Pros: It provides learning tools for children.
Cons: It is a video game, and not the real thing.
The bottom line: I would definitely recommend this game to children because it is a good learning tool to prepare children for taking care of their pets.
I bought my son Nintendogs for his 8th birthday, and we both absolutely love it! As circumstances do not allow us to have a real dog right now, Nintendogs is as close as we can get! My son adores it and has even grown attached to his "pets". They have names and are cared for the same as the real thing. He is sure to play it daily to give his dogs the love and attention that a pet dog requires. He takes his responsibility seriously. I know it is in part his way of proving his ability to care for a real dog. Responsibilities are similar in that the Nintendogs require feeding, petting, exercise, and attention. It is an excellent way to show responsibility for the young. He loves his Nintendogs and I love that he loves it. He is learning what having a pet requires and not a day can go by without doing what is required of you, or your pets will let you know. It is the next best thing to having a real dog of our own! One day when he can have a dog of his own, he will know the basics of what he has to do to care for his own dog.