Calling all 90s kids! It’s time to dust off your old keychains and dig out those pixelated memories. Remember the frantic beeps, the pixelated tears, and the constant worry about keeping your digital pet alive? Well, get ready for a blast from the past! The Tamagotchi Connection, the virtual pet phenomenon that dominated the 90s, is back in stores after a 20-year hiatus. Below is everything we know about the comeback of the virtual pet toy that defined a generation.
Is Tamagotchi Connection still available?
Fans can now reunite with their Tamagotchi friends to play with their favorite Tamagotchi characters, as the popular virtual pet toy from the 90s is back on toy store shelves after two decades, On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in celebration of the toy’s 20th anniversary, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles officially reintroduced Tamagotchi Connection to the market.
What is Tamagotchi Connection?
Building on the success of the original Tamagotchi craze of the late 90s, Tamagotchi Connection is a virtual pet keychain originally released in 2004. Here’s what made it different from the first Tamagotchi.
Multiplayer action: The key feature of Tamagotchi Connection is its infrared technology that allows you to connect with other Tamagotchi Connection devices. This meant your virtual pets could:
- Visit each other and become friends
- Play games together
- Exchange gifts
- Even get married and have baby Tamagotchis!
Advanced gameplay: Beyond the social aspect, Tamagotchi Connection offers more complex gameplay compared to the original:
- More variety in raising your Tamagotchi, leading to different adult forms
- Ability to unlock secret items with passwords
Now, after years of anticipation, Bandai unveils the next chapter in the Tamagotchi legacy, blending treasured elements from the past with both classic and trendy shells for today’s audience.
Tamagotchi Connection boasts an array of features designed to delight users of all ages. With pixelated technology, each virtual pet comes to life in great detail. By feeding, playing, and nurturing, users will forge deep connections with their digital companions, both reminiscent of the valued mementos from years past and unlocking a new level of interactive companionship. This device serves as an exciting gateway to the Tamagotchi world, appealing to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
“We couldn’t be more excited to reintroduce Tamagotchi Connection to the world. This timeless virtual pet has left an unforgettable imprint on society, and we’re thrilled to reignite its legacy,” said Tara Badie, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, Senior Director Brand Strategy, in a press release announcing the toy’s relaunch. “This device has been at the forefront of countless pleas for its return, and we’re delighted to answer the call, delivering what fans have been clamoring for with revamped excitement and innovation.”
Where to buy Tamagotchi Connection
Tamagotchi Connection is now available on Amazon.com for pre-order in four vibrant colors and patterns: Bubbles, Clear Retro, Ice Cream, and Rainbow Sky. Each of these sells for $29.99. There’s also a True Friends set with exclusive styles, which retails for $57.99 per bundle.
Is Tamagotchi Connection the same as Tamagotchi Plus?
In some regions, particularly outside of Japan, the original Tamagotchi Connection released in 2004 was simply called Tamagotchi Plus. This can cause some confusion, but it’s essentially the same virtual pet with the core features of infrared connectivity for social interaction between Tamagotchis.
What is Tamagotchi Connection v3?
Tamagotchi Connection v3, also known as Tamagotchi Connection Plus v3 in Japan, was an iteration of the Tamagotchi Connection released in 2006. It built upon the features of the original Tamagotchi Connection from 2004, offering a few key improvements. While the core gameplay remained similar, Tamagotchi Connection v3 introduced some new minigames to keep your virtual pet entertained.
What is Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop Games?
This is a series of games released for the Nintendo DS in 2006. It’s not a virtual pet simulator, but rather a shop management game. You choose a Tamagotchi character (like Mametchi or Memetchi) and run a virtual store. The gameplay revolves around managing your shop, serving customers with mini-games, and keeping your business afloat. There might have been features where you could unlock items for your Tamagotchi Connection device (the keychain virtual pet) using secret codes obtained in the DS game.
In essence, Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop is a spin-off game for the DS that uses characters and themes from the Tamagotchi franchise, but it’s not a way to directly raise a virtual pet on your DS.
What Is Tamagotchi Uni?
Released sometime after 2020, Tamagotchi Uni is the latest evolution of the original Tamagotchi virtual pet experience. It offers a blend of familiar gameplay with exciting new features that take advantage of modern technology. It features The Tamaverse, an online platform that allows you to connect with other Tamagotchi Uni owners worldwide, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition.
What is Tamagotchi Smart?
Tamagotchi Smart is another evolution of the Tamagotchi virtual pet experience, released sometime before Tamagotchi Uni. It bridges the gap between the classic Tamagotchi and the online-focused Tamagotchi Uni.
Is there a Tamagotchi that can take a pic?
Yes, there is a Tamagotchi that can take pictures: the Tamagotchi Pix. Released in 2021, it’s the first Tamagotchi to boast a built-in camera. This camera allows you to:
- Take pictures with your Tamagotchi: Capture fun and memorable moments with your virtual pet.
- Cook meals: Use pictures of real food items to create virtual meals for your Tamagotchi within the game.
- Explore virtually: Take pictures of real-world locations (like parks or beaches) and use them to transport your Tamagotchi on virtual adventures.