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Nintendogs Sells Quarter of a Millions Units

Posted by Zonk on from the in-one-week dept.

Zangief writes "Nintendogs, the quirky DS title about dogs, has sold more than a quarter of a million units in its first week on the U.S. market. This puts to rest the argument that Nintendogs wouldn't appeal to the Western consumers, obsessed with 'mature' games." Expect our look at the title next week.

78 comments

  1. That's a lot by dxprog · · Score: 1

    A quarter of a millions, eh? That could be anything up to 250 million :-P

    --
    DxBlog - It's where you want to be
    1. Re:That's a lot by ikkonoishi · · Score: 1

      Technically there is no upper limit established here.

      They could have sold anywhere from 500,000 to infinity units by that grammar.

      I come about at those numbers by inferring that since "millions" is plural it must mean more than one million so 500,000 is 25% of two million, and that once you reach 999,000,000 you do not necessarily have to begin counting in billions. You could have one million millions just as easily as you could have a trillion.

    2. Re:That's a lot by AvitarX · · Score: 0

      What about one and a millionth millions?

      I think that is propper grammer.

      I know I would say one and a half dollors not one and a half dollor, extending that logic 1.00000000000000000000000000000000001 of something is plural?

      --
      Wow, sent an e-mail as suggested when clicking on "use classic" banner, and got a fast response that addressed my msg
  2. Dear Lord...where to begin. by TripMaster+Monkey · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Just a few observations...

    First...<pedant>Nintendogs Sells Quarter of a Millions Units *sigh* </pedant>

    Second, from TFA:
    Nintendogs Selling Outta Control
    Who knew so many were too lazy to raise real pets?
    My sentiments exactly.

    Finally,

    Expect our look at the title next week.

    Warning us of dupes in advance, Zonk? That's very forward-thinking of you.
    --
    ____

    ~ |rip/\/\aster /\/\onkey

    1. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      My sentiments exactly.

      So in that case, I guess you don't really believe in sports games, racing games, or any kind of simulation that could remotely be done in real life? It's called a GAME, played for fun. Sure, it's a poor substitute for owning a real pet, but saying game players are too lazy to do 'real life stuff' is just arrogant.

      I play NBA Live, Madden, etc. That doesn't make me too lazy to actually play 'real' basketball or football. It's usually the opposite, in fact.

      What kind of games ARE acceptable to you then (at least, that don't make you consider the player "too lazy")?

    2. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by TripMaster+Monkey · · Score: 0, Troll

      Quite a bit of vitriol there, for an argument that simply doesn't hold water.

      Sure, you play NBA Live, Madden, etc...and you also play football, basketball, etc. IRL. But tell me: do you play NBA basketball IRL? Are you an NFL player IRL? No? Well, then, I trust you see my point.

      I love hockey, myself. I love to play NHL 2005, but I'd really love to skate with Yzerman and company in person. You know what? NOT GONNA HAPPEN. So I guess I'll be sticking with the game.

      Another flaw in your argument: is Nintendogs actually a game? Are you competing against others? Do you pit your Nintendog against others in a bloody dog fight? (Seriously, do you? Because if this is possible, I'll be the first to buy this game.)

      Since you asked, here's a few games I like:
      • Splinter Cell - because I'm not a black-ops badass IRL.
      • Half-Life - because I'm not a scientist badass IRL.
      • GTA - because I'm not a plain-old badass IRL.
      See the pattern here? I play games to do things I couldn't do otherwise. I understand that a large percentage of Nintendog owners do so because they're unable to own a dog IRL, and I'm totally behind them. However, I also know that a large percentage of Nintendog users do so because they simply can't be bothered with the hassle of an actual pet, and I find that very sad.

      I hope this clarifies my position.
      --
      ____

      ~ |rip/\/\aster /\/\onkey

    3. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by PeelBoy · · Score: 1

      What about cost? Real pets cost a lot more than a one time fee of $180 (DS + Nintendogs).

      What about time? Not having time to take care of a real pet is not the same thing as being lazy.

