nintendogs DS game lots of fun!

As a parent, I get the opportunity to hear about the latest "cool" throughout the year. Usually, I shake my head and picture all the glitches and wasted money. However, in this case, Nintendogs really does provide entertainment. The graphics are very good and the animated dogs are truly in sync with the operator's moves. Calling the dog, you see a 3-D style pup turn to look at you and then run towards the screen to greet the "master"! Play with the pup, train it, and save the learned lessons.

The new Gameboy DS players are required...the previous SP models of the Gameboy player will not accept the new game cartridge(which is even smaller...about the size of a book of matches). On the upside, the new DS player will accept the earlier game cartridges, so if you are planning to buy one....get this one!

The screen can be used as a touch screen with small plastic stylus pens. I've seen a few in the stores with numerous scratch marks(perhaps due do LOTS of use with pens that were not designed for the player). Anyway, I suggest putting one of those thin clear protective digital camera screen-covers over the game player screen(looks like wide clear tape with NO adhesive). Any camera store would likely have those (about $5 for a set). That way, if it ever starts to get scratched up, just peel off the tape and put a new sheet down(they can be cut to size). Note that you would NOT want to use any type tape with adhesive...that would be a mess. The digital camera protective sheets simply hold their place on the screen securely until lifted off.

I would say these players and games will last a LONG time. All the previous model machines and games seem to be indestructible. We still have our daughter's first machine and cartridge from six years ago....plays perfectly. The Gameboy line of products seem to be built to last.