I’m going to be one sad puppy if Nintendogs doesn’t get a Switch 2 sequel — here’s why
I’m a huge Nintendo fan. I’ve played more titles than I could ever count from the Japanese gaming giant, completing everything from blockbuster releases like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Realm to lesser known gems such as Chibi Robo! But one series had eluded me for a while.
It’s true, I’m talking about Nintendogs. Even though I grew up with the Nintendo DS and was a huge animal lover, I simply never found the time to adopt and care for my own virtual puppy. That was until recently.
Yes, I picked up a used copy of Nintendogs Dalmatian and his friendsand I honestly wish my younger self could have played it. I loved taking care of my dog – named Dotty – whether it was participating in Frisbee contests, going on event-filled walks, or just giving him a good brush. And it got me thinking: why isn’t it Nintendogs on Nintendo Switch 2? Here’s why I think it should make a return to Nintendo’s new console.
A man’s best friend
First, let’s discuss what makes Nintendogs so special. This twenty year old title was released on the DS and proved to be a real systems seller. Through its different versions, including: Dachshund and friends, Laboratory and friendsAnd Chihuahua and friends (to name a few), Nintendogs sold approximately 24 million copies worldwide. And for good reason.
First of all, Nintendogs makes fantastic use of the hardware it’s played on. Touchscreen interactivity makes seemingly mundane tasks – whether it’s feeding your dog or even bathing them – become seriously addictive. Even the microphone is listed here, and I used it extensively on my DSi XL, teaching Dotty new tricks and calling her in for a head pat.
In addition to exploiting the talents of the handheld, Nintendogs is also a very well-made video game in general. As we have seen with titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo is an expert at creating experiences that you can enjoy little by little, day by day. And that’s how I approached Nintendogs. For weeks, I committed to the same routine of feeding Dotty well, walking her, and entering competitions.
Your consistency is also rewarded: the more walks you take, the further you can go. You’ll also gradually discover more items like hats and toys, which can be used to enhance your experience. Selling unwanted items and winning competitions also allows you to earn money, which can even be spent on adopting more dogs to liven up your home.
And different dogs have different personalities, which determines the type of care and attention they require from you. Oh, and did I mention there’s multiplayer functionality? There’s so much more depth than I expected from a pet sim released in 2005.
Consider a renaissance
So I think I made it clear that my first time playing Nintendogs was an extremely positive experience. And even though we had more series in 2011 with Nintendogs + CatsI think there is now an appetite to bring it back to the masses. We saw one of Nintendo’s old (but golden) simulations, Tomodachi’s life, get a sequel planned for 2026, so why not?
Sure, I’d like a more modern user experience and flashy 4K visuals too, but what exactly could Nintendogs what does it look like on Nintendo Switch 2?
Well, I mentioned earlier how the DS original used its hardware to good effect, and I’d expect that to be repeated on the Switch 2. I’d love to see the Switch 2’s often underutilized touchscreen capabilities raise its head for handheld gaming – whether it’s petting or feeding your puppy. And with the introduction of mouse controls, navigating menus or holding your head during walks could translate seamlessly to Nintendo’s new console, even when playing on Dock.
In fact, we could go even further and integrate motion controls for washing or brushing your pet, which would be a real throwback to 2000s gaming. The Joy-Con 2 controllers’ use of HD rumble could provide an almost tangible sensation when priming your pup – it really seems like the perfect hardware for a follow-up.
And in terms of content, there’s plenty of room for expansion. Sure, we’d need the basic care, but more competition categories, more tricks, and more breeds would make a really appealing follow-up.
Honestly, I believe there is no better time to bring back this endearing and addictive series. I’d love to see cats reappear in a Switch 2 version, and I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to multiple versions offering a unique set of races. But whatever the new Nintendogs what would it look like, I’m sure I – and many of you – would love to see its return. Please Nintendo, I’ll even take a direct port at this point!
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