Few Nintendo DS games capture the charm and heartwarming appeal of Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends ROM. Developed and published by Nintendo, this real-time pet simulation game remains one of the most beloved titles for the DS. Originally released exclusively in Japan, it quickly gained traction globally, making its way to North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond.
A cornerstone of Nintendo’s innovation, Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends perfectly blends the interactive features of the DS—such as the touchscreen and microphone—with addictive gameplay that appeals to casual gamers and pet lovers alike. Whether you’re a first-time player or revisiting this nostalgic gem, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the game, from its gameplay mechanics to its standout features and lasting legacy.
Origins of Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends
At launch, Nintendogs came in three regional versions: Dachshund & Friends, Chihuahua & Friends, and Labrador & Friends (also known as Shiba & Friends in Japan). Each version offered a selection of distinct starting breeds, encouraging players to trade and interact using the DS’s local wireless connectivity.
Later, Nintendo expanded the series with Nintendogs: Dalmatian & Friends and the widely popular Nintendogs: Best Friends, each offering additional breeds and slight gameplay enhancements. A special bundle was also released, pairing the game with a limited-edition Nintendo DS console, cementing its status as a must-have title during the DS’s golden era.
A Revolutionary Pet Simulation Experience
What set Nintendogs apart from other games at the time was its innovative use of the DS hardware. Utilizing the DS’s touchscreen and built-in microphone, players could interact with their digital puppies in ways that felt remarkably lifelike. From stroking your pup to issuing voice commands like “sit” or “roll over,” the game created a strong emotional bond between player and pet.
The touchscreen wasn’t just for petting your puppy—it also allowed players to navigate menus, toss toys, groom their pets, and select training activities. By calling your dog by its name through the microphone, you could further solidify your relationship and teach it advanced tricks as your pet learns to recognize your voice.
The game also cleverly used the DS’s internal clock and calendar system. Your puppy’s hunger, thirst, and cleanliness levels would change in real time, requiring regular attention. If neglected, your dog could become dirty, hungry, or even sad, reinforcing the game’s simulation realism.
Gameplay Overview
Raising and Training Your Puppy
In Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends, players start by selecting one of several available dog breeds. While the Labrador Retriever is the standout star, breeds such as Beagles, Boxers, and Miniature Schnauzers are also available from the start, with additional breeds unlocked through gameplay milestones.
Once your puppy is chosen, the journey begins! You’ll engage in daily routines that include feeding, grooming, playing, and training. You can use over 100 toys, including tennis balls, frisbees, tug ropes, and even stylish clothing to dress up your furry friend. The more attention and love you provide, the happier and healthier your dog becomes.
Through vocal commands taught via the DS microphone, you’ll train your pup to master basic and advanced tricks. These include commands like “sit,” “shake,” “lie down,” and more complex tricks as your dog earns Trainer Points over time.
Going for Walks & Exploration
Taking your dog for walks is one of the most engaging aspects of the game. While out on walks, players can encounter random events such as stray dogs, other trainers, or hidden gift boxes containing rare items. The map displays question mark icons, hinting at points of interest like parks or agility courses.
Walks not only strengthen your bond but also improve your dog’s obedience and stamina, making them more competitive in contests.
Competitions & Challenges
Competitions are a key component of Nintendogs’ replayability. There are three major types of contests:
- Disc Competition: Test your pup’s ability to catch and retrieve frisbees with precision.
- Agility Trial: Guide your dog through obstacle courses filled with hurdles and tunnels.
- Obedience Trial: Show off your dog’s ability to follow commands accurately.
Each competition features five difficulty tiers: Beginner, Open, Expert, Master, and Championship. To advance through these ranks, your dog must place in the top three. Winning contests grants you prize money and trainer points, which you can reinvest in more toys, and accessories, or even adopt additional dogs.
Multiplayer & Bark Mode
A standout innovation for Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends is its Bark Mode. Using the DS’s wireless functionality, players can share items, interact with other players’ dogs, and even exchange voice messages recorded on the White Record.
Bark Mode automatically activates when two DS systems come within range, allowing surprise interactions with fellow trainers. This unique multiplayer mechanic contributed to the game’s charm and fostered a sense of community among DS owners.
The Dog Hotel & Pet Management
Players can own up to three dogs at a time within their virtual home, but the Dog Hotel feature allows you to store up to five additional dogs. This system offers flexibility to manage multiple pets, swap out dogs depending on the competitions you’re entering, or simply give a break to a neglected pup.
Additionally, the game allows you to donate dogs back to the Dog Hotel if you wish to make room for a new companion, adding a bittersweet layer of realism.
In-Game Progression & Dog Welfare
Your dog’s well-being depends on consistent care. There are different stages of hunger and thirst, ranging from full and quenched to famished and parched. Similarly, cleanliness is tracked from beautiful to filthy. Neglecting your dog for too long will result in lowered contest performance and a drop in trainer points.
Thankfully, players can quickly view their pet’s current status by tapping its name. Regular feeding, bathing, and playing will keep your dog in peak condition.
Features Summary
- 15+ Popular Dog Breeds: Including Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Beagles, and more.
- Touchscreen and Microphone Support: Interact with your puppy using intuitive gestures and voice commands.
- 100+ Items & Toys: Frisbees, tennis balls, stylish outfits, and grooming tools to customize and care for your dog.
- Trick Training System: Teach your dog verbal commands unique to your play style.
- Competitions: Enter your pup in agility trials, disc contests, and obedience challenges to win cash and prizes.
- Bark Mode: Wireless multiplayer feature to meet other dogs and share gifts.
- Real-Time Simulation: The game’s clock and calendar affect your dog’s hunger, thirst, and mood.
Fun Fact & Awards
Nintendogs was a critical and commercial success, winning several accolades, including:
- 2006 PC World Innovation Award
- Associated Press Best Handheld Game
With over 23.96 million copies sold globally across all Nintendo versions, it ranks as the second-best-selling Nintendo DS game, behind only New Super Mario Bros.
The game’s popularity also spurred a line of official Nintendogs trading cards, and toys, and even led to the creation of Nintendogs + Cats for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011.
FAQs
Q: How do you unlock more dog breeds in Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends?
A: Unlock more breeds by earning Trainer Points or connecting with other players’ games via local wireless. Accumulate 14,000 Trainer Points to unlock every available breed.
Q: When was Nintendogs originally released?
A: Nintendogs launched in Japan on April 21, 2005, followed by releases in North America (August 22, 2005), Australia, Europe, South Korea, and China.
Q: Is Nintendogs still active today?
A: While Nintendo has yet to release a Switch version, the spirit of Nintendogs lives on through third-party games like Little Friends: Dogs & Cats on Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends ROM is a heartwarming and immersive pet simulation game that pushed the boundaries of what handheld gaming could achieve. While designed for a broad audience, even seasoned gamers find it difficult to resist the adorable charm of raising and caring for a virtual puppy.
With its engaging mix of contests, exploration, and real-time pet management, Nintendogs offers hours of replayability. Whether you’re competing in agility trials or simply tossing a frisbee at the park, this classic DS title creates a bond between player and pup that’s difficult to match—even years after its original release.