Handheld Pet Games
Handheld games are any type of video game that are designed for a handheld device, or are contained within a handheld device. Many handheld virtual pet games are self-contained, in that the device they are played on only houses the virtual pet game. Handheld pet games have been around since 1995, and are still being designed and produced today. Nearly every type of pet imaginable has been made "virtual" for a handheld game, from dogs to dragons and dinosaurs.
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Tamagotchi
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One of the original successful virtual pet games, "Tamagotchi" was created in Japan in 1996. "Tamagotchi" was distinguished by the fact that the game was housed in a small, egg-shaped computer, as opposed to being a cartridge for a larger gaming device. The aim of the game was to hatch, name, and care for your "Tamagotchi," keeping it alive and in good health for as long as possible.
Giga Pet
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"Giga Pets" were one of the first series of virtual handheld self-contained pet games released in the United States. Taking their cue from the success of the "Tamagotchi," Tiger Electronics created a similar game that revolved around caring for your virtual pet on a small handheld device that housed it. Unlike "Tamagotchi," "Giga Pets" were based on real animals, including Compu Kitty, Digital Doggie, and Micro Chimp. Later, Baby T-Rex, Komputer Koala and Floppy Frog joined the "Giga Pets" line.
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Petz
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"Petz" is a virtual pet game designed for a handheld gaming device (such as a Game Boy) that dates back to 1995. "Petz" games, which include both "Dogz" and "Catz," focused around the player adopting, raising, and caring for a virtual dog or cat. "Petz" is still being produced today, and has expanded to include "Petz: Dogz 2" and "Catz 2," "Hamsterz Life," "Oddballz," "Horsez," and "Tigerz." "Petz" games are unique in that they allow players to breed animals and customize their animals.
Nintendogs
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"Nintendogs" is a real-time pet simulation game that was designed for the Nintendo DS in 2006. "Nintendogs" represents some of the most advanced virtual pet technology currently available, as players can call to their pet by speaking into the DS microphone, touch their pet with the DS stylus, and interact with other "Nintendog" owners in multi-player wireless mode. Unlike many other virtual pet games, Nintendo has stuck with the "dog" theme, expanding to different dog breeds but not other pets.
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References
- Photo Credit gameboy image by Dron from Fotolia.com