      What about people who are allergic? There are a bunch of people out there who are allergic to most pets.

      Are you a parent? What if you don't want a dog, but your kids do. Are you going to buy your kids a dog that you will eventually end up having to take care of or are you just going to buy your kids Nintendogs?

      What if you just don't plain WANT a real pet? I love dogs, but I don't want ANY of the responsibility of taking care of one. I've had many many pets in the past and I'm done with it.

      Are you suggesting people like me should go out and buy a real dog anyway, even though that's not what we want? Am I wrong for buying Nintendogs?

      Explain your logic here.

      And what about other games? Like the other person who replied to you pointed out. Do you own any sports games? Why not just go play the real sport? Do you own any FPS games? Join the Army. Oh wait I bet you don't want all the other responsibilities that come with joining the Army. Go figure.

    4. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by DanloRingess · · Score: 1

      Is Nintendogs a game? Sure. Games don't necessarily have to have a winner or loser. Competitive games do, but some games aren't competitive. A game is just a structured playing experience, that is playing with rules governing what you do.

      Also by your definition, someone who loves dogs, but doesn't own a Chihuahua wouldn't be too lazy if they raised one in Nintendogs. I might already own five dogs, but I'm not going to add a real Chihuahua to the mix. So Nintendogs is perfect.

      Of course I currently travel too much to own a dog in real life, so Nintendogs is perfect for that situation as well when I just want to play around with a fake dog. ;-)

    5. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by PeelBoy · · Score: 1

      So what are you saying? Can you afford to go buy a $500/$1000+ puppy, pay for all of its training, take it to prof. dog shows and win real money? Because that's what I can do with Nintendogs.

    6. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by Ralin_JM · · Score: 1
      First of all, a heads up about more information from a diffrent source is not a sign of an impending dupe.

      Second of all, when I don't like the reporting from a site, I tend to find a site that has reporting I do like rather than trolling the site I don't like.

    7. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by jayhawk88 · · Score: 1

      See the pattern here? I play games to do things I couldn't do otherwise.

      You know I don't even own a DS, let alone Nintendogs, but you'll forgive me if I don't sink into a deep depression worrying about what games I play that you approve of.

      However, I also know that a large percentage of Nintendog users do so because they simply can't be bothered with the hassle of an actual pet, and I find that very sad.

      Why? You'd rather those people go out and get real pets then neglect them?

    8. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by pnice · · Score: 1

      I own a miniature daschund and I also purchased Nintendogs (miniature dashund version even) It has been much easier to teach my Nintendog new tricks. My real dog only knows a few tricks and one is just rolling onto his back and being as hard to pick up as possible when I tell him I have to go to work.

      Why can't people own both? Maybe they aren't too lazy to raise real pets. Maybe they are just pet/dog fanatics. I wouldn't be surprised if a large number of the younger female DS owners actually have dogs at home as well. That's how it goes around my part of town at least. The family is made up of a few children, mom and dad, and for the most part, a pet or two. These are the same families that are purchasing Nintendogs for their kids. They didn't want a tamagotchi back in the day because they were to lazy for a real one or they didn't like their dog. They bought one because they were cool and fun to play with and the experience was different from playing with their real pets.

      --
      My Xbox Live Gamer Card
    9. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ahh, yes. I should change where I live so I can get a dog. Mind you, a lot of us that live on campus or in apartments really can't have pets. Well, we can, but then we violate our lease and get evicted. I'll stick with the DS, thank you.

    10. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by NanoGator · · Score: 2, Insightful

      "Who knew so many were too lazy to raise real pets?"

      "My sentiments exactly."


      Uh huh. Betcha anything that most of the 250,000 people that purchased Nintendogs already have pets.

      I have to be honest, I'm really sick of your assumptions about why people are buying that game. I don't know why you think the game is a good substitute for a real animal. I also don't know why you think this is somehow an alternative. FIf you don't mind my being brutally honest here, you sound just as idiotic as that group that's against Rockstar's Bully. Loud claims with nothing substantiative to back them up.

      The worst part is, as I've tried to point out to you before, Nintendo is working to promote responsible treatment of dogs..

