Gotta fetch 'em all! UPDATED with clarification on the three versions.
UPDATE 03/12/2005: In an interview with GameSpot at GDC, NOA's Nate Bihldorff gave some clarity on the reason for offering three versions. It seems that all the breeds are unlockable in each game, but Nintendo is offering different versions so people can have access to their favorite breeds from the start. Nate also stated that the localization process may involve adding breeds more popular in America and changing some of the optional gear available.
Nintendo Japan has updated its Nintendogs DS website with lots of cute puppy pictures. Actually, it's confirmation of three different versions of the upcoming puppy-love simulation game.
It appears that each version of the game will have a different types of dogs for users to play around with. A Dachshund, Chihuahua, and Shiba dog each grace the cover of their respective versions, and the other animals in each version are varied. Here's a listing which breeds are available in which version, according to the game page:
Dachshund and Friends Version
- Mini Dachshund
- Mini Schnauzer
- Pug
- Yorkshire Terrier
- German Shepherd
Chihuahua and Friends Version
- Chihuahua
- King Charles Spaniel
- Labrador Retriever
- Beagle
- Shihtzu
Shiba and Friends Version
- Shiba
- Mini Pinscher
- Welsh Corgie Puppy
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Toy Poodle
If you want to play with dogs that aren't in the version you have, you can still find someone else with another version and play with their set of dogs. It's not made clear if new dogs can be acquired via trade from other versions, though.
Nintendogs is set to release in Japan on April 21, and will most likely make an appearance at E3 for us here in North America.
