Ifah SakinahAttention, ’90s kids: Do you remember owning a handheld digital pet — Tamagotchi? If your answer is a resounding yes, this piece of exciting news will take you down memory lane. The egg-shaped device that we fondly devoted our childhood to is springing back to life in the form of a smartwatch.
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A first look at Tamagotchi Smart
Image credit: Bandai Official Website
Aptly called Tamagotchi Smart, this stylish uptake on the classic boasts cool new upgrades that we can’t wait to try out. We’re talking about a built-in microphone and a touch screen that enables you to “vocally” and “physically” interact with your beloved pet. P.S. — it will react accordingly to your gestures. Basically, investing in regular quality time with your digital pet will help foster the bond between you and it.
Additionally, Tamagotchi Smart also comprises other standard features of a smartwatch. This includes a pedometer that allows you to track the number of steps you take and provide an estimate of distance walked.
That aside, it retains the overall user experience of nurturing an egg until it evolves into an adult creature. But this time round, you can wear it around and keep a close eye on it, instead of latching it on a keychain.
We’re keeping our fingers crossed that original features like the “Hunger meter,” “Happy meter,” and “Discipline meter” that we referred to in order to determine the well-being of our pets will make a comeback.
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10 adorable pets
Image credit: Bandai Official Website
With the Tamagotchi Smart, you can take your pick from 10 different pets to raise. They are Mametchi, Poptchi, Awamokotchi, Kuchipatchi, Gaogaltchi, Pyueltchi, Wawatchi, Tuyoputchi, Milktchi, and Karapatchi. While some of the characters ring a bell, a handful of them will be making their debut.
Design, price, and release date of Tamagotchi Smart
The Tamagotchi Smart is available in two pastel colors: Mint Blue and Coral Pink for ¥6,380 (approximately S$77) each. There will also be a limited edition white version to commemorate the silver jubilee of the series. However, you can only get your hands on the exclusive Tamagotchi Smart for ¥7,480 (approximately S$91) through a lottery that ends on 2 Jul 2021.
Image credit: Bandai Official Website
Apart from the device itself, Bandai Namco — the parent company — will also dole out TamaSmart Cards. What are they, you might be wondering? Separate purchases in the shape of plug-in cards to give your pet a “treat.”! Think of the likes of food, accessories, vanity designs, additional pets on top of mini games.
Tamagotchi Smart will go on sale in Japan on 23 Nov 2021. While it’s not certain when it will be available worldwide as of date, we’re counting on it to be sooner than later given its sheer popularity.
Image credit: Bandai Official Website
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Will you be keen to get your hands on this super-cool device once it arrives in your hometown? Let us know in the comments section. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who owned a Tamgotchi to give them a real blast from the past!
