Tamagotchi

digital pet · 1990s toy · Japan · handheld game

Egg-shaped device. Tamagotchis are small enough to fit in your pocket and look like little eggs. Inside is a tiny screen where your digital pet lives.

Three buttons rule. You only need three buttons to feed your pet, clean up after it, and play games with it. That simple setup made it easy for anyone to use.

Life stages. Your Tamagotchi starts as a baby and grows through different stages as you take care of it. How well you care for it changes what it becomes.

Made in Japan. Tamagotchi was created by the Japanese company Bandai in 1996 and became a huge craze around the world. Millions of kids collected them.

Your pet needs you. If you don't feed your Tamagotchi or play with it, it gets sad or sick. You have to check on it regularly to keep it happy and alive.