Tamagotchi Friends to go on sale in Europe in time for Christmas
Tamagotchi, the egg-shaped virtual pet beloved of schoolchildren in the 1990s, is making a comeback and is set to hit the shelves in time for Christmas.
Tamagotchi, the egg-shaped virtual pet beloved of schoolchildren in the 1990s, is making a comeback and is set to hit the shelves in time for Christmas.
The tiny Japanese toy character, which owners have to nurture to maturity, was a worldwide favourite in its first incarnation, with maker Bandai selling 40 million units between 1996 and 1999.
Now an updated version, called Tamagotchi Friends, is set for release in Europe next month and in North America next year.
"Tamagotchi" is an amalgamation of the Japanese word for egg ( ) and the Japanised version of the English "watch".
A spokesman for Bandai in Tokyo said the new version primarily was aimed at children aged 7-9, and allowed players to raise up to 24 different creatures.
It would be sold at US$19.99, Bandai said.
