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Nintendogs

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    A fabulous virtual puppy simulation.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Nintendogs was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that this is the best virtual pet program we have ever seen. The puppy mannerisms are so realistic that it's easy to become attached to your virtual dog. Be forewarned that these puppies are so endearing that your kids are likely to put pressure on you to get a dog. Also, if you decide to let your child put the program in "Bark" mode, you will want to pay attention to who is meeting your child's Nintendog.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how realistically this video game portrays the responsibilities of raising a puppy. What is realistic within the game, and what is glossed over?
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OK for Your Kids to Play?

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More on Nintendogs

What’s the Story?

NINTENDOGS comes in three versions: Lab & Friends, Chihuahua & Friends, and Dachshund & Friends. Players select a puppy from a group of frolicking dogs at the kennel. The puppies vary in breed, looks, personality, and gender. Once you select a puppy, it goes home with you; and then the real fun begins. You can train your puppy to respond to its name and other voice commands by repeating the commands into the microphone. You bond with your puppy by petting it with your DS stylus and playing games using balls or discs. Ideally, you should feed and water your puppy daily and take it on walks. And if you don't want it to get fleas, you will need to bathe your puppy periodically. All of this, of course, costs money, which you earn by entering your pup in dog competitions.

Is It Any Good?

In Nintendogs, the puppies you can adopt are nothing short of adorable; they're hard to resist because their mannerisms are so lifelike and their attention is focused on you. If you get hooked on Nintendogs, you can acquire up to eight dogs at a time, although only three can live with you at once (the other five must reside at the doggie hotel and can be "swapped").

Parents, be forewarned that these puppies are so endearing that your children are likely to put pressure on you to get a dog. Peggy Brummond, mother of kid-tester Shane, was impressed that "puppies seem so real and that the game teaches responsibility." For families where real dog ownership isn't desired or possible, Nintendogs is a fun way of experiencing some of the pleasures of owning a dog.

Publisher’s Details

Developer: Nintendo
Released on: 08/23/2005, Price: $29.99
ESRB Rating: E

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    perfect for everyone even adults

    i have the game and i love it it is safe,easy,and for peolpe who dont have an animal or a pet but i sadly lost mine a few days ago :(

  2. I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    great for most ages

    great game that shows you how you can take care of a dog in a game.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Safety isn't an issue

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Good for almost all ages

    I've owned this game for several years now. I know adults who play it and love it, and I also knew a 2-year-old who loved it very much and played it with ease. It's the most life-like pet simulation game there is and features lots of surprises. There are lots of accesories and toys to find on walks, and lots of tricks to teach your pup beyond what is in the obedience trial handbook. I would not worry about who your child is meeting via "Bark mode", inless you live in a very crowded city. It is not a wi-fi connection, only local connection, meaning the person your child is meeting would have to be within very close range of you and also in bark mode at the moment... not very likely inless it is a planned meet-up, in my opinion, however I do live in a very rural area.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    GREAT GAME

    boys ages: 4-6 will like the game but girls ages: 4-13 will love it!!! It's the perfect game for kids to play! And not only is it fun but it teaches younger kids the basics on taking care of dogs like: taking them for walks, feeding them, playing with them ECT.

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