Nintendo Goes to the Dogs... Literally

[bandersnatch]

GameInsider has posted a press release (http://www.gameinsider.com/comments.php?id=1039&catid=1) detailing the very successful launch of Nintendogs in the US. Reading it seems like a repeat of the same fanfare which met the game in Japan -- 15 percent of all DS owners bought Nintendogs in just a week and DS sales have increased to between one and a half and three times previous sales levels.

With sales of a quarter of a million units in its first week of availability, Nintendogs(TM) is not only America's hottest-selling video game, but the best-selling new game franchise ever for a portable system.

Retailers already are reporting that Nintendogs, made exclusively for the hand-held Nintendo DS(TM), has sold out in numerous locations across the country, and Nintendo will deliver more shipments as soon as possible. The three versions of Nintendogs and the DS unit itself consistently rank at the top of Amazon.com's best-selling list of all video game products.

"Nearly 15 percent of all DS owners bought Nintendogs in just a week, a virtually unprecedented adoption rate for any title on an established system," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "And it's also helping sell new DS hardware. Coupled with a price drop to $129.99, retailers are reporting DS sales up between one and a half and three times previous levels, and last week DS comfortably outsold our portable competitors."

[carneconcarne]

Don't worry, the PSP is going after a completely different market, ok? It's a much smaller market, that makes lots less money, but I've heard from reputable sources that it totally r0xx0rs the lame DS market.

[Heretic Machine]

Great... now I have to buy it too. Bastards...

[civx]

Too bad the commercials suck for it.

[thecrazyd]

Ladies and gentleman: I show you a lack of competition for the PSP! Lets see how the sales compare now.

[Kamalot]

I say WOW!Nearly 15 percent of all DS owners bought Nintendogs in just a week

[netcraazzy]

While Nintendo will say that this is proof that Nintendogs is the best thing since sliced bread I think it's a testament to DS owners thirst for some good games on the platform.

[TrackZero]

Don't worry, the PSP is going after a completely different market, ok? It's a much smaller market, that makes lots less money, but I've heard from reputable sources that it totally r0xx0rs the lame DS market.

LMFAO. Priceless.

[Xaerin]

Too bad the commercials suck for it.

I've never been influenced to purchase or not to purchase a game based on an ad. and don't believe it's something others would base their purchasing decisions on either, this just further enforces that theory.
God they sucked.

[civx]

I've never been influenced to purchase or not to purchase a game based on an ad. and don't believe it's something others would base their purchasing decisions on either, this just further enforces that theory.
God they sucked.

I don't know what the fuck you're trying to say, but if I had a DS I would buy the game. It's just that the commercials for it are God awful.

[NoName]

Between Nintendogs, Advanced Wars, and Lunar on the horizon, I definately need to get a DS. Maybe these sales bursts will encourage gaming companies to develop more for the DS... *wishful thinking*

[DaXIthR]

While Nintendo will say that this is proof that Nintendogs is the best thing since sliced bread I think it's a testament to DS owners thirst for some good games on the platform.

Hats off to Nintendo.

I don't recall people trolling against the Xbox on the release of Halo 2, when it sold through 2.5 million pieces of software in its first day.

I AM SURE I don't recall anyone saying that the reason everyone was sucking up that game as soon as it was released, that it was a direct result of the piss poor titles available on that system until that point.

Is that just because a particular piece of software sells well, it automatically means that every effort until that major release was designed to hold the consumer on until that specific launch?

Shame on you, netcraazzy.

And seriously, when is it that an audience is NOT starved for good games on a platform it has adopted? At what point does an audience say, "Please give us something we don't want. Give us something that defeats the purpose of the device we purchased."

I will sit patiently and wait for you to say that I am missing your point.

[Phades]

While Nintendo will say that this is proof that Nintendogs is the best thing since sliced bread I think it's a testament to DS owners thirst for some good games on the platform.

I'm with you. I was playing Metal Gear Acid last night (which I think is WAY underrated) and thinking about that. I think it's funny how people will sing the praises of a game like this and then turn around and hate games like The Sims. Neither one does a whole lot for me. Also, am I the only one that finds it annoying that they'd release 3 versions of the same game? Either they're trying to milk their customers for all they can or it really shows the storage limitations of their format.