      You'll pardon me for thinking you need to STFU.

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    11. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by kaptron · · Score: 1

      If someone "can't be bothered with the hassle of an actual pet" and they're playing nintendogs (and yes, even only having read about it, it is indeed a game, as much as The Sims is a game), why are you sad that they aren't getting a real pet? Devoting time to a quirky little DS game is a lot different from owning a real pet. The sad thing would be the reverse, if someone bought a dog thinking they could treat it like a video game.

      There's a big difference between "something you can do IRL" and the simple pleasure of a video game, which have the ability to take realistic (or not) situations and abstract them into a game playing format, i.e. with a controller/mouse/joystick/etc, and the gameplay fun factor takes a much different form than the fun factor (and potential cost, difficulty, time commitment) of doing it IRL. Sure, I like playing basketball, and I like playing NBA 2k5, but holding a controller and moving five 3d characters down the court is a lot different experience from playing basketball IRL, and there is a much different context in which I would do one or the other.

      If I saw someone playing Nintendogs, I'd probably ask them if I could play it for a few minutes -- I should hope they wouldn't be like "WHY DON'T YOU JUST GET A DOG, JERK!?"

    12. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      First of all, a heads up about more information from a diffrent source is not a sign of an impending dupe.

      When we're talking about 1up and Zonk, yes, it is.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    13. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by Zangief · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You are just full of it. The argument can also be used with Madden. You just play NFL Madden, because you are too lazy to be a real NFL player.

      However, I also know that a large percentage of Nintendog users do so because they simply can't be bothered with the hassle of an actual pet, and I find that very sad.

      How do you know this? Did you made a study? can I see your data, please? Do you work at Nintendo Marketing?

      My theory: Nintendo developed a great game (as they almost always do), and marketed rightly (which sometimes they botch). Therefore, it is selling. Period.

    14. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by Ralin_JM · · Score: 1

      Then please move on to point two.

    15. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by Lynxara · · Score: 1

      What's so sad about living in a dorm or apartment complex that doesn't allow pets? I'd much rather have people play Nintendogs a lot in those sorts of buildings than try to drag pets in illegally.

    16. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by cornface · · Score: 1

      Second of all, when I don't like the reporting from a site, I tend to find a site that has reporting I do like rather than trolling the site I don't like.

      Well, that's where you and I differ. Thankfully, there's room for all of us...IN MY PANTS!!!

    17. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by lorelorn · · Score: 2, Funny
      There's no logic to the post, it's just meaningless judgmentalism.

      If I wanted that, I'd be in church ;)

    18. Re:Dear Lord...where to begin. by lorelorn · · Score: 1
      My sentiments exactly

      Yes, mine too.

      This reminds me of when Rome: Total War came out. Unlike all those lazy people who just wanted to play a game, I went back in time to 250BC, and led the German tribes on a bloody rampage through Europe. Much more fun!

  3. Expect our look at the title next week... by NastyNate · · Score: 1

    ...And the week after that, and again the next week.

    1. Re:Expect our look at the title next week... by ikkonoishi · · Score: 1

      And every other day on each of those weeks... twice.

  4. Uncle Jed by blueZhift · · Score: 1

    Well to quote Uncle Jed, weeeellllll doggies! That's a lot of units. As with most successful things, prepare for loads of imitators and maybe even a new peripheral from Sony. Though I suspect a similar game could be created using the eye toy.

    --
    To the making of books there is no end, so let's get started
  5. Sponsoring television too... by Ford+Prefect · · Score: 3, Informative

    There's a prime-time television programme in the UK called 'It's Me or the Dog' - one of the never-ending succession of formats involving things like unruly children and the taming thereof, unhygienic students and the fumigation thereof, infectious kitchens and the incineration thereof, ad nauseam...

    It's sponsored by 'Nintendogs'. I've no idea if the game's even available in the UK yet - but I still couldn't help but think of Penny Arcade's approach... ;-)

    --
    Tedious Bloggy Stuff - hooray?
  6. Not everyone can have a pet by alvinrod · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Second, from TFA: Nintendogs Selling Outta Control Who knew so many were too lazy to raise real pets? My sentiments exactly.

