Man's Best Virtual Friend

Via GameSetWatch, an L.A. Times article discussing the existential reality that exists inside the world of Nintendogs. From the article: " Today, the saga further unfolds with the Nintendogs phenomenon. That's a form of computer intelligence running on that experimental platform, the Nintendo DS, a hand-held game system far less advanced than the theoretical HAL 9000 but still powerful enough to let you walk around with a bunch of simulated beings living in your pocket. Yes: virtual pets. A game of tail-wagging, ball-chasing, romp-loving puppies is the latest evolution in the man-machine interface, now available for $29.99 at Wal-Mart and quality electronics retailers nationwide."

Comments

dog owners getting Nintendogs

[David Nabbit]

"Timmy, I told you to feed the dog!"

"But Ma, I did already!"

"The real dog, Timmy."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that one."

Re:Not "American" enough?..

[Jacius]

In America, nearly half (or more) of the population has one or more dogs.

That's because Americans love puppies, of course! Everybody loves puppies, hence the amazing sales figures for Nintendogs worldwide!

I have to say though, I'm really looking forward to the inevitable Nintencats! Picture this:

• Your Nintencat won't come when you call it's name, thanks to the DS microphone!
• Don't teach your Nintencat tricks using the touch screen and stylus!
• Don't take your Nintencat for walks and explore the neighborhood!
• Don't compete in disc-fetching and agility trials!
• Real time! Your DS will start wailing and making loud thumping and scratching noises when you're tryng to sleep, and you won't be able to find where your Nintencat is napping during the day!
• Set the game on "Hiss Mode" and close the DS, and Nintencats will use Wi-fi to detect other nearby Nintencats and get in fights with them!

I don't think our youth have become connected to video games so much that they will choose a simulation over the real thing.

EA Sports would care to disagree with you on that one, "Tubby." (I kid, I kid.)

Re:now available for $29.99 at Wal-Mart and qualit

[natedog44]

oh come on Zonk, that reads like a commercial...

Says the guy with the signature that reads; "Web hosting solution only 8 dollars a month"

=P

Actually,

[wahgnube]

it appears that you have more serious issues on your hand than the overtly-cute virtual dogs. That said, screw the fashion show, GAME ON!!11!

"It was at the Ashley Paige runway show during Fashion Week that I realized how much I'd become bonded to my little buddy Ding Dong. A very lithe Bijou Philips was trotting toward the cameras in a $300 trim-tailored knit bikini, but I was busy opening a can of virtual wet food for Ding Dong, whom I'd just noticed was "famished," "thirsty" and "filthy." Oh my god, poor little Ding Dong -- I'm sorry I forgot about you!"