I AM SURE I don't recall anyone saying that the reason everyone was sucking up that game as soon as it was released, that it was a direct result of the piss poor titles available on that system until that point.

Is that just because a particular piece of software sells well, it automatically means that every effort until that major release was designed to hold the consumer on until that specific launch?

Shame on you, netcraazzy. I think his point was that this is a game about raising dogs. It's more of a toy than a game and not exactly a huge title. I've played it and it's alright, but it's not exactly this superb piece of software.

[Xaerin]

I don't know what the fuck you're trying to say, but if I had a DS I would buy the game. It's just that the commercials for it are God awful.

Take it easy there chief, let me break it down for you.

Adverts = teh suck.

Game = teh win.

Therefore good adverts ≠ good sales.

Ya dig?

[pacmanfever]

Also, am I the only one that finds it annoying that they'd release 3 versions of the same game? Either they're trying to milk their customers for all they can or it really shows the storage limitations of their format.

how many times do we have to go over this? all three versions have the same dog breeds. the only difference is in which breeds are initially unlocked. there is no reason to buy more than one version. they are not milking it. they are not running out of storage space. christ.

[Cubfan]

I bought Nintendogs. Despite my inner 'guy' telling me no, I went to the big table at the front of Best Buy, pushed a couple of 10 years old out of my way, and grabbed a copy of the weiner dog version. Cute game, the dogs are well-animated and lifelike, the interface is clever and accessible... and damn if it isn't cute. Not really my style though, I'm more of a goal-oriented gamer, I think I'll pass it along to my nephew and pick up Advance Wars DS. He'll have a blast with it.

[Darkman]

I think Nintendo did do something right with this game. It was the "Killer App" that made me go out and buy a DS. Currently I am afraid to say there certainly isn't any killer app for the PSP.

If Nintendo made a more robust graphical version with tons of different dogs for the Revolution, that would sell that console to me.

Nintendo doesn't do a lot of things right for a lot of people. But their games are for the most part top notch. And thats what it is about right?

Or is it about the bitchin. I forget.

[Phades]

how many times do we have to go over this? all three versions have the same dog breeds. the only difference is in which breeds are initially unlocked. there is no reason to buy more than one version. they are not milking it. they are not running out of storage space. christ.

Ah, well then, I didn't know this. Thanks for the info. I retract the argument and and am now slightly less annoyed by it. I still think it's odd and misleading. Some people, such as myself, might think they need to buy multiple copies of the same game. I brought it up because yesterday at Costco I saw a lady fishing through the games trying to find the last version (she already had the other two in her hands).

Might want to take some meds to help you calm down a bit. Getting a little overexcited there about a game.

[PantherModern]

I too am a big, burly man who ran out and bought Nintendogs under the guise of letting my wife play it. Well, here I am a week later with an adorable Siberian Husky named Montana and a pissed-off wife. :D

[AspectVoid]

You know, I'd bet $20 that if this was developed and released by EA Games rather then Nintendo everyone would either be ignoring it or bitching about it like they do the Sims. Its pretty much in the same genre of games as that is. Its impressive what company loyalty can do.

[jBusy]

Ah, well then, I didn't know this. Thanks for the info. I retract the argument and and am now slightly less annoyed by it. I still think it's odd and misleading. Some people, such as myself, might think they need to buy multiple copies of the same game. I brought it up because yesterday at Costco I saw a lady fishing through the games trying to find the last version (she already had the other two in her hands).

It says on the back of the box that all the dogs are unlockable.

[Hellstorm]

You know, I'd bet $20 that if this was developed and released by EA Games rather then Nintendo everyone would either be ignoring it or bitching about it like they do the Sims. Its pretty much in the same genre of games as that is. Its impressive what company loyalty can do.


Well Nintendo >>>>>>>>>>> 99% of developers out there >>>>>>>EA

when it comes to making games.

[Deadend]

You know, I'd bet $20 that if this was developed and released by EA Games rather then Nintendo everyone would either be ignoring it or bitching about it like they do the Sims. Its pretty much in the same genre of games as that is. Its impressive what company loyalty can do.

They are similar and fundamentaly diffrent.