    I lived on a farm for a lot of my life or in a small town and was able to have pets if I wanted to. However, there are a lot of people who just aren't able to have pets. If you live in a big city in an apartment, chances are you won't be able to have a cat or a dog. If you're still living with your parents there's nothing you can do about it. A 14 year old can't just got out an get a place of their own and have a pet.

    Additionally, pets can be very expensive and time consuming. You can generally get one for low costs from an animal shelter, but a specific breed is going to cost you some money. After thise you need to continually buy food which varies in price depending how much your dog or cat can eat.

    Next there are vet expenses associated with keepign the animal healthy. A dog might need to be fixed so you don't end up with puppies. Shots and vaccinations are always a good idea as well.

    Now add in some of your time. It's going to take time to feed, water, and care for the pet. Add in time to teach it to behave and house break it and that adds up.

    You could easily spend thousands of dollars in food, care, and time taking care of a real pet, assuming you can even have one in the first place. Or you can go out and buy a DS for $130 and the game for another $35 or so and play it at your leisure. Is it the same as having a real pet? Of coruse not. But it might be a good thing for some people who've wanted pets but are unable to keep them or afford them.

    1. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I'll second the parent. Let's take it a step farther tho.

      If a game is fun, who the hell cares if it just so happens to be about raising a puppy? I didn't hear any people complaining that people too lazy to have children are playing The Sims.

      The naysayers using this line are the ones that are just looking for a reason to a) loathe nintendo and/or b) load the title itself without any thought process.

    2. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by Lord+Omlette · · Score: 1

      It also works great for people who are allergic to dogs... I'm actually hoping they make a Nintencats though...

      --
      [o]_O
    3. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by kingsmedley · · Score: 0



      I'm actually hoping they make a Nintencats though


      Now there's an idea. A game in which you get to raise an animal that ignores you, treats you with contempt, scratches and bites you whne you try to pet it, and so on. Why not just make a game where you get to raise a teenager?!

      Don't get me wrong, I own two cats and love them both. They just don't have the same cuddle factor as a puppy. And they sure as hell can't be taught - or more to the point, they choose to do nothing that might please their owner!

      --
      Must... think up... something... clever!
    4. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by Viper168 · · Score: 1

      What on earth have you done to your cats man?

    5. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by Kagenzeru · · Score: 1

      http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/08/26/news_61320 59.html/ Well, you might just get Nintencats.

    6. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by blackicye · · Score: 1

      My cat is actually very affectionate.
      I raised him as a kitten in a single pet environment.

      I think it all boils down to luck of the draw and
      the environment in which your feline has been raised.

      I'd grant that cats are less prone to being affectionate, but I've seen many that are as affectionate if not moreso than dogs.

    7. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by dave1212 · · Score: 1

      Cats are inherently evil.

    8. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't have a cat, but a lot of my friends do. All but one are extremely affectionate, you can pick em up drop em on your lap and they'll start purring and just hang out. One is so affectionate it gets to be a little annoying. It all depends, just like all other pets, on how they're raised and to a certain extent their personality. Obviously you haven't raised your cats in the way you want if they scratch and bite you when you try to pet them.

    9. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you want an affectionate cat, get a siamese. They're almost *too* affectionate. Almost.

    10. Re:Not everyone can have a pet by kingsmedley · · Score: 1


      Obviously you haven't raised your cats in the way you want if they scratch and bite you when you try to pet them.


      OK, I'll admit I was exaggerating. My cats are affectionate, and they are nice to me. And they also will give me a little nip if I don't pet them exactly how they want it. I know this is going to sound horrible, but having a cat is like having a high maintenance girlfriend. You have to put a lot of extra effort into pleasing them before they will condescend to show you some appreciation. Which, in fact, makes for an added level of satisfaction. All I really meant by my (sarcastic) post was that a game centered around cats would not have as much broad appeal as one about dogs.

