October 12^th, 2005 (1:26pm) - With sales of over 160,000 units in its first weekend of availability in Europe, Nintendogs is shaping up to replicate the incredible success enjoyed in the US and Japan. In the US, Nintendogs became not only the hottest-selling video game, but the best-selling new franchise ever for a portable video game system, while in Japan it has become a truly cultural phenomenon.

"Nintendogs is clearly helping sell new Nintendo DS hardware. Aligned with a price drop to 89.99 UKP, Nintendo DS sales are up between 400-700% across Europe, this will further cement our position as leader in the portable market," commented Nintendo Senior Director of Marketing, Jim Merrick.

Nintendogs lets owners train and care for lifelike puppies using the Nintendo DS system’s touch screen and microphone. Nintendogs has gone on to sell over 1.5 million copies in North America and Japan - having sold out in its first week of release in the USA with over 250,000 copies flying off the shelves during the first week on sale.

Nintendogs launched across Europe on 7th October 2005 at the estimated retail price of around 29.99 UKP. The Nintendo DS: Blue and Pink Nintendogs Bundles also launched on October 7th 2005 at the estimated retail price of just 99.99 UKP.