Little computer people who are stupid and you do not directly interact with are quite difrrent than little dogies that you can digitally touch and talk to.

If Nintendogs came out for the PSP it would be lame, the touchscreen/mouse maniuplation makes it fun by making the interaction direct. The microphone helps as well.

[anakin876]

It says on the back of the box that all the dogs are unlockable.
And your point?
You know there are people out there buying games who only know the title - or who see the front and say "ahhh, how cute, a doggie game - I better get all 3 just to make sure I get them all!"
The Pokemon mentality - differently labelled cartridges have slightly different, but IMPORTANT things in them - that you MUST HAVE!
ahhh, those poor people.

[Phades]

It says on the back of the box that all the dogs are unlockable.

Well that's swell. I'm glad it's there. You see three different boxes that list different breeds on the cover, it's still confusing. I'm glad it's not like I thought, but it's still lame.

Like I said, I retract my anger. I still think it's a ploy to confuse people. What else is the purpose?

[Bydo_Empire]

i haven't had too much time to play with it yet, but I've definitely enjoyed my first hour of being a puppy (Siberian Husky) owner. Seems very well done so far, and a perfect piece of portable entertainment. Great job Nintendo.

[Cubfan]

I agree, the different boxes are confusing and misleading. If ultimately each edition has all the same dogs, what was the point?

[Blade]

This game seems interesting but I've never been really attracted to pet sims.. so I probably won't be picking this up.

[dorkus_malorkus]

I don't get the appeal of the game. It just seems rather boring to me. I was in an EB the other day and played it for few minutes and just wasn't feelin' it. Don't get me wrong...I have a dog and a cat and like animals. There's just so much ear scratching one man cad do. Dunno.

[Kyle Jones]

It's stuff like this that keeps me a Nintendo fan. Sure, they don't have nearly as many great games as some of the consoles that better support 3rd developers and have a much larger library, but Nintendo continues to come up with new and interesting games. For me, it's all about innovation in gaming. If the same games just keep improving but not much is made in the strides towards new, we don't get much in the way of growth and evolution.

It's companies like Nintendo that have the balls to say "Fuck guys, let's make a game about dogs!" and will do it, because they are Nintendo, and they are high off drugs on any given day.

[thecrazyd]

I agree, the different boxes are confusing and misleading. If ultimately each edition has all the same dogs, what was the point?
It is so they can have unlockable content without alienating people who want to start with a certain breed. It also ropes in extra money from people who are stupid.

[pacmanfever]

Might want to take some meds to help you calm down a bit. Getting a little overexcited there about a game.


haha, point taken. it's just that i see this misconception come up every time someone mentions the game. that, and i hadn't had my coffee yet.

i think your point that it is more of a toy than a game is interesting. i mean, where do you draw the line? more importantly, why draw a line? aren't all video games just electronic toys?

[Abednigo]

I have a DS and have no desire to own Nintendogs.

[askheaves]

I bought one last week because of the price drop and Advance Wars.. and because I haven't been excited about a PSP game release since I bought the PSP.

I doubt I'll get PuppySim 2.0

[Phades]

haha, point taken. it's just that i see this misconception come up every time someone mentions the game. that, and i hadn't had my coffee yet.

i think your point that it is more of a toy than a game is interesting. i mean, where do you draw the line? more importantly, why draw a line? aren't all video games just electronic toys?

Not really. I don't think a standard video game is any more a toy than a movie is. The reason I think Nintendogs is more of a toy is because there isn't any underlying purpose or goal to it. You just play around with it. Games have goals or something you do to win. Toys you just play around with.

[bapenguin]

I really want a DS for Advance Wars and Meteos. But I'm broke...Gotta Save for the 360 too!

[Phades]

I really want a DS for Advance Wars and Meteos. But I'm broke...Gotta Save for the 360 too!

I'm with you there. I desire Advance Wars and the new Mario game. If a few more games come out that I want I may consider picking one up eventually. I'm disappointed with what I've heard and played of Metroid. Hopefully that turns out to be great. (It's Nintendo so I have faith.)

[jBusy]

And your point?
You know there are people out there buying games who only know the title - or who see the front and say "ahhh, how cute, a doggie game - I better get all 3 just to make sure I get them all!"


