Dog owner turned on her old Nintendo DS she bought in 2009 — and what appeared on the screen left her in tears

There’s something powerful about stumbling upon old memories. Whether it’s a song, a scent, or a forgotten object, the smallest things can transport us back in time. That’s exactly what happened when one woman dusted off her old Nintendo DS. She turned on her old gaming console, having no idea that she was about to take a touching trip down memory lane with some old photos.

As reported by Newsweek, TikTok user @cooperandolivechomps recently shared a heartfelt post on October 4, 2025, showing what happened when she powered on the device. The Nintendo DS, released in 2004, was more than just a gaming console for many. The 2009 model came with a camera, allowing users to snap photos. These once-casual images have now become cherished memories. For this woman, the DS became a digital treasure chest filled with snapshots of her younger self and something far more special.

Though the photo quality was grainy by today’s standards, the emotions were clear. She had captured moments with her childhood dogs in all their everyday glory, lounging in dog beds, sitting on the couch, or waiting eagerly at the door. In a time before smartphones, the DS camera had documented what mattered most. "POV: You found photos of your childhood dogs on your DS," the overlay text read. The post quickly resonated with many, sparking a conversation around nostalgia and the value of these small, preserved moments. Revisiting old photos of her dogs was a tear-jerking journey into the past.

Recent research backs up just how deeply nostalgia can affect us. A report shared by Nature shows that revisiting past memories can increase optimism, boost self-esteem, and provide comfort during tough times. It also helps people feel more connected and motivated. Whether used in personal reflection or even marketing, nostalgia has proven to be more than just emotion; it’s a tool for wellbeing. The video instantly touched the hearts of numerous internet users, reaching over 266.6K views in just a few days. Many individuals also took to the comment section to express their emotions and share similar stories. @cristi.chapters wrote, "I found a lot of photos and videos of my childhood pets in an old pendrive in my parents' house. Pictures I thought I had lost. I can't describe how I felt. I miss them so much it hurts physically. Our angels are playing together."
@emidrives shared, "I once tried using a film camera for the first time and tested it on our elderly horse in his field. Completely forgot I had taken them, well, it took a few months to fill up a roll of film, and in that time, he had sadly passed away. When I took it to get printed off, I had forgotten what was in there, so there were a few surprises. When I got to the photos of him, I broke down right there, sitting in the shopping center. The photos have been on the fridge since." @fre14127 commented, "I also found my baby here. I miss him so bad."
For more endearing dog content, follow @cooperandolivechomps on TikTok.