Games Like Nintendogs: Best Pet Simulators Across All Platforms

Finding Your Next Virtual Pet Fix

If you loved Nintendogs for its tactile pet care, training depth, and emotional connection, several modern games capture that magic—each with their own twist.

Closest to the Nintendogs Experience (Pet Care Focus)

• Little Friends: Dogs & Cats (Switch): The most direct spiritual successor with a nearly identical raise-and-care loop.
• My Time at Portia (Multi-platform): A life sim where pet ownership and training integrate into a broader crafting/community experience.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch): Not a deep pet sim, but villager relationships and the cozy atmosphere scratch a similar itch.
• Pawsitive (Mobile): Casual virtual dog care designed for quick sessions.

Training & Competition Focused

• Dogz (PC): Classic competition-oriented training with depth.
• Puppy Dog Pals (Mobile): Disney Junior tie-in with light training mechanics.

Broader Pet Simulation

• Petz (PC): Variety of animals, realistic visuals, deep customization.
• The Sims 4 (Multi-platform): Pets as integrated household members with full life simulation.

Non-Game Options

• Virtual pet websites and apps (both free and paid).

Choose based on what you loved most: simple daily care, deep training systems, or a social world where pets are part of a larger life.