Right, I guess I'm stupid for thinking Nintendo's in the right here by listing the answer to this question ON THE BOX. If someone wants to buy all 3 because they didn't take the time to read the box, it's their money they're wasting.

The Pokemon mentality - differently labelled cartridges have slightly different, but IMPORTANT things in them - that you MUST HAVE!
ahhh, those poor people.
I agree, the different boxes are confusing and misleading. If ultimately each edition has all the same dogs, what was the point?

There are different versions so that it gives people an incentive to use bark mode. In case you don't want to use that to unlock the other dogs, it's still possible, but takes longer.

[Xerxes]

When is there going to be a pokemon for DS?

[Nessus]

"When is there going to be a pokemon for DS?"



There must already be a Pokemon game for it because according to Sony that's the only thing driving the DS' sales.

I hate how Nintendo just constantly rehashes the same franchises, like Nintendogs.

*cough*

Anyways, while I personally don't have much interest in the game, my girlfriend wants a Candy Pink DS and I think she'd really like Nintendogs so I'll probably get it for her.

[Dafizman]

To be fair, the items you can find are slightly different in each different version... these items don't really do anything, but give you the option of say, let your dog play with a picture frame or a wierd statue if you so desire.

[Achilles]

I agree, the different boxes are confusing and misleading. If ultimately each edition has all the same dogs, what was the point?It determines which dog you start with. The easiest way to unlock the dogs is to enter bark mode and find people who bought the other types of boxes. Each box also has some special toys in it, so if you buy the huskey or whatever you end up with slightly different stuff that you can trade with the guy who bought a different starting dog. It's about getting people to interact with other people to unlock things, which is part of what made Pokemon so successful. People got their friends to buy a different version so they could get new stuff unlocked.

[pacmanfever]

Not really. I don't think a standard video game is any more a toy than a movie is. The reason I think Nintendogs is more of a toy is because there isn't any underlying purpose or goal to it. You just play around with it. Games have goals or something you do to win. Toys you just play around with.

there actually are goals in the game. there are also items to collect, skills to acquire, an outside world to explore, and competitions to um.. compete in. it's just set up in a free-roaming gta style, so that you can focus on the main goals, or you can just play around.

someone wiser than myself wrote up a nice piece analyzing the game's design here (http://lostgarden.com/2005/06/nintendogs-case-of-non-game-that.html) .

[31 Flavas]

While Nintendo will say that this is proof that Nintendogs is the best thing since sliced bread I think it's a testament to DS owners thirst for some good games on the platform.*Ahem* Where are PSP's "good" games? For that matter what "good" games have been released since its release?

Give Kirby, Meteos, Nanostray, Pac-pix, or Advance Wars a try before dismissing the DS as not having any "good" games. Heck, even Mario 64 DS worth a purchase regardless of wether you dismissed the N64 or not when it was around.

[jacktion]

I've never been influenced to purchase or not to purchase a game based on an ad.

Jeez, do you really believe that? You might think you haven't but you are wrong. Do you think companies just throw all that money away on ads for no reason? Ads work. I know it hurts your ego to admit it but we've all been affected by ads.

[Opty]

Mark my words: Nintendo will never, ever make a full fledged Pokemon MMORPG.

[Heretic Machine]

Not really. I don't think a standard video game is any more a toy than a movie is. The reason I think Nintendogs is more of a toy is because there isn't any underlying purpose or goal to it. You just play around with it. Games have goals or something you do to win. Toys you just play around with.

You sir, are an idiot. The purpose of the game is to be fun, if a game is not fun it has no purpose. There is no further "point" to a game. The end, that's all.

[Phades]

there actually are goals in the game. there are also items to collect, skills to acquire, an outside world to explore, and competitions to um.. compete in. it's just set up in a free-roaming gta style, so that you can focus on the main goals, or you can just play around.

someone wiser than myself wrote up a nice piece analyzing the game's design here (http://lostgarden.com/2005/06/nintendogs-case-of-non-game-that.html) .

Nice article. I suppose I can agree with you then. You've convinced me :) Looks like I just didn't give it enough time.