      The more I think about it, the more it occurs to me that a "Nintencats" game would be like playing an ultra difficult version of Nintendogs. A pet simulator for the hardcore gamer at last!

      --
      Must... think up... something... clever!
  7. More Impressive by MBCook · · Score: 4, Informative
    What I find more impressive is that in the first week, more than 1 in 7 DS owners bought a copy. 15% of everyone who owned a DS bought one in the first week in the US. My understanding is that no game has ever sold that well after a system has launched.

    The game caused the DS to outsell all other hardware COMBINED in Japan for quite a while. I wonder if it will do that here too.

    --
    Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    1. Re:More Impressive by ThePolkapunk · · Score: 2, Interesting

      What I find more impressive is that in the first week, more than 1 in 7 DS owners bought a copy. 15% of everyone who owned a DS bought one in the first week in the US. My understanding is that no game has ever sold that well after a system has launched.

      I think you're forgetting about HALO. Not sure what the stats are for HALO 2 though...

      --
      Dear diary: Today I stuffed some dolls full of dead rats I put in the blender.
    2. Re:More Impressive by 2008 · · Score: 1

      Halo was a launch title, which he's excluding.

      Halo 2 is in the same league though, it's sold over 5 million and there are about 20 million xboxes worldwide, IIRC.

      --
      I quit!
    3. Re:More Impressive by MBCook · · Score: 1
      I would considder Halo a launch title. I must say I'm suprised that Halo 2 has sold a copy for every 4 xboxes (I wouldn't think it would be so high), the real thing to note here is that Nintendogs managed this in a WEEK, where as Halo 2 has been our for a few months now.

      I can't find any first week information for Halo 2. The only number I saw was 2.38 million for the first day, which would put it about 1 in 8 so it may be the same (unless that number was for somee other time period). It's entirely possible that factoid wasn't researched well enough, or it may have only been for portable games or even Japan. I can't remember where I saw it right now and don't have time to go look it up.

      --
      Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    4. Re:More Impressive by Zangief · · Score: 1

      They are talking about a game released after system launch. Halo was THE launch title for the Xbox. Almost nobody bought anything else, mainly because there were few other good games.

      Yeah, not sure what the stats are for Halo 2, though.

    5. Re:More Impressive by UWC · · Score: 1

      There's a hype difference, too. Halo 2 had launch parties out the wazoo, all kinds of media hype. Nintendogs just kind of arrived. I imagine a lot of people didn't know much about it until they saw it in the weekly Target ad or something. The only places I'd read about it are gamer-centric sites and Slashdot. Or maybe there was a decent media campaign and I'm just largely disconnected from mainstream media... which could easily be the case.

      --
      Honor Among Slackers. A veri
    6. Re:More Impressive by LordVader717 · · Score: 1

      I remember reading once that by system sales, Super Smash Brothers Meelee was the most successful game, with about half of all GameCube owners having a copy of Meelee.
      I don't know if that still applies, but it looks as if Nintendogs is going to get close.

    7. Re:More Impressive by 2008 · · Score: 1

      Yes, sorry, I misinterpreted your post.

      Halo 2 had over 1.5 million preorders in the US, and presumably sold more in the first week. So I could believe 2 million in that week.

      Anyway, your point stands. Nintendogs is a huge seller, and certainly has one of the highest game/console sales ratios out there.

      --
      I quit!
  8. Nintendogs nintendshmogs by robotissues · · Score: 2

    this little guy is browser based little guy is loosely based upon my own brussels griffon - and written entirely in javascript! http://www.smileproject.com/chewy/

    --
    http://www.smileproject.com
    1. Re:Nintendogs nintendshmogs by robotissues · · Score: 1

      sorry about the weird speak - was on hold and clicked accidentally. you get the idea tho.

      --
      http://www.smileproject.com
  9. Maturity by AsiNisiMasa · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This puts to rest the argument that Nintendogs wouldn't appeal to the Western consumers, obsessed with 'mature' games.

    I hope a lot of game developers are paying attention to this. I don't meant to say there's anything wrong with what anyone else does for fun, but I've had enough GTA for a lifetime. Between this and Katamari, I hope the industry will be pushed to make games complex enough for older audiences without the normally associated "adult" themes.
     
