Parents' Guide to

Wappy Dog

By Mark Raby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Novel game+toy concept makes for unique virtual pet romp.

Game Nintendo DS 2011
Wappy Dog Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Wappy Dog Game: Screenshot #1
  • Wappy Dog Game: Screenshot #2
  • Wappy Dog Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

darylj3
darylj3 Parent of 7-year-old
December 26, 2012
age 5+

forutne telling

Wappy told my 7 year old that his fortune was that he was going to have a bad day. Is there a setting to turn this off or preset positive fortunes?

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

WAPPY DOG consists of two elements - the Nintendo DS game and the physical Wappy Dog toy. The game is presented like a standard pet simulation game, offering players the full scale of pet customization options, giving it a name, playing games with it, etc. The robotic toy that links up with the game works to enhance the experience by giving players a physical object to make their work within the game seem more real. The dog moves and barks in reaction to events that happen within the game, though the interaction does not go far beyond that.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

Wappy Dog provides a great experience just for the sheer novelty of the robotic toy that reacts in real-time to the game. It should be noted that Wappy Dog's interaction with the game are limited. The toy makes sounds and limited movements in response to actions that happen in the game, but these are all pre-defined and not truly customizable by players. It is not a sophisticated robot, but it does not need to be. The point of the toy is to make the hard work and dedication of caring for a virtual pet seem more tangible and real, which this game/toy combo accomplishes. Aspiring pet owners will no doubt find the charm and novelty of this game well worth it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how much time should be spent tending to a virtual pet. How much game time is too much?

  • Does the inclusion of a physical toy make you feel more like you're caring for a real pet?

  • What isn't in this game that you need to take care of with a real, live pet dog?

Game Details

  • Platform: Nintendo DS
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Activision
  • Release date: November 8, 2011
  • Genre: Simulation
  • ESRB rating: E for No Descriptors
  • Last updated: August 29, 2016

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