Pixel Pets / Choosing a companion
Browser pets vs. desktop pets: where do you want your buddy to live?
If you search for a “desktop pet,” you may find browser extensions, standalone programs and online demos mixed together. They place companions in different places. The useful first decision is whether you want a pet on websites, across your computer desktop, or just in one tab.
| Option | Where it lives | What you install |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel Pets extension | Along the bottom of supported web pages | A desktop Chromium extension |
| Standalone desktop companion | Outside the browser, depending on the app | An app compatible with your operating system |
| Pixel Pets playground | Only in the preview tab | Nothing |
Choose a browser pet for company while browsing
A browser pet is a good fit if most of your time is spent reading, studying or working on websites. Pixel Pets stays at the bottom edge, walks and naps on its own, and hops when clicked. You can hide it on selected sites or turn it off everywhere from the toolbar.
It does not walk across your desktop wallpaper, other applications or Chrome's toolbar. It cannot appear on protected browser pages, and it skips PDFs. Closing the browser closes its home. Those limits matter if the desktop outside Chrome is where you want your pet.
Choose a desktop companion for life outside browser tabs
A standalone companion is a separate application. Check the particular app's supported operating systems and requirements before downloading it. Do not assume a Chrome Web Store extension will provide the same desktop behavior just because its description uses the phrase “desktop pet.”
The Shimeji-ee project is one example to investigate if you want a standalone Shimeji companion. Its own documentation is the place to check current setup requirements. Pixel Pets is not a desktop port of that project.
Is Pixel Pets a Shimeji alternative?
It can be an alternative if what you want is an animated companion inside Chrome. It is a different fit if you want a specific anime character or the ability to import character artwork. Pixel Pets offers eight built-in pixel animals and creatures; it does not import Shimeji character packs or custom GIFs.
The Shimeji Browser Extension has a character directory. That is a useful option to explore if choosing from a character library is your priority. Pixel Pets focuses on a small built-in cast, simple movement and no feeding or progression system. Neither name means the same thing as a virtual-pet game with care meters.
Try the behavior before choosing
The free online playground uses the same pet engine as Pixel Pets. Choose any of the eight pets, adjust its size and activity, and preview up to four companions. It works in that tab without an installation. A share link lets someone else open your chosen setup.
In the extension, the Shiba, tabby cat and rubber duck are free with one pet on screen. $1.99 once unlocks all eight and up to four companions. There is no subscription. If that matches what you want, the Chrome installation guide takes you through the next steps.
This guide is written by the maker of Pixel Pets. Links to other projects are included to help you choose the right kind of companion; the projects are independent.