    I don't mean to say the adult themes should disappear or that the light-hearted games don't exist. I just hope that sales of games like this cause a shift in the curretn ratio of quality light/dark themed games.

    --
    Help a student gain some exp. http://www.halovariants.com/touchup/index.php
    1. Re:Maturity by superpulpsicle · · Score: 2, Insightful

      People are tired of these serious, hardcore, frustrating games. I used to beat every game in the 80s, I beat less of them in the 90s. Now I find myself needing cheats to just get by. It's ridiculous.

      Katamari and Nintendogs set the trend for going back to the days when games are just good for messing around. Every plot revolves around some group of teenagers saving the world anyways, these two games are truely unique.

  10. Just Think how many Dogs will be spared .... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

    Just Think how many dogs will be spared the next time the US has a hurricane

  11. The new Tamagotchi? by stoborrobots · · Score: 2, Insightful

    So is Nintendogs the new Tamagotchi?

    It sure seems like it: virtual pet which you have to care for in order to keep alive, and became a craze overnight....

    --
    "Go to CNN [for a] spell-checked, fact-checked summary" -- CmdrTaco
    1. Re:The new Tamagotchi? by Quill_28 · · Score: 1

      I believe so.

      But it is much better done from the reviews.

      You can 'pet' the dog with the touch screen.

      He will get sick and look ragged if you don't take care of him etc.

      I think a lot of nice touches have been added to the game.

      While I don't have a DS and probably never will, I find the concept of the game silly and fascinating all at the smae time.

      Maybe I find it fascinating that people find the game fascinating.

      Nevertheless, I enjoy seeing interesting games like this even if I never play them.

    2. Re:The new Tamagotchi? by jkerman · · Score: 1

      no, its not a tamagotchi. it cant die, and requires no care. its a sim only in the good parts of owning a dog.

      you play, you pet. thats about it.

    3. Re:The new Tamagotchi? by Soul-Burn666 · · Score: 1

      No. TamagotchiDS is the new Tamagotchi, for the DS too!

      --
      ^_^
  12. 250k isn't newsworthy, but the percentage is. by nobodyman · · Score: 0, Redundant


    I have a DS and think it's great, but 250,000 titles inside of one week isn't all that. Halo2 sold around 2 million inuts in one day, and even that wasn't a record (which I believe is one of the mario titles or final fantasy...)

    However, Its more notable due to the DS' user base in the US (2 million, right?), but not on the number alone. 1 user in 8 picked it up, which is impressive, and hopefully will be a wake up call to third parties: DS users like it when you exploit the unique abilities of a platform, and don't like it when you port your playstation title and tack "DS" on the end of the name. It's more of a statement of the DS third party selection.

    I wonder if we'll see a similar percentage with that music creation game ("Band Brothers" or something... I'm behind my employer's internet fun-blocker). You can create your own music tracks using the stylus and record your own samples/instuments using the built in microphone. I'm picking that up on day one.

  13. why oh why by Kuku_monroe · · Score: 1

    I bet the psp could have sell millions if they had released SonyDoggys. Oh sony.. *shakes head*

    --
    //WR
    1. Re:why oh why by lasmith05 · · Score: 1

      I don't see why they couldn't make a SonyDoggy game.

      --
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      www.samuraifiles.com - Get Some Videos Here
    2. Re:why oh why by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      It wouldn't be the same, a lot of the interaction in Nintendogs happens with the stylus. That's what makes it so appealing to casuals, no need to learn that triangle pets the dog and cross throws the frisbee or something. Besides puhing buttons is very detached from the actual game.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    3. Re:why oh why by lasmith05 · · Score: 1

      I agree the stylus is cool, but I think something could be done with the analog stick and maybe a floating hand or something.

      --
      www.samuraidreams.com - My Blog
      www.samuraifiles.com - Get Some Videos Here
    4. Re:why oh why by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > I agree the stylus is cool, but I think something could be done with the analog stick and maybe a floating hand or something.

