Nintendo go barking mad

We've just obtained the first pair of shots of DS virtual pet game Nintendogs - although you can't help but think that they came up with the name first and the game design second. (What next: a fairground game called Nintendodgems?)

Ahem. We first caught wind of Nintendogs at E3 in May but have had little in the way of firm details since then. As with most pet sims, you'll have to raise and look after your pooch and we wouldn't be surprised to see the game make use of the DS's built-in microphone and voice recognition capabilities.

Current speculation also suggests that you'll be able to use DS's stylus to stroke your canine chum and throw sticks for it. Barbara Woodhouse eat your heart out.