Yesterday was a sad day for me, thus I apologize for the lack of update. I was given a fish as a birthday present, but it passed away yesterday, only two days after acquiring it. Not that I’ve never kept a fish before, in fact I have a planted fish tank, but… *sigh*

Anyway, since we’re on the topic of pets, let’s talk about Nintendogs! Nintendogs is a video game made for the Nintendo DS. It is a virtual pet game where the player can keep a virtual dog, and interact with it via the touchscreen and the microphone.

Nintendogs is surprisingly well-received, earning a 40/40 score on the japanese Famitsu video game magazine. And Famitsu is notorious for its strict scoring system, with only 5 games(including Nintendogs) capable of earning its full 40/40 score.

Players can train, pet, and bath their dogs. Also bring them for walks and send them for competitions. Two Nintendo DS with Nintendogs is able to link up to let the puppies play together. The Nintendo DS will even look for nearby Nintendogs with its wireless feature, and bark when one is found. Very hip I say! And a fun way to find fellow dog-lovers.

There are a total of 18 breeds playable. As Nintendogs comes in 3 different versions, each version will have 6 playable breeds. And there are more breeds, like the Dalmatian, that can be unlocked in a later part of the game.

Below is a list of the 18 breeds:

Lab and Friends
• Labrador Retriever
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Toy Poodle
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Miniature Pinscher
• Shiba Inu

Chihuahua and Friends

• Chihuahua
• German Shepherd
• Boxer
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Shetland Sheepdog

Dachshund and Friends

• Miniature Dachshund
• Golden Retriever
• Beagle
• Pug
• Siberian Husky
• Shih Tzu

The good thing about a virtual pet, is that it will not die! Now, when are they going to make a Nintenfish?

Further readings:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4144846.stm
http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3143100 – An in-depth Nintendogs strategy guide