Version Differences

This is a sub-page of Nintendogs.

To do: There's a lot of differences Should we list version-exclusive icons, styles, items and unlock conditions? We don't do those for Pokémon either... Analyze the iQue version changes in a separate header All removals of Nintendo mentions (Red/Blue/Yellow Disc). Unobtainable items like the Pair of Star Sunglasses Anything note-worthy in the Korean versions? These feature the western additions.

Nintendogs received a lot of changes and new content when it was localized into international territories, twice.

• The first localization cover versions that were released in North America, Europe and South Korea. These feature the new additions that weren't previously available in the Japanese verison.
• The second localization covers the Chinese iQue release, containing the content from the other international releases but with various changes.

What's important to note that the three international versions aren't compatible with each other via Bark mode vice versa.

Changes from the Japanese versions#

To do: More... Model differences, like the Weird Alien's covered-up eyes and some of the food objects.

When the game was localized, several changes had to be made so it could be consistent with the western market. These versions have several new additions and enhancements that weren't previously in the Japanese version. A total of five different editions were released.

General Changes#

• At the beginning of each game, there are now six breeds available instead of five.
• Item prices were adjusted to fit with western currencies. Therefore, the player starts with 1,000 money instead of 500,000.
• A total of four new breeds were added. Unfinished data for the Golden Retriever already exists in the original Japanese versions, though.
  • Golden Retriever
  • Dalmatian
  • Boxer
  • Siberian Husky
• Several new accessories were added:
  • Rhinestone Collar
  • Pearl Necklace
  • Pair of Star Sunglasses
  • Sombrero
  • Viking Hat
  • Santa's Hat
  • New Year Tiara
  • Fireman's Hat
  • Rainbow Wig
• The Seaside style was added as a new unlockable Interior Design.
• Various unused graphics and texts have been removed.

Graphical Changes#

To do: Way more... Japanese announcer graphics. Get an image of the currency between versions (American, Japanese, European, Australian and Korean)

The icon for the Shiba & Friends version was changed when it was localized into Lab & Friends.

Labrador & Friends	Shiba Inu & Friends

Version Differences#

Exclusive Breeds#

Like the Pokémon games, each version begins with a different set of breeds, although all can be unlocked during gameplay.

Title Screen#

It's no surprise that the different versions have different title screen graphics.

	Japan	International
Shiba & Friends (Japan) Lab & Friends (International)
Dachshund & Friends
Chihuahua & Friends
Best Friends	n/a
Dalmatian & Friends	n/a

Dalmatian & Friends#

Yet another version was released in 2006, but there are a couple of noteworthy changes... unlike Best Friends. This version is based on Chihuahua & Friends since it features the same version-exclusive items, however, the major change is that Dalmatians are unlocked from the beginning. This breed is usually difficult to unlock since it requires the player to obtain the rare item Fireman's Hat. This item is now found in the player's supplies from the get-go.

Due to this change, the Fireman's Hat does not unlock a breed anymore. Instead, the Shiba Inu breed is now unlocked when obtaining the Japanese Print Collar. These changes are also reflected in the items' primary descriptions. Interestingly, the developers added new text entries for the items rather than replacing the existing ones, leaving the old text unused.

This collar is popular among
Japanese dog breeds.

The kennel in your town now
has shibas available for
purchase!

The kennel in your town now
has dalmatians available for
purchase!

Wearing this hat makes your
pup feel like a friendly
neighbourhood fireman.