A TikTok user who saved two lost Nintendogs pets has become a viral sensation. The pet simulation game released for the Nintendo DS back in 2005, and it immediately became a beloved part of the Nintendo handheld's lineup. Gamers tend to adore virtual animals, as evidenced by creations like the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR pet mod, and loving owners with technical skills can rescue lost pets.
Using the Nintendo DS' built-in microphone and touchscreen, Nintendogs lets players realistically interact with their in-game canines. The touchscreen lets players pet, feed and play with their Nintendog in an immersive manner. Meanwhile, the built-in microphone lets players speak directly to their pet, call their dog by name and give it commands to make it perform various tricks. The Nintendo DS' internal clock and calendar let each Nintendog realistically experience hunger and get dirty over time. The success of Nintendogs led to a multitude of rereleases, and the virtual pet genre has expanded to include modern iterations like pet effects in Lost Ark that can dramatically change gameplay.
As reported by Nintendo Life, TikTok and Twitter user Ben "bennypvideo" Pollard has gone viral after adopting a set of lost Nintendogs. The abandoned and worn-out Nintendo DS cartridge was found on a train in London, and Pollard was able to bring the game back to working order after a deep cleaning. Upon starting up Nintendogs the virtual adopter was met by Tyson and Enzo, who were previously owned by a gamer named Sean. Pollard apparently intends to try reuniting Tyson and Enzo with Sean somehow, so the saga of the lost and found Nintendogs is currently ongoing.
While the virtual pet genre is meant to be a heartwarming and relaxing affair, illegal pet trading in Neopets has recently become an unusual issue. The retro pet website, launched back in 1999, lets players care for their virtual pet while playing various mini-games to earn currency and purchase cosmetic items. However, the long-running site recently ran into problems where thieves will steal a player's rare Neopet to sell for a profit, though it is possible to track down a stolen pet based on their unique name and appearance. Neopets representatives are reportedly fighting to add additional security to prevent the theft of gamers' adored companions.
Losing a virtual pet can be devastating, but thankfully individuals like Ben Pollard take it upon themselves to show care for even digital animals. The ongoing Nintendogs saga has gamers reminiscing about the beloved Nintendo DS title while wondering whether Pollard will actually find Tyson and Enzo's original owner. The story is still unfolding, but hopefully these two Nintendogs will soon be homeward bound.
Sources: bennypvideo/Twitter (via Nintendo Life)