Nintendo hires Uggie as its first "spokesdog"

Hot on the heels of news that its Retro subsidiary has snagged key talent from Uncharted developer Naughty Dog, Nintendo's proud HR department has announced another big name hire: Uggie, the ubiquitous board-treading pooch from Oscar contender The Artist.

The platform holder today revealed that it has agreed terms with the talented Jack Russell, with the mutt taking on the newly created role of official "spokesdog" with immediate effect.

Alas, no corner office and long distance conference calls with president Iwata for this poor old hound. Uggie will hit the road and show his muzzle at a few photo calls to help the publisher flog 3DS title Nintendogs + Cats.

"Uggie didn't have to sit up and beg for his role as Nintendo's spokesdog," commented Nintendo marketing VP Scott Moffitt.

"It's truly our pleasure to work with a star of Uggie's magnitude, especially to help animal lovers and portable gaming fans discover the fun of Nintendogs + cats."

The new career is sure to help soften the blow of being one of the few participants in critically acclaimed silent movie The Artist not to snag an Oscar nod. The French film has racked up 10 nominations ahead of the big night on 26th February.