Nintendogs Nintendo DS

Unlike the ceaseless demands and charmless electronic bleeps of the 1990s virtual-pet craze that was Tamagotchi, Nintendogs is a product for the new millennium, replacing the slightly freaky-looking blinking pests that plagued classrooms and offices at the time, with a group of disarmingly sweet and interactive puppies. Scratch them under the chin using the DS's stylus, or toss a Frisbee or balloon into their midst and watch the simulated canine frolics commence. However, as well as simply playing with and feeding your tiny charges, you can train them to do tricks and respond to commands, allowing you to win dog shows and eventually save up for new pooches. Three versions, each featuring a different set of breeds, due here in October.