Nintendogs Never Grow Up? And Other Burning Questions Answered!
So, you’re diving back into Nintendogs. Or maybe you’re a curious newbie. What is this fuss about those pixel pups? You’ve got questions. We will unleash a torrent of Nintendogs knowledge. It will be drier than kibble left out in the sun. But hopefully, just as satisfying.
Puppyhood Forever: The Eternal Youth of Nintendogs
First, the big question: Do Nintendogs ever grow up? The answer is a resounding no. Your Nintendog puppy will stay a puppy forever. Think of it as a Peter Pan situation but with more tail wags. They won’t sprout into adult dogs. They won’t need reading glasses or complain about ts. Time stands still in Nintendogs puppyhood. Even in Nintendogs + Cats, with improved graphics – the jump is impressive – your furry friend remains youthful.
Navigating the Nintendogs Universe: Game Mechanics Unpacked
Now that we’ve established the fountain of youth, let’s dig into how this charming game works.
Doggy Densities: Home and Hotel Limits
Ever dreamt of a house overflowing with digital doggos? Nintendogs puts a leash on that fantasy. At home, you can have a maximum of three canine companions. Don’t despair, aspiring digital dog hoarder! The Dog Hotel is your overflow solution. You can stash up to five more pups there. Think of it as a luxurious timeshare for your virtual pets.
Breed Bonanza: Unlocking the Canine Crew
Nintendogs has different flavors, or versions. Each version starts with six different dog breeds. That’s just the beginning, or perhaps, the tip of the dog’s nose. To unlock more breeds, be a stellar virtual pet parent. Think training, walks, and adoration. Use the magic of Bark Mode with friends to unlock even more breeds. You can collect and cuddle 20 different dog breeds! Yes, dog lovers, you can unlock all breeds across all versions of the game. Gotta catch ’em all… pups!
Training Time: Microphone Magic
Forget fancy controllers with many buttons. Nintendogs gets personal. Training requires you to actually speak commands into the Nintendo DS microphone. You may look odd talking to your handheld console. But trust us, it’s part of the charm. Who knew voice commands mattered in a world of pixelated pets?
Competition is Canine: Trials and Triumph
Think your virtual pup can be top dog? Put those training sessions to the test! Nintendogs allows you to enter your furry friends into obedience and agility trials. Win these competitions and earn cold, hard (virtual) cash. Use this digital cash to spoil your pup! Think new toys, fancier food, and maybe even a tiny virtual mansion. Okay, maybe not a mansion, but definitely treats.
Bark Mode: Socializing Your Spaniels (Wirelessly!)
Tamagotchis and their social interaction needs? Nintendogs ups the ante with Bark Mode. This nifty feature uses wireless capabilities to let your Nintendog interact with other players’ pups. Imagine digital doggy playdates! It’s a charming way to connect and show off your trained (or endearingly derpy) virtual pets. In Japanese, it’s called “Surechigaitsūshin.” It sounds much cooler than “wireless communication,” doesn’t it?
Runaway Rumors: Fact vs. Fiction
The internet whispers tales of Nintendogs running away if neglected. Let’s set the record straight. Yes, neglect has consequences, but not the runaway scenario imagined. If you really neglect your digital dog – like leaving the game running without feeding them – one may “run away.” But fear not! They aren’t gone forever! They are just on a mission for a “present.” Think of it as a guilt trip disguised as a gift mission. Your pups cannot run away when the game is turned off. They’re loyal, even in pixel form.
Weighty Matters: Food and Fitness
Nintendogs + Cats introduces realism (or maybe virtual pet shaming?). What your digital pet eats matters! Loading them with too much Wet Food leads to virtual weight gain. This will make them slower and less agile. Too much Diet Food will make them underweight and tire easily. It’s a delicate balance, like real pets (and humans, let’s be honest). Virtual pet owners, portion control is key!
Walkies and Wanderings: Daily Excursions
Walkies are crucial in Nintendogs life. Thankfully, you can take your pup for multiple walks in a day. However, Nintendogs isn’t rule-free. There must be at least a half-hour gap between walks. No power-walking your poor pixel pooch! Just like real dogs, your Nintendog will mark their territory on walks. Digital lampposts beware!
Personality Quirks: Do They Matter?
