Okay, so Paws & Claws is basically the GBA version of those old-school pet sims where you run a little shop full of dogs and cats. You start off picking your first pet—I always went for the scrappy-looking mutt, but there are purebreds too if you're fancy—and then it's all about keeping them fed, groomed, and happy. The mini-games are simple but weirdly satisfying, like brushing out tangled fur or playing fetch in the backyard.

Graphics are super cute, all bright colors and big, expressive pet eyes that make you feel guilty if you ignore them too long. The shop management stuff is light—no crazy spreadsheets, just restocking food and toys when you run low. Honestly, half the fun is watching the pets nap in ridiculous positions or get excited over new treats.

It’s not deep, but if you ever wanted a Tamagotchi with more floppy ears and less existential dread when your pixel pet dies, this nails the vibe. Perfect for short play sessions between bus rides or pretending you have a pet when your landlord says no.