Pet care games let kids play with virtual on-screen pets without the mess or cost of a real pet. You can let your kids play pet care video games as preparation for caring for a real pet, since some pet care games do require some level of responsibility, lest the virtual pet go hungry. Alternatively, pet care games can let kids play with fantastical creatures they'd never be able to own in real life, such as Pokémon.
Nintendogs
"Nintendogs" started off as a launch title for the Nintendo DS because it highlighted the system's technical capabilities: players use the microphone to speak to their dog, the touch screen to pet their dog and then dual screens for a more elaborate interface. You can choose from three different versions of "Nintendogs," the only difference being which six puppies you'll start with. All three games feature the same 18 dog breeds and you'll eventually be able to unlock them all, so it's not a Pokémon-type deal where you have to buy both versions for the full experience. "Nintendogs" lets you do many of the things you could do with a real puppy: play fetch, teach it tricks, give it a bath or enter it into dog show competitions. When it comes to being a teacher of responsibility, though, it falls short since the dogs never age, die or relieve themselves on the living room floor if the player forgets to take care of them.
My Aquarium
"My Aquarium" is a downloadable WiiWare app that turns your television into a virtual aquarium, minus the need to clean out algae or flush Mr. Guppy down the toilet when the kids forget to feed him. You could consider "My Aquarium" to be more of a screensaver than a game, in that fish are more like a paperweight than a pet. Still, your kids can spend a decent amount of time decorating and designing their ideal aquarium. The game provides six different aquariums to choose from, and each aquarium can be fitted out with 36 different accessories-from rock castles to kelp-and 40 different species of fish. Your kids can also feed the fish whenever they feel like it. With an Internet connection (which you need to download the game in the first place), your kids can share their creation online.
My Pokémon Ranch
"My Pokémon Ranch" is a downloadable WiiWare title best suited towards younger children. Older fans of the Pokémon series won't find much in the way of content, but kids who want to interact with their Pokémon in a 3D environment and treat their Pokémon as pets should enjoy the game. Kids can use their Mii avatar to interact with any Pokémon they've raised on the Nintendo DS Pokémon games. They can play games with the Pokémon, ride Pokémon and use the Nintendo Wii Remote for motion-controlled interactions such as petting and grooming. The title also unlocks special features in the Nintendo DS games, such as access to rare Pokémon like Celebi.
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