Do Nintendogs have personalities? Yes and no. According to the official Japanese Nintendogs + Cats Guide Book, personalities do influence behavior. They can affect behavior through hidden keywords. Some personalities even use face recognition, making your pup act differently towards you than other visitors. However, in original Nintendogs, personalities are more ive. So, personality is more flavor enhancer than game-changer.
The Never-Ending Story (or Game): No End in Sight
If you crave closure and final boss battles, Nintendogs is a curveball. Game Informer pointed out the game’s lack of an ending. They’re right! Nintendogs isn’t about grand finales; it’s about ongoing joy of pet ownership, virtual style. It’s perpetual puppy paradise, and who needs an ending with endless puppy cuddles?
Resetting the Reality: Starting Fresh
Mistakes made? Puppy training off track? Want to start fresh? There’s a reset trick! When the white Nintendo screen pops up at start, hold down L, R, A, B, Y, and X buttons simultaneously. Boom! Fresh start. Use this power wisely, virtual dog trainer.
Nintendogs Care 101: Keeping Your Pup Happy (and Fed!)
Basic dog care is crucial in Nintendogs. Let’s talk kibble and other bodily functions.
Feeding Frenzy (or Lack Thereof): Consequences of Empty Bowls
We’ve discussed the “runaway” myth, but let’s reiterate: neglecting feeding has consequences. Starve your Nintendog for too long, and they may begin their present-finding adventure. More likely, they will be incredibly famished and parched when you return. They may even get digitally skinny! So don’t forget dinner time!
Poop Patrol: Responsible Digital Dog Ownership
Walkies aren’t just fun; they also involve… you know. If your Nintendog does business on a walk, tap the digital poop to bag it. Leaving it behind is bad manners plus a loss of Trainer Points. Nobody likes a digital dog owner who doesn’t clean up after their pooch. Be responsible! Bag that virtual poop!
Nintendogs Kin: Games That Bark Up a Similar Tree
Nintendogs spawned a genre of pet simulation games. Here are some that might scratch that virtual pet itch:
Nintendogs + Cats: The Feline Factor
The obvious successor, Nintendogs + Cats, is a sequel for Nintendo 3DS. It adds cats to the mix! The real star is the vastly improved graphics. It’s a leap from original Nintendogs, making digital critters even more charmingly rendered.
Little Friends: Dogs & Cats: A Contender Arises
Little Friends: Dogs & Cats for…
The Nintendo Switch enters the virtual pet scene. Nintendo Life stated it “invites comparisons with the Nintendogs series with its structure and overall presentation.” If you seek a Nintendogs-like experience on the Switch, this could be worth checking out.
My Universe Puppies and Kittens: Familiar Territory
My Universe Puppies and Kittens covers similar ground. It’s called “just like Nintendogs but of course… it has its small differences here and there.” For Nintendogs fans, it is not a perfect match, but it’s in the same realm.
Real-World Rover Realities: A Touch of Doggy Development
Nintendogs keeps puppies forever young. Real dogs, however, grow and age. Let’s discuss real-world dog development for some perspective.
Puppyhood ages: From Pup to Adult
Puppyhood is a brief period. In general, puppies grow into adulthood between one and two years of age. This phase is full of growth, chewing, and cute clumsiness.
Maturity Milestones: Size Matters
Dog breed size affects maturity timelines. Smaller breeds tend to mature faster than larger breeds. Small dogs often reach adulthood quicker.
Senior Snoozes: Golden Years for Canines
Dogs reach senior years too. For small dogs, senior status usually starts around 7-10 years old. Larger breeds often become seniors earlier, around 5-6 years old. Indeed, 14 years old is typically old for a dog, especially larger breeds. Treasure those golden years, both real and virtual.
Bonus Bones: Extra Nintendogs Nuggets
Here are more facts for your Nintendogs knowledge:
- Have you heard of a RoboPup Voucher? It exists in Nintendogs! (Visit the Nintendogs Wiki for more info).
- the Dog Hotel? It houses up to five dogs. Useful for broadening your digital dog family.
- Need Diet Food for your virtual pup? Go to the BARC stores in-game. Who knew about virtual pet food shopping?
So there you have it! Your Nintendogs questions answered. Now go, start your DS (or 3DS), and give your virtual dogs lots of love, attention, and the perfect amount of virtual food. Enjoy your Nintendog experience!
