Nintendogs: Best Friends (2005) | Nintendo DS Video Game
Experience the nostalgia of Nintendogs: Best Friends. Raise, train, and compete with the worlds cutest virtual puppies using unique DS touch and voice controls.
The Ultimate Virtual Pet Experience
If you grew up in the mid-2000s, you probably remember the absolute craze when Nintendo decided to turn the DS into a literal pocket-sized puppy. Nintendogs: Best Friends is essentially the "Greatest Hits" version of that era. Originally bundled with the iconic teal and pink DS consoles, this edition cherry-picks the most popular breeds from the initial three releases—Dachshund, Lab, and Chihuahua—and stuffs them into one cartridge. It’s a pure shot of nostalgia that still holds up because it doesn't treat the animals like sprites; it treats them like actual companions.
Raising Your Puppy
The magic of Nintendogs is that it doesn’t rush you. You start by picking a pup from the kennel, bringing them home, and earning their trust. Unlike a lot of older sims, there is no "Game Over" here. Your dogs don't age, and they don't die—they stay in that permanent, energetic puppy phase.
Your main loop involves balancing the "chores" with the fun stuff. You’ll spend time brushing out matted fur, scrubbing them down in the bath, and making sure they aren't "Famished" or "Parched" by keeping their bowls full. However, the real meat of the game is the bond you build. You aren't just clicking menus; you’re using the stylus to scratch behind their ears or belly, watching for that specific tail wag that tells you they’re happy.
Training and Competitions
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to head out. The map system lets you draw a path through the neighborhood to the park or the gym. Along the way, you’ll stumble onto "mystery boxes" (presents) or meet neighborhood dogs. These walks are crucial because they build the stamina your dog needs for the three main competitive circuits:
- Disc Competition: Testing your timing and your dog's jumping ability.
- Agility Trials: Navigating hurdles, tunnels, and see-saws.
- Obedience Trials: The ultimate test of the microphone features.
Winning these earns you the cash needed to upgrade your tiny apartment into something a bit more luxurious or to head back to the kennel to adopt a friend. Just remember, you can only keep three dogs at home—the rest have to hang out at the Dog Hotel.
How to Play
Nintendogs was designed to showcase exactly what the Nintendo DS could do. It’s a dual-screen experience where the top screen shows your dog’s stats and the beautiful (for 2005) 3D environments, while the bottom screen is your direct interface with the world.
To get started, you’ll spend a lot of time "talking" to your DS. You’ll need to repeat a name or a command clearly into the mic until your puppy recognizes it. From there, it’s a mix of dragging items from your inventory into the world—like a tennis ball or a water bowl—and reacting to your dog's behavior in real-time.
Controls
- Touchscreen (Stylus): This is your hand. Use it to pet your dog, throw toys, scrub them during baths, and navigate the neighborhood map during walks.
- Microphone: Used for voice commands. You’ll call your dog’s name to get their attention and shout commands like "Sit," "Stay," or "Roll Over" once they’ve been trained.
- D-Pad / Buttons: Mostly used for skipping through text or toggling camera angles during certain events, though the stylus handles 95% of the heavy lifting.