You sir, are an idiot. The purpose of the game is to be fun, if a game is not fun it has no purpose. There is no further "point" to a game. The end, that's all. Were we debating purpose? Seems we were talking about what constitutes a game. But, since you seem to lack the facilities to recognize that, I'll respond.

Yes the purpose of a game is to be fun, glad you're able to understand that. In case you didn't realize, that is also the same purpose of a toy.

If you're going to step into the middle of a discussion and start flinging insults like a simpleton, how about adding something of value?

[Xerxes]

If nintendo managed to make a good pokemon MMORPG for the DS I would die of happiness.

You and me both brother... :-P
I would prefer a MMORPG on revolution(i was hoping gamecube but i doubt that now) that link to a gameboy(or ds since that's what they got out now)...

Now Nintendo could take that to the bank like Warcraft is doing with that trading card game. $40 MMORPG game for console, plus $15 a month(after a 1 -3 month free period), plus $30 DS game to go with it, plus revolution, $200-$300, plus $120 DS, a tv to play the games on and how did PA end that strip, Giving handjobs in the local Olive Garden?

[netcraazzy]

Hats off to Nintendo.

I don't recall people trolling against the Xbox on the release of Halo 2, when it sold through 2.5 million pieces of software in its first day.

I AM SURE I don't recall anyone saying that the reason everyone was sucking up that game as soon as it was released, that it was a direct result of the piss poor titles available on that system until that point.

Is that just because a particular piece of software sells well, it automatically means that every effort until that major release was designed to hold the consumer on until that specific launch?

Shame on you, netcraazzy.

And seriously, when is it that an audience is NOT starved for good games on a platform it has adopted? At what point does an audience say, "Please give us something we don't want. Give us something that defeats the purpose of the device we purchased."

I will sit patiently and wait for you to say that I am missing your point.

While you most certainly are missing my point I'd hardly call that trolling and anybody who can post such an obvious knee-jerk reaction to a simple comment really shouldn't be making those accusations.

I simply wanted to add some perspective on why I believe the game is selling the way it is. I'd say it's pretty much fact that the DS does not have very many "must have" titles at the moment. Is it that big of a deal to come to the conclusion that since there are not many must have titles for the system that it could be a contributing factor to why the game is selling so well?

I apologize if my post brought out your inner "fanboi" but you obviously didn’t' have to dig very deep to find it.

[snubber]

So Nintendo the company really visited some dogs, some literal canines? Or are you perhaps using literally incorrectly, like every other moron who was literally flying down the street because they were late for work?

[Rotting]

there actually are goals in the game. there are also items to collect, skills to acquire, an outside world to explore, and competitions to um.. compete in. it's just set up in a free-roaming gta style, so that you can focus on the main goals, or you can just play around.

someone wiser than myself wrote up a nice piece analyzing the game's design here (http://lostgarden.com/2005/06/nintendogs-case-of-non-game-that.html) .

That is too funny man, comparing the gameplay style of gta to nintendogs. Don't get me wrong, I understand and totally agree with what you are saying, but I guess it is just a funny thought still :)

[nonchalance]

I still think it's a ploy to confuse people. What else is the purpose?

Spoken like a hardcore gamer who has no difficulty unlocking things.


Look, it's simple. Two things, basically.
One: People want to be able to play with their favourite breed of dog right out of the box.
Two: People want to be able to unlock new content.

Therefore: You can buy the version that has the dog you want right out of the box. You can unlock the dogs you are less interested in as you play.

[mister_slim]

I think a large part of the success of Nintendogs is based on the voice recognition. First, because talking to puppies is a natural way of interacting with them, yet we don't expect a really sophisticated response from them (and since language parsing is rather poor at this point, this avoid those limitations). Second, it's a rather underused mechanism for control. Third, teaching a puppy is an elegant way to acquire more data for the voice recognition without aggravating the player.
Not really. I don't think a standard video game is any more a toy than a movie is. The reason I think Nintendogs is more of a toy is because there isn't any underlying purpose or goal to it. You just play around with it. Games have goals or something you do to win. Toys you just play around with.
Basically, what you are saying is that something is a game if the designer built in a 'win condition' (a goal or motivation) of some sort and something is a toy if the designer left that up to the player.

[nonchalance]

When is there going to be a pokemon for DS?

