Activision Announces Wappy Dog

Activision has announced the next step in its attempt to dominate the children's toy market, with the publishing of Nintendo DS virtual pet toy Wappy Dog.

You might recognise the design of the toy puppy that accompanies the game - it is developed by SEGA TOYS, which has released similar robotic dogs in Japan over the last few years. As you interact with the toy itself it reacts and displays emotions, while its barks can be translated on the Nintendo DS.

Using the DS software, you can play minigames, get the toy to sing songs and care for it in various ways. If you're doing a good job, Wappy's cheeks will glow. If you're rubbish, the dog will complain - probably in the most heart-wrenching way, as well.

The game will be available this winter - just in time for the Christmas toy rush, right? There's a website here if you're into this sort of thing. Or you want to you buy a copy for your kid. Yeah, that excuse will do.