Before we talk about why Nintendogs deserves a modern reboot, let’s rewind and appreciate just how groundbreaking it really was.

Originally released in 2005 for the Nintendo DS, Nintendogs was a real-time pet simulation game that used the DS’s touchscreen and microphone to let players raise and bond with virtual puppies. It launched in multiple versions—Chihuahua & Friends, Dachshund & Friends, and Labrador & Friends—and later expanded to include Dalmatian & Friends and Best Friends. Players could name their dogs, teach them tricks, walk them, compete in agility and obedience contests, and care for their physical and emotional needs.

The game was a massive success, selling nearly 24 million copies worldwide and becoming the second best-selling Nintendo DS game of all time. It won a slew of awards, inspired plush toys and trading cards, and even made its way into Super Smash Bros. as an assist trophy. A sequel, Nintendogs + Cats, arrived on the 3DS in 2011, but since then? Silence.

With today’s cozy gaming boom, there’s never been a better time to bring it back.

A Game That Taught Me More Than I Realized

For me, Nintendogs wasn’t just a game—it was formative. I was a kid with a deep love for animals, and this was the first time a game let me express that love in an interactive, meaningful way. Without even knowing it, I was learning how to be gentle, consistent, and patient. It felt like play, but it was also a kind of practice—one that shaped how I later approached real dog training in my teens and adulthood.

There was something incredibly powerful about earning a tail wag or a successful sit command after working for it. The bond felt real, and I carried that feeling into the way I approached dogs in real life. To this day, I credit Nintendogs with helping me develop a calm, encouraging presence around animals—something no tutorial could’ve taught better.

We’re Living in the Golden Age of Cozy—Where Is Nintendogs?

Cozy, emotionally driven games are thriving right now. Titles like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Hello Kitty Island Adventure prove that people crave gentler gaming experiences. Games that aren’t about combat or conquest, but about connection. And Nintendogs did that before it was trendy.

It fits the current gaming landscape perfectly—but unlike other early 2000s franchises, it hasn’t come back. There’s no modern version for players who grew up with it, and no updated experience for new fans to fall in love with. Why let a game that made millions of players feel seen and soothed fade into memory?

What a Reboot Could Look Like (And Why It Could Thrive)

A modern Nintendogs reboot could be more than a nostalgic remake—it could be a full-on evolution. Here’s my dream version:

  • PC Port with Mod Support – Let players create custom breeds, accessories, and environments. Imagine a cozy modded kennel full of little quirks and storylines, tailor-made by the community.
  • Switch Compatibility – The touchscreen and portability are perfect for a pet sim. Add gyro-based grooming, co-op competitions, or local dog park meetups.
  • Mobile Version – Think AR walks, feeding reminders, and surprise gifts from your pup while you’re out and about.
  • Indie-Style Reimagining – A slower-paced, story-driven reboot with a rescue shelter setting, hand-drawn art, and heartfelt interactions that reflect real emotional experiences.
  • Built-In Accessibility Options – Relaxed modes, simplified controls, and customizable UI would make it easier and more inclusive than ever.

Yes, Little Friends: Dogs & Cats exists on the Switch, and yes, I’ve tried it. It scratches a surface-level itch, but honestly—it’s just not the same. While the game lets you feed, pet, and dress up animals, it lacks the emotional connection, polish, depth, and attention to detail that made Nintendogs feel so special. Critics called it shallow, repetitive, and underwhelming—and they weren’t wrong. It felt more like a placeholder than a true successor. What Nintendogs had was heart. What it needs now is evolution.

Final Thoughts

Some games are just fun. But Nintendogs was something else—it was quiet comfort, emotional education, and unconditional virtual love all rolled into one. It sparked my interest in simulation games and helped me discover a lifelong passion for dogs. And I know I’m not the only one.

We’re ready, Nintendo. Whether it’s a faithful reboot, a spiritual successor, or something entirely new, we’re here. On PC, Switch, and mobile. Wherever people need comfort and companionship.

Give us our puppies back.