On the horizon are three that I know of. Or four, if you count the puzzler (http://ds.ign.com/objects/764/764903.html), which I don't, given that it's Zoo Keeper with Pokemon in it. Or five, if you count Pokemon Dash, which I don't, given that it's utter shite.

Pearl, Diamond and Pokemon Ranger. (http://ds.ign.com/articles/632/632757p1.html)

[CapnBob]

If I were making a commercial for this game, I would start out with a screencapture of it being plays and someone talking to the dog with semi-baby talk like "who's a precious puppy? Who is? is you?? YES YOU IS! That's my little princess!"

I would then pan the camera back to include the stylus, being held by a tattoo'd hand, and the camera would turn around slowly to reveal a rather gnarled-looking biker standing in a filthy men's room. The door to the men's room would then open and another biker would enter, saying "I thought you said this would just take a minute! Are you walking the dog or are you just playing with it?" The first biker glances at the camera, slightly embarrassed.

The two walk out and the resat of the gang quickly close their own DS's and slip them in their pockets. End with a shot of them riding down the highway with the Nintendogs logo sown into the backs of their denim jackets.

[nonchalance]

CapnBob, you're a champion.

Make the ad and sell it to Nintendo.

[CapnBob]

Is it that big of a deal to come to the conclusion that since there are not many must have titles for the system that it could be a contributing factor to why the game is selling so well?

Yes. There is a serious logical flaw with your reasoning. A much more well-established PROPER game with a hardcore following, Advance Wars DS, was released the same day for the same system and did not garner the same sales figures. Ergo, you are an idiot.

[DaXIthR]

While you most certainly are missing my point I'd hardly call that trolling and anybody who can post such an obvious knee-jerk reaction to a simple comment really shouldn't be making those accusations.

I apologize if my post brought out your inner "fanboi" but you obviously didn’t' have to dig very deep to find it.

Really? My post was knee-jerk and reactionary? I'm sorry, but can you please tell me what gave you that impression?

Why are you getting defensive?

I'm not going to deny that I love my Nintendo products, if that's what you're suggesting, but does that preclude me from saying anything against what I deem to be an unfair assessment -- an assessment which weren't able to debunk?

So Nintendo the company really visited some dogs, some literal canines? Or are you perhaps using literally incorrectly, like every other moron who was literally flying down the street because they were late for work?

I, too, am bothered by poor English.

Fortunately, this at least isn't a case where the adverb 'literally' is thrown in to mean or suggest an emphasis.

It's slightly cleverer, but no more correct. They mean it as an idiom - but use it within an idiom. Nintendo is gone to the dogs. Normally, this would mean that Nintendo is resorting to perverse and depraved antics, but given the context. It's quite the opposite. A double-entendre is born.

Nintendogs is so cute and loveable - it completely flips the mainstream perception of videogames as subversive and evil.

In this case, Nintendo has gone to the dogs in the sense that it has banked its money on the success of the -- NintenDOGS. Nintendo has gone to - not THE dogs - but its dogs.

Brilliant.

But poor English. I hope people doing ESL and TOEFL have the patience to learn that this should not be considered witty.

[Liquidize105]

Okay, cus of this thread, I'm buying.

:D

[51|RandoM]

nintendogs is fun, trust me. Ha, I had a blast showing it off at work.

As soon as you call the dog by name and people see it run over, they're pretty much hooked.

...especially if it isn't someting like, "Yo, she-bitch, you got real ugly!"

[netcraazzy]

Yes. There is a serious logical flaw with your reasoning. A much more well-established PROPER game with a hardcore following, Advance Wars DS, was released the same day for the same system and did not garner the same sales figures. Ergo, you are an idiot.

Since you can't seem to even entertain the idea that this might be possible I have to call into question who the bigger idiot is here.

[Kamalot]

Here's an interesting tidbit:

Nintendogs Crushes Top PSP Game in About a Week

Here’s an interesting factoid: The top selling PSP title for the Playstation Portable is Need for Speed, selling about 325,000 copies as of the end of July. Compare that to Nintendogs, which sold 250,000 in just a week. Ouch! (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/psp/nintendogs-crushes-top-psp-game-in-about-a-week-123569.php)