Best Nintendogs Version: Complete Comparison Guide (DS vs 3DS)

Quick Recommendation

Nintendogs + Cats (3DS) — Best overall experience: 3D visuals, StreetPass, AR cards, and improved contests.

Nintendogs + Cats (DS) — Largest breed selection (27 dogs + 3 cats), lower price, but 2D only.

Version	Platform	Dog Breeds	Cat Breeds	Key Features
Nintendogs + Cats	3DS	17	3	Stereoscopic 3D, StreetPass gifts, AR cards, improved contests, Pedometer coins
Nintendogs + Cats	DS	27	3	Most breeds, 2D only, no StreetPass/AR, same core gameplay
Chihuahua & Friends	DS	9 (Chihuahua-focused)	0	Chihuahua, Pug, Golden Retriever, Boxer, etc.
Labrador & Friends	DS	9 (Lab-focused)	0	Labrador, Miniature Schnauzer, Toy Poodle, etc.
Dachshund & Friends	DS	9 (Dachshund-focused)	0	Dachshund, Cavalier King Charles, Pomeranian, etc.
Dalmatian & Friends	DS	9 (Dalmatian-focused)	0	Dalmatian, Shiba Inu, Corgi, Beagle, etc.
Best Friends	DS	9	0	European release: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, etc.

3DS Version: Stereoscopic 3D, AR cards (interact with pets via ? cards), StreetPass gifts, Pedometer coins for items, slightly better graphics.
DS Versions: No 3D, no AR, no StreetPass, but more dog breeds (27 vs 17).
Cats: Only in "+ Cats" versions (3 breeds each: Siamese, Tuxedo, Calico).
Cross-Version Play: All DS versions compatible for multiplayer; 3DS version is separate.

Availability: DS versions abundant used ($15–30); 3DS version scarcer ($30–60).
Hardware: Requires DS/DSi/3DS/2DS. 3DS version plays on 2DS (without 3D).
Language: All versions multi-language (EN/FR/DE/ES/IT).
Save Data: One save file per cartridge.

Breed differences are purely cosmetic and statistical—gameplay is identical. Choose based on which dogs you find cutest!

Nintendo DS