience powered by a new animation engine and thoughtful controls.
Highlights include:
- Smoother movement and improved performance
- Battery optimization
- Ghost Mode (characters stay visible but don’t block touches)
- Simple settings with live preview
The app is also safe from an IP standpoint: the characters are original content, and the developers clearly state it’s not related to the Simeji keyboard.
If You Love Cute Customization, Shimeji Is a Must-Try
Shimeji isn’t just another aesthetic app – it’s a fun little world that lives on your phone. Whether you want a cozy companion while scrolling, a playful distraction during boring moments, or a creative tool to build custom characters, this app delivers a unique experience that’s hard to put down.
If you’re ready to make your phone feel more alive, download Shimeji: Screen Buddies today and let your tiny animated friends follow you everywhere – one tap, one level, and one Mushroom at a time.
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Additional Information
- Version 8.7
- Requires Android 8.0+
- Update February 9, 2026
- Developed by Digital Cosmos
- Google Play ID com.digitalcosmos.shimeji
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