Nintendo released the game, which allows players to choose, name and train their puppy, for its Nintendo DS handheld player on August 22.

The Nintendo DS, a dual-screen system, was released in November and had sold 1.97 million units in the United States as of July. Nintendo in mid-August cut the price of the DS by $20 to $129.99.

"Nearly 15 percent of all DS owners bought Nintendogs in just a week," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing.

Fils-Aime said Nintendogs, which lists for around $29.99, and the recent DS price cuts are helping to drive sales of its new handheld player.