Nintendogs (Nintendo DS)

common sense media says

A fabulous virtual puppy simulation.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Educational value: Not applicable.

Positive messages: Not applicable.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

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.

Game themes & details

Game Details

Available on: Nintendo DS
Not available online
Genre: Simulation
Developer: Nintendo
Released on: August 23, 2005
Price: 29.99
ESRB Rating: E

This review was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

SavviVague
teen, 16 years old

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.

What other families should know

Game Details

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Nintendogs (Nintendo DS)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Nintendogs

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Game themes & details

Game Details

Review It

Review Nintendogs

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Good for almost all ages

BRILLIANT!!! for the little ones.

Arguably the best DS game ever

Easy and fun

Cute!

Recommended for EVERYONE, makes a great gift

Sooo cuuuuute! *huggles*

Great and fun game

Perfect for younger kids, ages 6-10.

fun game for people who don't have pets (and even ones that do)

Cute!!!!

e.g. Perfect for dog lovers of any age

WOW

Nintendogs!

fun for all ages

awsome game

its alright

perfect for everyone even adults

Pawfect for all ages

bark mode

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Sooo cuuuuute! huggles