Digital pet of '90s returning in updated form

Published: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004 6:48 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
TOKYO — Japan's popular digital pet from the 1990s is coming back. And this time Tamagotchi will be able to date, fall in love and even have babies.

Launched in 1996 but discontinued in 1998, Tamagotchi was an egg-shaped, pocket-size gadget with a cartoon pet that appeared on a screen. Owners reared it by punching buttons that would feed the creature, play games with it or groom it. In time, the pet "grew" from an infant into virtual adulthood, and better players could make it live longer.

The new, souped-up Tamagotchi Plus goes on sale in Japan on March 20 for 1,980 yen ($19), and will be introduced overseas this summer.

It will be able to talk with other digital pets through infrared signals, and owners can have them compete in eating contests or give flowers and other presents.

Tamagotchi Plus is programmed to cultivate intimacy, moving from friendship to love to marriage. In some cases, a child pops up on the displays.

Masashi Umeda, a spokesman for Bandai Co., the Japanese toy maker that produces Tamagotchi, acknowledged that matching the device's initial popularity will be a challenge. Forty million Tamagotchis were sold worldwide.

Story continues below

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

Utah Utes football: Utes catch couple of receivers

I hope you realize that implicit in your post is an admission that BYU fans...

So, teams are making moves, and folks want the Jazz to do the same. ...

That is all there is too it but all signs indicate the Jazz are going to pay...

LDS seminary principal arrested in sex abuse of student

You are kidding right? It's not "just churches in Utah" that have wide...

Time for leaders to lead with inspiration and not to be impressed with smooth...

I don't mind giving up Boozer. I mind locking Millsap in at PF for the next...

Utah Utes football: Utes catch couple of receivers

Posted a long time ago...dude, what are you on? It's dated July 10th. That...

I have known people that live a double life doing extreme good in an effort...

To me, Portland has paid too much money for this Paul Millsap. And my fellow...

Folks love their violence. How about a fight to the death? It's coming.

Advertisements