
In these versions, new mini-games (jobs for the Sims) are unlocked progressively when certain tasks are done. Deviating from the "point-and-click" selection process used in every previous Sims title, this version allows the user to control their Sim directly, using the GBA's directional pad.

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Instead, the player must complete all tasks to unlock new houses. In this game, there are no furnishing objects to unlock. Like the console version, GBA/N-Gage version gameplay is objective-based – every time the player completes a series of tasks, the game progresses. The Game Boy Advance and N-Gage version puts the player's Sim in "SimValley" for a summer holiday. Aside from the objectives, gameplay is similar to previous Sims titles. Furnishing items are unlocked through the completion of different objectives. The player's objective is to complete each career track, unlock and buy back everyone's many possessions, and become rich enough to evict Malcolm from his mansion and move their own Sim in.

In the console version, Malcolm Landgraab is going around his neighborhood, stealing items in return for unpaid rent.
