The Sims 3: Pets is an adaptation of the PC game, but unlike that version it is a stand-alone release and not an add-on for the original game. The gameplay is similar to the original game, but for the Xbox 360 console it takes place in a new town called Sugar Maple Coast, exclusive to the console version.
The focus of the game is the addition of pets for the sims to manage. It adds cats and dogs as new playable characters that the user can control, not including animals such as snakes, gerbils or horses from the PC version. Each pet can be customized much in the same way human sims can, and have their own set of needs, traits, and personalities. A new mysteries system allows the user to complete quests around town to discover information about the history of the town.
Just like the console version of The Sims 3 players have access to special powers they can use to manipulate the sims and the environment. For the pets it allows the user to change a pet's form or introduce chaos, along with the ability to fill all need bars or create disaster. The Xbox 360 version also supports Kinect technology, allowing the user to control certain aspects of the game using voice commands.
The Sims 3: Pets was released on October 21, 2011 for the Xbox 360 console, and is a Simulation game.