They were, for those who grew up in the 1990s, a schoolyard staple. Whether stashed in schoolbags, hidden in pencil cases, or tucked away in pockets, the Tamagotchi was the gadget everyone had to have.
And now, the 1990s favourite is back, but with a modern twist.
The small interactive toy, which allows users to care for and nurture a virtual pet, has been reimagined for a new generation, thanks to a built-in camera.
The Tamagotchi Pix, launched by Bandai America, means owners can take pictures with their 2D companion, as well as access a range of new features.
"It's not just about feeding your virtual pet any more; you can now cook for your Tamagotchi character, have food delivered, explore the real world to meet Tamagotchi friends and add pictures of the adventures with a built-in social feed," said a statement from the brand.
"How you raise your Tamagotchi character will affect gameplay in a whole new way with new personal rooms and gameplay that dictate your Tamagotchi character's future profession when they go back to Tamagotchi Planet."
The display, which was typically rendered in black and white, is now in glorious multicolour – though that feature was first introduced in 2019, when Tamagotchi forged a comeback.
The Tamagotchi Pix will initially be available in North America, and will be sold in four colours: pink, purple, blue and green. Pre-orders opened on Wednesday in the US and Canada; it is not yet known when the toy will launch in other regions.
Despite the modifications, the game, which was first released in 1996, retains the same principles. Users must care for their digital pets as they hatch, grow and move through their life cycle.
In its almost 25-year history, the company said it's sold more than 82 million Tamagotchis across the world.
