Tamagotchi – your digital pet: a beloved icon of 90s pop culture

What is a Tamagotchi

Tamagotchi is a Japanese virtual pet toy that was first introduced in 1996 by Bandai. The name Tamagotchi is derived from the Japanese words “tamago” meaning egg and “watchi” meaning friend. The toy was designed by Akihiro Yokoi of WiZ, and the character designs were created by Aya Takano.

The original Tamagotchi was a small egg-shaped device with a monochrome LCD screen that displayed the virtual pet. The player had to take care of the pet by feeding it, playing with it, and cleaning up after it. The pet would grow and evolve over time, and if it was neglected, it would die.

The Tamagotchi became an instant hit in Japan, and soon after, it was released in other countries, including the United States. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with millions of units sold worldwide. In 1997, Time magazine named the Tamagotchi one of the “100 Greatest Toys of All Time.”

Over the years, Bandai has released many different versions of the Tamagotchi, including ones with colour screens, touch screens, and even ones that connect to the internet. The toy has also been adapted into video games, anime, and manga.

Today, the Tamagotchi is still popular among children and adults alike, and it continues to evolve with new features and designs. It remains a beloved icon of 90s pop culture and a testament to the enduring appeal of virtual pets.

1. The Original Tamagotchi virtual pet with the original programming

2. TAMAGOTCHI x Hello Kitty Collectible 42892 Red

 

3. Bandai Grogu Tamagotchi Nano Blue Version

4. Tamagotchi 88822 Star Wars R2D2 Virtual Pet Droid