Activision to release virtual Wappy Dog for DS this holiday season

Activision has announced Wappy Dog, a toy puppy, developed by SEGA Toy, which interacts with players using DS.

The little virtual fella teaches youngsters how to raise a puppy in both the real and virtual worlds. They can teach it tricks, play mini-games together, and talk to one another. We assume the dog talks in canine speak, not actual English, but we could be wrong.

Each pet is "a fully personalized experience, enabling players to customize both the in-game version and physical dog with different colors and accessories."

The pet will have a constantly evolving personality, skills, and happiness level as players communicate with it using commands given through DS. Wappy will them responds virtually by wagging its tail and doing other tricks while physically, it will move and bark, and even dance and sing.

Players can also choose between Home Mode or Travel Mode, the later of which allows the player to take care of the fella without packing the physical version around. When the player returns home, their dog's progress instantly transfers to the toy.

"We were excited about Wappy Dog from the moment we saw it," said David Oxford of Activision publishing. "This one-of-a-kind toy and video game combines a strong emotional bond and exciting virtual experience with the interaction of a physical pet. Wappy Dog is a truly innovative next generation toy and video game that gives kids an instant companion."

If you are thinking about getting one of these for your child, here are some features you should know about:

• Communication and Interaction with Wappy - more than 18 conversational prompts are answered with more than 350 evolving responses, with each "barked" response translated by the Nintendo DS™ software. Some of the exciting interactions include Wappy singing adorable tunes in "Home Mode" or moonwalking its paws off when in "Travel Mode"!
• Intelligent and Engaging Behavior - Building a healthy and happy friendship is the key to unlocking Wappy's many tricks. Five mood states are reflected by the colors of Wappy's cheeks; an unhappy Wappy will be uncooperative and stubborn, so it is vital for players to keep its cheeks shining bright. With easily recognizable color schemes, young players will know how Wappy is feeling at any moment.
• Fun and Exciting Mini-Games - Thrilling games build a healthy bond between pet and owner; Cooperative, competitive or supportive games will continue to develop the friendship while simultaneously unlocking more games for even more exciting experiences. Wappy will directly participate in games and cheers when it wins or sulks when it loses.
• Nurture and Care for Wappy — Wappy's nickname can be chosen by the player who will enjoy feeding, bathing and changing Wappy's style as it matures from a puppy to an adult. Five uniquely varied age states will be accompanied by changing reactions, songs and even the pitch of its voice. Players will love caring for Wappy from precocious puppy tyke to blissfully happy adult pooch.

Wappy Dog will be available this holiday season on Nintendo DS, and here is the official website. We dare you not to play around on it.