Tamagotchi Mania

Tamagotchi. Who would not be familiar with this egg-shaped toy? Tamagotchi is the adorable virtual pet that has been around for years and is well loved by kids of all ages. Looking back, Tamagotchi was first invented by Aki Maita in the year 1996. It is a handheld toy with a virtual digital pet that you can interact with. It is then sold to Bandai, who then successfully marketed the toy dominantly in the United States, then in Japan and to the rest of the world.

The original Tamagotchi toy uses a dot matrix interface with three buttons A (scroll/ select), B (choose/ set), and C (cancel). Taking care of your virtual pet would be easy with the basic functions of your gadget namely Health, Games, Toilet, Food, Discipline, Friends, Light and Attention. You can also interact with other Tamagotchi with the toy’s infrared capabilities. Whenever your Tammy beeps for attention, look at it and check what it needs. With enough love, care and attention, you are sure to grow and nurture a healthy and happy Tamagotchi.

In 2005, Bandai released Tamagotchi version 2 with a little addition to the original gameplay of Tamagothci. With version 2, you can earn Gotchi points that you can use to shop for goodies to give your virtual pets. You can also use secret codes that would allow you to buy more stuff for your Tammy that are not available during regular play.

A year later, come 2006, Tamagotchi version 3 hit the shelves with a lot of features to excite Tammy fans. With the trend of online games, Tamagotchi will not be left behind. Tamagotchi V3 allows users to log on to TamaTown.com where they can discover the fantasy world of Tamagotchi and earn Gotchi points to buy more goodies for their virtual pet.

In 2007, Tamagotchi version 4 and version 4.5 was introduced. Aside from doing the usual thing to your pet, like feeding or playing games with them, you can now send your Tammy to school. What more, they can also choose “fun jobs” that you want for them. They can even be a rockstar if you want. You can also log on to TamaTown.com with your Tamagotchi V4 and V4.5 to enjoy fun games and earn points for your virtual pet.

With the popularity of Tamagotchi, other gaming companies showed their intent in incorporating Tamagotchi in their own line of toy products. Nintendo also has a Game Boy version of Tamagotchi. Nintendo released three versions of the Tammy Game Boy. Nintendo DS also created Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 1 and 2. This time, Nintendo DS did not follow the original gameplay of the toy but created a game whose goal is to make various shop “royal” worthy of a visit from Princess Tamako.

Wii console also joined the Tamagotchi craze and created Tamagotchi: Party On, also known as Tamahotchi’s Sparking President. The game is centered on a race to become the next Tamagotchi President.

If you wanted to enjoy your Tamagotchi, there are a lot of fun and exciting options that you can choose. Indeed, Tamagotchi evolve into a number if great things. Join in the fun and grab your own Tammy today!