      Nope. The result would be a game where you raise a puppy.

      Nintendog, is about raising a virtual puppy.

      The difference ? It is not a game. You actually touch the puppet with the stylus. There is one level of indirection less. You see both the stylus and the dog at the same time. They /contact/. The amount of empathy that you get from this interaction is much higher than the with a keyboard or a mouse. The virtual puppy is real (in the sense that is /really/ is a virtual puppy).

      I think DS would really shine in interactive porn. Nintenpr0n...

  14. Re:250k isn't newsworthy, but the percentage is. by pnice · · Score: 1

    Is Band Brothers ever coming to the US? I finally gave up and imported it. I couldn't wait any longer.

    --
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  15. Kotaku Reports by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Heres 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-crushe s-top-psp-game-in-about-a-week-123569.php

  16. Re:250k isn't newsworthy, but the percentage is. by xenocide2 · · Score: 1

    250 in a week is top flight material. Unlike Halo2, I think that word of mouth will spur on sales, in part thanks to the widespread appeal. Halo2 moved 2 million in one day, thanks to pre-order hype and shortages. But it quickly spiked downward from there.

    Take a look at the top 10 sales for a given week, and you'll see what I mean. Annually, I think about five games will sell a million in a week. They then go on to sell another .5 to 1 million over the course of the next 51 weeks or so. Even fewer get the pokemon sales pattern that actually grows sometime after release. The only one I can think of offhand was Turok Rage Wars, and that only happened because of a drop in price to 20 bucks.

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  17. It's also moving more systems by pnice · · Score: 2, Informative

    From IGN:

    "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 Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime. "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."

    http://ds.ign.com/articles/647/647328p1.html

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    1. Re:It's also moving more systems by rohlfinator · · Score: 1

      What are the numbers on Advance Wars? It and Nintendogs were released the same day, and I've heard several people say they bought a DS for AW. I'm sure Nintendogs did sell systems, but I wonder if Nintendo is bending the numbers a bit to make their original title look a little more impressive.

  18. four letters: AIBO by tepples · · Score: 2, Funny

    I bet the psp could have sell millions if they had released SonyDoggys.

    It would compete with AIBO. Companies don't like to compete with themselves.

  19. I think so, finally... by nobodyman · · Score: 1

    PlanetGamecube recently had a blurb to the effect that it is due to arrive in US soon. We'll see...

    Im curious, how do you like the import version? Does the language barrier get in the way of navigation/gameplay or is it one of those games that you can pick up and play regardless? If it get's delayed again I may just import it too.

    1. Re:I think so, finally... by MilenCent · · Score: 1

      I thought the mailbags over at the same place had been saying that it was looking less and less likely, it's been delayed so long.

      This is a game that seriously needs to come out over here. It might not be a big seller, but it would do a lot to show that Nintendo's not just all-talk and Japan-only when it comes to innovation. And after they hyped Electroplankton at E3, it seems awfully odd that there's no solid date for its release, either.

  20. Re:250k isn't newsworthy, but the percentage is. by lion2 · · Score: 1

    Halo 2 never suffered from shortages.

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  21. Western gamers by RoyalBoyle · · Score: 1

    The idea that since Nintendogs, a very well made pet simulator, has sold 250,000 copies in a week, somehow contradicts the notion that western gamers are tending towards more mature titles is inaccurate. Here are some raw numbers: Fable - 375,000 units in its first week. Madden 06 - 1,700,000 first week. Halo 2 - 2,800,000 first DAY. San Andreas - Over 2,500,000 in its first week. Nintendogs - 250,000 in its first week. Nintendogs will sell "ok" because its a well made game for a younger audience. The same young audience who generally do not play Halo, GTA, or Madden. The sales numbers though are not all that impressive as has been noted on this board and in reality it is just PR spinning from Nintendo.

    1. Re:Western gamers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not a great comparison. The consoles that play Madden 06, Halo 2 and San Adreas had been out for years prior to the release of these games, having already built a large user base. The DS is still relatively new. And nintendogs could be considered the first killer app for the system. 250,000 is pretty good for a device that has been out for less than a year. And also good for a device many considered DOA.

