Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Bell
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Super pet sim adds cats, 3D, and other new features.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Nintendogs + Cats
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say this game is a fantastic experience for pet lovers, effectively teaching responsibility and care through interactive gameplay without any concerns regarding violence or inappropriate content. Many reviews highlight the game's engaging features, such as competitions and the ability to care for virtual pets, making it suitable for families and children alike.
- responsibility education
- family friendly
- interactive fun
- safe content
- engaging gameplay
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
NINTENDOGS + CATS comes in three versions: Golden Retriever & New
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Is It Any Good?
In Nintendogs + Cats the animals are even more endearing than in the first game. Not only are they fluffier and more realistic in appearance, but thanks to 3D, they literally jump out of the screen as they put their paws up on you and lick your face. A new facial recognition feature allows puppies to recognize their owners, and players can use the AR cards that come with the 3DS to make a projection of the puppy appear in real-world surroundings. Players can keep up to 3 animals at a time in the house; additional ones can be "donated" or housed at the Pet Hotel. For households where real dog or cat adoption isn't possible, Nintendogs + Cats is a wonderful alternative that teaches kids about the responsibility of caring for a pet -- even the not so fun parts like scooping poop!
Online interaction: Kids can take pictures of their puppies and send them to friends. If SpotPass is enabled, the 3DS automatically connects to wireless Internet access points to download special items. Kids can also enabled StreetPass, which allows two 3DS devices in close proximity to automatically exchange user information and gifts -- including a short personalized message that could contain objectionable language.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences in behavior between dogs and cats. Why don't we take cats for walks or teach them tricks? What kind of personality do you prefer in a pet?
Families can also talk about their favorite dog tricks. What tricks are the most fun to teach your dog in the game? Are there any tricks that aren't in the game that you would have liked to teach your dog?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo 3DS
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Nintendo
- Release date : March 27, 2011
- Genre : Simulation
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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