    2. Re:Western gamers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I think that you missed the point.

      When Nintendogs was announced much of the mainstream gaming press, and a lot of bitter 14 year old nerds (who only play 'mature' games), were claiming that this game was a huge mistake. When Nintendogs started selling amazingly well in Japan these same people were saying that it was going to do poorly in North America because of the 'cultural differences' and that american gamers (ie stupid 14 year olds) are only interested in 'Mature' titles. The fact that this has sold 1/4 of a million units in 1 week disproves those statements; and is a clear indicator that the game will probably sell more than a Million units in North America.

      I think that a message that is being demonstrated here (and that Nintendo is pushing really hard lately) is that a game doesn't have to have the most impressive graphics, doesn't need to be the most 'Mature', nor does it need to have all that large of a budget to sell particularly well. In a time where the President of Squaresoft says that it would take 200 people 5 years to make final fantasy 7 this message needs to be heard.

    3. Re:Western gamers by xgamer04 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      (Reads post) ...

      What the fuck?

      The idea that since Nintendogs, a very well made pet simulator, has sold 250,000 copies in a week, somehow contradicts the notion that western gamers are tending towards more mature titles is inaccurate.

      OK seriously, this sentence is a monstrosity. If you want people to grok your point, leaving out unnecessary data is usually a good idea. Onto the "actual" points you make...

      various sales data

      I like how this anecdotal evidence is an attempt to "disprove" Nintendogs is doing well. For one thing, you need to take into account the installed base of the systems of these stated games at the time of release. Also, three of the four games you mention are sequels. They are also sequels to the most popular videogame series right now. Remember how many units SMB3 moved? It's the same thing here.

      Also, check out today's news post at Penny-Arcade (Sep. 2, 2005). I find it interesting that Tycho notes nearly all handhelds seen at PAX were of the DS persuasion. But no, that can't be possible! Nintendo is the kiddie company! I know this because Sony and Microsoft said so, so it has to be true!

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    4. Re:Western gamers by MilenCent · · Score: 1

      The sales numbers though are not all that impressive as has been noted on this board and in reality it is just PR spinning from Nintendo.

      Well, it likely *is* the best selling game this week. That's not exactly bad. And again, one in seven DS owners bought the game in the first week.

      What it is is excellent numbers for a game released for a fairly new, portable system, and it's (probably) much better than anything yet released for the PSP.

      In other words -- it's not just PR spin, though I think you're wise to look out for it.

  22. HA! I told you! by gameboyhippo · · Score: 1

    Looks like all of the FPS/Halo Fanboys/Sony Fanboys have it ALL WRONG!!! I have been arguing for YEARS that E is for EVERYBODY. Unfortunately, I often get read articles like "nintndo iz teh suxors!!1 nbody plys tohse kiddy games" (Especially in EGM).

    My theory is, is that while M$ and $ony are battling it out to retain control of the VERY SMALL, percentage of potential gamers who like FPS and games that they play with one hand, Nintetndo will pick up THE REST OF THE MARKET. That is all of the people who use to play games in the 80s, but stopped since EVERY game was a FPS or a Booby Fighter.

    So to sum it up for all of you drooling over the next generic FPS or illegal activity simulator, nintendo roxs 11!!!one! $ony adn Micro$oft are teh suxors!!1 Just wanted to write in a way you could understand. :)

  23. Re:250k isn't newsworthy, but the percentage is. by xenocide2 · · Score: 1

    You're right, I was going to say fear of shortages, but that really wasn't it, so I took it out--almost. Whoops.

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  24. Oh my God by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Go to the Nintendogs official site and click on "Brielle's Diary" ... It's just so similar to the beginning of a porn video it's amazing ...

  25. Cats? by ObsessiveMathsFreak · · Score: 1

    Trys cats. All the pet, half the mess, three times the clean. And if you ever forget to feed them, they even catch their own food!

    Massive local bird stock depletion and contemptuous arrogance may result.

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